COP15: Canadian Nature Groups support reverse of biodiversity loss ahead 2030

COP15: Canadian Nature Groups support reverse of biodiversity loss ahead 2030

By Samuel Ogunsona

With merely eight years ahead until 2030, the Canadian government has taken crucial action to support the implementation of a green deal at COP15 to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

Canadian environmental groups wil work with all levels of Government, both indigenous people and private sector in Canada to reverse nature loss by 2030 at COP15

The deal was adopted by over 190 countries in the world under the United Nation (UN) Including Canada which also sees the need for Biological Diversity Conservation during the Convention in Montreal, Canada.

Under this agreement, governments have committed to conserve at least 30% of land and ocean globally, recognizing the rights of indigenous people around the world and traditional territories in achieving these goals.

The agreement which also sees the need for government to increase the international finance for biodiversity conservation have also committed in eliminating any subsidies harmful to Nature.

Developed countries will contribute USD 20 billion a year until 2025, increasing to 30 billion a year until 2030 which will be directed to international finance to mobilize conservation efforts globally for developing countries around the world.

During the press briefing, Environmental groups applaud Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault, for his leadership role at COP15 in landing an ambitious global deal.

Some of his committed deal in Canada to halt and reverse biodiversity loss include ‘ A need for domestic strategy an action plan to halt and reverse nature loss in Canada that should include new legislation for accountability to biodiversity commitment’’
‘’ Over $800 million in support of indigenous-led conservation and a joint feasibility assessment with First Nations and the Province of Manitoba to establish the Seal River Watershed as an indigenous Protected Areas’’

More so ‘Over $20 million of federal funding to expand conservation in the Yukon through the Canada -Yukon Nature agreement’’

Also speaking at the COP15 framework, National Executive Director, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), Sandra Schwartz, said eight years to 2030 now, Canada government must work with the federal government and indigenous people to in place concrete action plans.

He said ‘We are encouraged by Canada’s leadership on the road to this historic global agreement to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 – a short eight years from now. To do its part at home to meet targets and ensure a future for nature, Canada’s provinces and territories must work together with the federal government and Indigenous governments to put in place concrete action plans to protect 30% of land and ocean in Canada that will prioritize Indigenous-led conservation and protect the most important ecosystems and vulnerable species through strong and effective conservation measures that respect Indigenous rights.”

Government at all levels, businesses, and Society must act to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and address the climate crises in the coming years to build on momentum achieved at COP15.