Scientific experts of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) recently launched a ground-breaking report on the conditions of global biodiversity, that shows the alarming decline of nature and its services, critical for life on earth. The Global Assessment of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services is the first report of its kind to be released in the last decade and will provide the basis that will shape the new global framework for biodiversity beyond 2020, when the current Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) reaches its end. 

The report states that up to one million species are currently facing the threat of extinction, more than at any other point in history. The document list land-use changes, climate change, pollution and invasive species among the main drivers of biodiversity loss and nature degradation and it offers pathways for the necessary and urgent transformative change to tackle biodiversity loss. 

CBD Secretary Executive, Dr. Cristiana Pașca Palmer said that the report “comes at an absolute critical time for the planet and all its peoples”. She further added: “the world is at the cross-road and human civilization is potentially facing an existential threat from the combined negative impacts of climate change and ecosystems destruction, and the associated economic costs and social disruption”. 

The need for action is urgent and the group of leading researchers recall the importance of radical changes that link biodiversity, climate, economy, health and sustainable development goals together. Given the situation, subnational action is more urgent than ever, especially if regions want to make a stronger impact at CBD’s 15th Conference of the Parties (COP 15) in October 2020 in Kunming, China. 

The launch of the Subnational Coalition for Biodiversity Action (SCBA), led by the Advisory Committee on Subnational Governments to the CBD (AC SNG) and partners like the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), ICLEI and the Group of Leading Subnational Governments (GoLS) at the CBD’s COP 14, emerges among the actions regional leaders can take to enhance stronger international cooperation at the regional level.

Leading up to COP 15, the Subnational Coalition is preparing a series of events focusing on biodiversity and healthy ecosystems that intend to influence the next global framework on biodiversity. Regions can be part of these high-profile events and actions by joining the SCBA and show the world their willingness to advance transformational change within their territories and in support of the efforts of the Parties. 

To join the Subnational Coalition for Biodiversity Action please visit https://regions4.org/ac-sng/ 

A summary of the report and other resources for media are available at: http://bit.ly/IPBESReport