Be part of the plan to restore biodiversity

This Wednesday marks the UN's International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB). Under the theme of "Be Part of the Plan," this year provides a powerful call to action for all stakeholders to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity. The theme aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, also known as The Biodiversity Plan , which encourages cooperation and partnerships among diverse actors to protect our natural world.

The Biodiversity Plan offers countless opportunities for collaboration. Governments, indigenous people and local communities, non-governmental organisations, lawmakers, businesses, and individuals are all urged to showcase their efforts in supporting the implementation of this critical framework. The message is clear: Everyone has a role to play, and everyone can be part of the plan.

The IDB is expected to heighten momentum and visibility in the lead-up to the Biodiversity COP16 in Colombia, from 21 October to 1 November 2024. The COP16 aims to build on the commitments made at COP15 in Montreal, where it was estimated that nearly EUR 190 billion per year are necessary to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. Governments are expected to outline national strategies to restore 30% of the planet’s degraded ecosystems and protect 30% of land and sea for nature.

With an upcoming delegation to the biodiversity COP, Denmark is set to play a key role at COP16. The Danish Ministry of Environment is drivingseveral initiatives aimed at strengthening biodiversity, and during the conference, public and private organisations will showcase innovative approaches to biodiversity restoration and collaborative efforts across various sectors.

In Denmark, the ‘Biodiversity Partnership’ acts as a cornerstone in the Danish biodiversity efforts. Established last year by the Danish Ministry of Environment , the partnership brings together business organisations, the financial sector, research institutions, trade unions, think tanks, NGOs, and public authorities, seeking to strengthen initiatives, investments, and technological development in restoring biodiversity and protecting nature. As part of a broader initiative focusing on forest and nature, Denmark expects to mobilise more than EUR 134 million from 2024-2027 to climate adaptation, protection of biodiversity, forestation, amongst others.

Another step in the plan, 30 recommendations designed to guide businesses in implementing practices that support biodiversity conservation and sustainable development , is set to be launched at this year's "Folkem?de" (the People's meeting) on the Danish island of Bornholm next week. The recommendations will be an addition to the guidelines made by the Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) , seeking to dismantle existing barriers to mobilise finance for biodiversity.

The journey to restore global biodiversity is challenging but achievable with collective action and innovation. Substantial funding, international cooperation, and cutting-edge technology will be crucial in turning the tide. But as we move forward, the commitment to biodiversity conservation will unlock new opportunities for sustainable development and ecological balance.

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