Meetings in Bonn focused on the three Rio Conventions
In the early 1990s, the international community gathered in Rio to ensure that future generations inherit a sustainable and healthy planet. This political commitment was then framed by three conventions: the Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
I had the pleasure of discussing the global challenge of desertification, land degradation and drought with Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the UNCCD. The UNCCD is the only legally binding global framework to address desertification and the impacts of drought. There are 197 Parties to the Convention, 196 states and the European Union.
The Convention, which is founded on the principles of participation, partnership and decentralization, is a multilateral commitment to mitigate the impacts of land degradation and protect the land so that we can provide food, water, shelter and economic opportunities for all. At the heart of our discussion was the drought which affects so much land, including in Europe. Drought is a tangible phenomenon at the crossroads of the climate crisis and the biodiversity crisis. We also discussed the International Climate Conference (COP27 Sharm el-Sheik) and the Biodiversity Conference (COP15 Montréal) and how we can create more ambition, synergy and co-operation.
I have also met with Ms. Anne Larigauderie, IPBES Executive Secretary. The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services is an independent intergovernmental organization that was formed in 2012 and now has 140 member states. Belgium is a founding member of IPBES. It provides policymakers with scientific knowledge and analysis of the planet's biodiversity, ecosystems and their benefits for humans and tools and methods to protect and sustain these natural resources. Its mission is to strengthen knowledge so that better policies for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, long-term human well-being and sustainable development can be implemented. The agenda included the conference on biodiversity (COP15 Montréal) and the importance of IPBES' scientific contributions.
ZK: "With this visit, I would like to reiterate the importance of a joint approach to the three global environmental issues ;of fighting climate change, biodiversity loss and desertification and land degradation. In practice, in nature, they are interwoven. We must move beyond silos and develop a long-term, holistic policy that is good for the planet, our biodiversity and our health."
