Kunming Declaration calls for urgent action to reflect biodiversity considerations
Kunming — More than 100 countries pledged on Wednesday to put the protection of habitats at the heart of their government decision-making but they stopped short of committing to specific targets to curb mass extinctions.
With plant and animal species loss now at the fastest rate in 10-million years, politicians, scientists and experts have been trying to lay the groundwork for a new pact on saving biodiversity. A 30% pledge could prove too much for land-stressed China, which has nearly 10,000 nature reserves covering 18% of its territory.
Elizabeth Mrema, executive secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, played down the importance of the adoption of the specific 30% target. “We need to keep in mind that we must focus on biodiversity outcomes rather than spatial area,” she said.Apart from the question of targets for conservation, some activists have complained that disagreement over the wording of the declaration had diverted delegates’ attention when urgent action is needed.
There were complaints, particularly from Japan, that China had pushed the declaration through without sufficient discussion, sources familiar with the situation said.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bus company says N3 horror crash that left 10 dead and scores injured, caused by ‘blow-out of front wheel tyre’The bus left the highway rolling several times before coming to a rest
Read more »
Well-oiled Shalulile won't stop rattling the net'My target is to score more goals than I did last season,' said the free-scoring striker after bagging the Player of the Month accolade.
Read more »
UN rights report warns of North Korea 'starvation risk'UN human rights expert said restrictions should be eased to protect the country's most vulnerable in the face of a severe food shortage.
Read more »
World leaders at odds over treatment of TalibanTop economies pledge only to channel aid through the UN as a humanitarian crisis looms
Read more »
Xi Jinping pledges $230m for biodiversity protection fundKunming Biodiversity Fund will help developing nations protect their environments better, says China's leader
Read more »