The B.C. Green Caucus is celebrating the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework by the 15th Conference of the Parties at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) meeting in Montreal. This agreement once again highlights the need to take urgent action to prevent further biodiversity loss and put nature on a path to recovery.
While the adoption of the agreement is cause for celebration, as it signifies a global commitment, it is also important to recognize that similar agreements have been made in the past with little action. This is a chance for the international community and British Columbia to redouble its efforts and take the necessary actions to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity.
"We have seen with the ongoing loss of biodiversity and the threat that this poses to planetary and human health and well-being, it is more important than ever that we take strong and decisive, swift action to protect and conserve the natural world," said B.C. Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau, MLA for Cowichan Valley. "This framework represents a crucial step forward in the international community's efforts to protect and conserve biodiversity."
Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, and Member of Tsartlip First Nation, said, "I am pleased to see the recognition of the importance of Indigenous traditional knowledge, innovations, practices and shared decision-making in the framework," said Olsen. “I am looking forward to the government honouring this commitment, collaborating with Indigenous communities as we work to achieve our targets in British Columbia.”
“The B.C. Green Caucus is encouraged that Premier David Eby has mandated the Minister of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship, Nathan Cullen, to lead and collaborate with First Nations, other ministries, industries, and the federal government to protect and enhance BC's biodiversity and to protect 30% of B.C.'s land base by 2030,” said Furstenau.
“For years we have been calling on the BC NDP government to put in place conservation financing mechanisms to protect biodiverse areas, so we welcome this initiative.”
“British Columbia has a deeply embedded culture of valuing the monetary worth of nature,” said Olsen. “The biggest challenge confronting Minister Cullen is changing the culture to value ecosystem health. The B.C. Green Caucus supports this effort and will work collaboratively with the provincial government to achieve it.”
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Media contact
Laura Ferreira
B.C. Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 [email protected]