Local people must have real role in deciding next steps in saving world’s biodiversity

“This meeting is a crucial opportunity to establish a new strategy to make the Convention on Biological Diversity more effective in combating the accelerated loss of wildlife and ecosystems that has characterised the last 25 years.

“This is only possible if indigenous peoples and local communities – men and women – are involved as genuine partners in the process. Too often they are ignored or excluded from decision-making, despite previous commitments, and forced to carry much of the burden of poorly designed conservation measures. Respect for people’s rights and ensuring that the benefits of conservation are shared fairly must also be central to the guiding principles being decided.

“Governments also need to move beyond the current focus on numbers and diversity of species. It is vital they lay foundations for the next 10 years that give equal emphasis to genetic diversity and agrobiodiversity – including protecting varieties. This is crucial for the survival of life on Earth.

“Next to climate change the destruction of the world’s ecosystems and wildlife are the greatest threat we face. Protecting biodiversity needs to be a priority at the highest levels if we are to stop the tide of destruction. There is no time to waste.”