Biodiversity as an Enabler of Sustainable Development – Why is Safeguarding Biodiversity Important in the Finnish Development Policy?

21.1.2021

Biodiversity refers to the range of species and biotic communities on the planet, and to the genetic variation within species. The Convention on Biological Diversity,
which was concluded in 1992, aims to ensure the conservation of biological diversity, to foster the sustainable use of its components, and to safeguard the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources.
However, biodiversity is declining at an alarming pace, faster than ever before in the history of humankind. The number of species threatened with extinction is growing all the time. Today, as many as a million animal and plant species are at risk of becoming extinct.Challenges arising from biodiversity, climate change and food security as well as links between these phenomena and interrelated matters are also central themes in the work of the Development Policy Committee. Its goal is to strengthen the global dimensions of sustainable development in Finnish decision-making and Finland’s international
influencing activities.
During its current term of office, the Development Policy Committee will publish three analyses related to environmental questions, of which the first examines biodiversity. A group of experts representing the members of the Development Policy Committee has
participated in the preparation of the publication. The expert group was commissioned to conduct a knowledge-based review of the significance and role of biodiversity in Finland’ development policy and to draw up recommendations for decision-making
relating to sustainable development and development policy.

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Press release: https://um.fi/current-affairs/-/asset_publisher/gc654PySnjTX/content/kehityspoliittinen-toimikunta-luonnon-monimuotoisuus-turvattava-my-c3-b6s-kehityspolitiikassa

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