Namibia takes center stage in the global biodiversity conversation as it hosts the eleventh session of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in the capital.
The seven-day conference will provide Namibia with an opportunity to showcase its leadership in sustainable practices and biodiversity conservation.
The conference will help countries make integrated decisions to achieve global goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals.
Additionally, it will also address the causes of biodiversity loss and set the stage for evaluating the world's biodiversity and ecosystem services.
The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, says the event will focus on critical issues, including the links between water, biodiversity, food, and health in the face of climate change.
Shifeta says hosting this event highlights Namibia's growing role as a leader in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
“As we come together for these important negotiations, it is essential that we recognize the diversity of perspectives and experiences that each of us brings to this table. The challenges we face in safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystems are vast, but they are not insurmountable—provided we approach them with mutual respect and a shared commitment to finding solutions. Let us remember that our discussions here are not just about differing views but about a collective responsibility to preserve the natural world for future generations.”
The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, Anne Larigauderie, says the conference will offer a pathway for the systemic changes needed to meet the 2050 vision of biodiversity.
“The world needs to urgently solve how to spontaneously tackle water insecurity, issues relating to the emergency of pandemics, climate change, and energy, and fight for the sustainable use of biodiversity—not at the expense of biodiversity. Secondly, we must consider what transformative measures could be taken to bring people closer to nature in order to realize the 2050 vision for biodiversity.”
The event brought together 750 delegates from around the globe, marking the first time the conference is being hosted in Africa, further solidifying Namibia's status as a leader in environmental and biodiversity conservation.