07.12.2022
Protecting species to protect the future – for nature, humans, animals and the climate
Stopping species loss and restoring ecosystems: GIZ is working around the world to maintain the very foundations of our existence.
It is critical to our survival that the diversity of all living organisms, habitats and ecosystems is protected. Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven, Managing Director at GIZ, explains: ‘The biodiversity crisis is no less dangerous than the climate crisis. Which is why I hope for clear, strong targets from Montreal.’ The 15th United Nations Biodiversity Conference is due to start in the city on 7 December 2022.
Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven: ‘I hope for clear, strong targets’
From the UN’s COP 15 Biodiversity Conference to development cooperation
If the natural world is in good order, it protects the climate. It secures our food supplies and helps to maintain social justice. The consequences of decreasing biodiversity can therefore be felt around the globe. The German Government supports countries all over the world in implementing conservation measures and anchoring them in national policies. On its behalf, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH alone is implementing more than 100 projects to conserve biodiversity. This ranges from protecting oceans and forests to advising governments and institutions, and working with companies to help them make their supply chains more sustainable.
Efforts focus in particular on the Global South, which is home to almost 80 per cent of the world’s biodiversity. Large parts of its population are directly affected by climate change, species loss and damaged ecosystems. Falling income in the agricultural and fishery sectors and a lack of tourists are threatening their existence.
Three-pronged approach: conservation, restoration, sustainable use
It is not enough to put a stop to the constant loss of biodiversity, we also have to fight its causes. GIZ therefore takes a three-pronged approach: conserving ecosystems, restoring those that have already been destroyed and using natural resources sustainably going forward. This includes creating new jobs and healthy products that encourage individuals and companies to take an interest in maintaining diversity. If nature and people benefit equally, conservation concepts remain successful over the long term.