KATHMANDU, MAY 24

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has reminded world governments that it is time to act immediately for the recovery of biodiversity.

In a message delivered on the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, the Secretary-General emphasized, 'The world's complex web of biological diversity sustains all life on Earth. Yet it is unraveling at an alarming speed – and humanity is to blame.'

He further highlighted that land, oceans, and freshwater are contaminated with deadly pollution, causing severe blight on landscapes and ecosystems. Additionally, he noted that greenhouse gas emissions are wreaking havoc on the climate.

According to him, biodiversity loss plays a direct role in denting sustainable development, which, he argued, would lead humanity into uncertainty. 'The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework offers a pathway to reverse loss and restore biodiversity – while creating jobs, building resilience, and spurring sustainable development,' Guterres said.

The UN chief also underscored the significance of this year's slogan, 'Part of the Plan,' emphasizing that all stakeholders have a role to play. 'Indigenous Peoples, businesses, financial institutions, local and regional authorities, civil society, women, young people, and academia must work together to value, protect, and restore biodiversity in a way that benefits everyone,' he stated.

He sought commitment from all stakeholders to be part of the plan and save the planet, thereby ensuring a sustainable future.

The UN Environment Programme stated, ''Be part of the Plan,' the theme of International Day for Biological Diversity 2024, is a call to action for all stakeholders to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity by supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, also referred to as the Biodiversity Plan.'

The Biodiversity Plan was adopted in 2022.