Countdown to COP15: World leaders declare ambitious global agreement to protect biodiversity a priority

Yesterday, in the margins of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans renewed the EU's commitment to reverse biodiversity loss and fight climate change at the pledging event ‘Countdown to CBD COP15: Landmark Leaders Event for a Nature Positive World'. Raising momentum for an ambitious global deal to stop and reverse biodiversity loss at the Biodiversity Conference COP15 (7 to 19 December 2022 in Montreal), the event brought together presidents and prime ministers, as well as indigenous community leaders, NGOs, finance leaders and civil society to commit to momentous action for nature, climate and people. 

In a keynote video address shown during the event, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, said:

Biodiversity means human health, food security and resilience to climate change. The world needs to aim high in Montreal to adopt an ambitious global deal for nature, with measurable goals and targets, a fair monitoring system, and scaled up financing from all sources. Europe is ready to aim high, but we must do this together. Let’s have the courage to do what’s right and let’s do it now.

The EU is leading by example, having put forward the first ever European nature restoration law, new legislation to make sure our consumption in Europe does not drive deforestation in other parts of the world, and doubling the international financing for biodiversity, especially for the most vulnerable countries. 

Government leaders and partners presented a refreshed ambition for nature and people on ocean and land and showcased key actions in support of a comprehensive approach to finance, including resource mobilization from all sources in order to achieve an equitable and Nature Positive world by 2030.  

New initiatives announced include €0.87 billion of new funding from the German government; a 10 point plan for financing biodiversity, endorsed by 16 initial countries, including the EU, and the next phase of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, supporting the protection of at least 30% of land and ocean globally, announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica on behalf of the President of Costa Rica. The event also saw the endorsement of the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, committing Australia to reversing biodiversity loss by 2030. 

Background

The pledging event was organised by the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature and the Global Ocean Alliance. The European Commission joined the intergovernmental High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, actively supporting the goal to conserve at least 30% of land and sea by 2030. The EU has also endorsed the Leaders Pledge for Nature, which reflects the international commitment to reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and address the planetary emergency we are in.  

More Information about the EU at UNGA 

During the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, the EU will focus on upholding the UN Charter and the rule of law, addressing the global consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, promoting sustainable development and human rights, supporting access to quality education, strengthening global health security, and fighting climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, as well as shaping the global digital agenda. For more details, see the press release.