Together - is Mother Nature’s Way: The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Celebration
22. May 2023.
Welcome to the biodiversity party!
Hey there, fellow nature lovers! It’s 22. May - the International Day for Biological Diversity. Do you know what's the coolest biodiversity party in the world? It's the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework - or the “Paris Agreement for Nature”. Now, we know it might sound like a mouthful, but trust us, this is a big deal for our planet and all the amazing creatures that call it home. So, put on your dancing shoes, grab your friends, and let's dive into this biodiversity bash in layman's terms!
Partnerships for a Better Planet
Just like how a party needs more than one person to be fun, protecting our planet's biodiversity also needs teamwork. That's why the UN "Kunming-Montreal" framework is all about bringing countries, communities, and even different species together to work toward a common goal – saving our planet's incredible array of life forms!
Imagine a party where everyone brings their unique talents, from the DJ who spins the tunes to the foodies who whip up delicious snacks. Similarly, in the biodiversity framework, every country has something to offer, from its natural resources to its knowledge and expertise.
Our planet is a vibrant and diverse community, where every plant, animal, and human has a role to play. Biodiversity is like the secret ingredient that makes this community thrive.
However, in Serbia, like everywhere else, we are facing some serious challenges, like climate change, pollution, and habitat loss, that can disrupt this delicate balance of nature.
That's where the biodiversity framework comes in, rallying everyone, national and local governments, the business sector, civil society, and individuals, to take action together and protect our country’s and the world’s biodiversity.
So, what's the goal of this party?
The Kunming-Montreal framework has some ambitious but necessary goals. Firstly, it aims to protect at least 30% of land and sea areas by 2030. This means setting aside huge areas as nature reserves, where plants, animals, and even funky fungi can thrive undisturbed.
Another goal is to make sure that we use nature's resources in a sustainable way, without harming the environment or putting any species at risk. It's like having a party where everyone cleans up after themselves and leaves no mess behind!
The framework also calls for sustainable and nature-friendly practices in areas like agriculture, fishing, and urban development. It's like having a potluck where everyone brings healthy and organic dishes to share.
So, what can YOU do to help?
Well, just like how a party needs guests to be fun, protecting our planet's biodiversity needs everyone to do their part. Here are some ways we in Serbia can contribute to this global biodiversity party:
1. Get Educated: Learn more about the amazing diversity of life and the challenges it faces. The more we know, the better equipped we are to make a positive difference.
2. Support Conservation Efforts: Get involved with local organizations that work to protect nature and its inhabitants. Whether it's volunteering at a wildlife rescue center or planting trees in your community, every little action counts.
3. Be a Responsible Consumer: Choose sustainable products, support local farmers, and opt for eco-friendly options whenever possible. Remember, every purchase we make has an impact on the environment.
4. Spread the Word: Share your knowledge and passion for biodiversity with friends, family, and on social media. Inspire others to join the cause and become nature's cheerleaders.
Together!
Just like a party is more fun with friends, the Kunming-Montreal framework is more effective when countries, organizations, and individuals work together, which is how we designed our 5-year, USAID-funded project in Serbia "Together for the Environment".
Together, national and local governments, the business sector, civil society, and individuals - we can pool our resources, share our knowledge, and achieve greater impact than working alone. Let's take a lesson from nature and celebrate the diversity of life on our planet by coming together to protect it for future generations.
Let's join the party with enthusiasm, partnership, and a big dose of ambition. Together, we can make sure that our planet remains vibrant and diverse for generations to come.
Together is nature’s way! See you soon.
Authors: Stevan Vujasinović and Milica Đerić
Belgrade Open School
