Brazil Advocates for Enhanced Collaboration Among UN Environmental Conventions to Tackle Global Crises

The Brazilian government has proposed a new program to the United Nations. This program aims to unite various environmental conventions established since the Earth Summit in 1992. The goal is to tackle ongoing crises in biodiversity, climate change, and desertification more effectively.

At the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP) on Biodiversity, which took place from November to February, countries were tasked with submitting national plans for better cooperation among these conventions. However, by the May 1 deadline, only Brazil and eight other countries had submitted their proposals—less than 5% of the participating nations.

Brazil’s proposal emphasizes the importance of integrating efforts from all conventions. Bráulio Dias from the Ministry of the Environment highlights that this integration must not be delayed or overshadowed by individual agendas. He believes that making synergy a priority is crucial for effective environmental management.

The Brazilian plan stresses protecting coastal and marine areas and supporting indigenous and vulnerable populations. It also advocates for nature-based solutions to societal challenges, ensuring that development benefits both people and the environment.

The upcoming COP30 in Brazil, set for November, will be a critical moment for advancing these discussions. Dias noted that while Brazil is keen on promoting cooperation, actual implementation remains a challenge.

Coordinating national submissions will help set the agenda for debates at upcoming biodiversity meetings. Brazil has already initiated talks with several countries, aiming to foster collaboration among nations.

An event organized by NGOs, including The Nature Conservancy Brazil and WWF-Brazil, brought together various stakeholders to discuss financing and policy recommendations for multilateral negotiations. These discussions highlighted the necessity of synergy among conventions to optimize available resources, as funding remains a major constraint.

Karen Oliveira from TNC Brazil pointed out the challenges of inadequate dialogue among scientific bodies that manage these conventions. The competition for resources among the agreements further complicates the effort, especially given that wealthy nations often provide funding heavily linked to their historical pollution contributions.

New funding strategies are emerging. For instance, the Brazilian Biodiversity Fund and the National Fund on Climate Change present innovative solutions to finance environmental projects. One initiative, the Tropical Forest Forever Fund, aims to raise over $127 billion for forest conservation efforts without requiring formal approval from existing conventions.

Connecting efforts across these environmental agreements could lead to substantial benefits for both ecosystems and local communities. Restoring mangroves, for example, not only captures CO₂ but also enhances biodiversity and supports local fisheries, making it a win-win solution.

In a report by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), experts assert that climate change and biodiversity loss should be tackled together. The report emphasizes that while actions taken for biodiversity often benefit the climate, this isn’t always reciprocal. Planting non-native trees can help with carbon capture but may harm local species.

Brazil’s mangroves, for instance, sequester 1.9 billion tons of CO₂, storing more carbon than many terrestrial forests. Despite their importance, biodiversity is declining at a worrying rate of 2% to 6% annually. Human activities, such as deforestation and pollution, are major contributors to this decline, putting many species at risk of extinction.

Recent studies show the potential for a new mass extinction due to climate change, threatening ecological services vital for human survival. As François Brechignac of the International Union of Radioecology stated, “We cannot adapt to a collapse in biodiversity; we can only suffer it.” This emphasizes the urgency of implementing integrated environmental strategies.

Efforts like Brazil’s can set the stage for a more coordinated approach to environmental challenges. By fostering collaboration and innovation, there’s hope for a more sustainable future for both the planet and its inhabitants.

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