'Resource mobilisation needed to draw benefits of bio

Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar today emphasised on resource mobilisation for implementation of initiatives to harness long-term benefits of biodiversity conservation.
He was addressing the Convention on Biological Diversity's (CBD) Fifth Meeting of the Working Group on Review of Implementation (WGRI-5) held in Montreal, Canada through video.
In his address, Javadekar urged the parties to decide on final targets for resource mobilisation for implementation of the Strategic Plan, as delaying action would not only limit choices for cost-effective action, but also jeopardise the ability of ecosystems to continually provide vital services.
The Strategic Plan provides an overarching framework on biodiversity, not only for the biodiversity-related conventions, but for the entire United Nations system and all other partners engaged in biodiversity management and policy development.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of addressing poverty reduction as a cross-cutting issue of the Strategic Plan.
He expressed confidence that these initiatives would help to harness long-term benefits by investing in biodiversity conservation.

The meeting assumes significance in the context of preparing for the mid-term review of implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, and its 20 Aichi targets.
Realising that the mission of the Strategic Plan was central to achieving sustainable development, the United Nations General Assembly had encouraged parties to consider it in the elaboration of the post-2015 UN development agenda.
The Indian delegation led by Hem Pande, Additional Secretary, MoEF and Climate Change participated at WGRI-5 meeting.