A report shedding light on the status of migratory species worldwide and the threats they face was presented in Samarkand during the CMS COP14, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan reported. The report, titled "The State of Migratory Species in the World," represents the first comprehensive analysis of 1,189 migratory animal species in need of international protection under the CMS, along with insights into thousands of additional species.
Prepared by environmental scientists from the World Conservation Monitoring Center of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP-WCMC), the report draws on data from esteemed institutions such as BirdLife International, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).
Inger Andersen, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNEP emphasized the urgent need for action, stating;
"Today's report shows that unsustainable human activity threatens the future of migratory species—creatures crucial for environmental health and ecosystem stability."
Key findings from the report include that nearly half (44%) of migratory species are experiencing population declines, with one-fifth of listed migratory species at risk of extinction. Additionally, a staggering 97% of fish species on the CMS list are endangered. The report identifies overexploitation and habitat loss due to human activities as the most significant threats to migratory species, further compounded by the impacts of climate change, pollution, and invasive species. These findings underscore the urgent need for concerted conservation efforts to mitigate these threats and safeguard the future of migratory species worldwide.
Amy Fraenkel, CMS Executive Secretary, highlighted the transboundary nature of migratory species conservation, stating;
"When species cross national borders, their survival depends on the efforts of all countries involved."
The report underscores the importance of protecting vital habitats crucial for the survival of migratory species throughout their life cycles. Priority measures include mapping and safeguarding breeding, feeding, and stopover sites.
Despite the alarming trends, the report offers hope by showcasing successful conservation efforts. Examples include a 91% reduction in illegal bird net usage in Cyprus through local interventions and the remarkable recovery of the saiga antelope in Kazakhstan, which was on the brink of extinction.
As the global community grapples with the escalating biodiversity crisis, the report's recommendations serve as a call to action for policymakers, stakeholders, and citizens worldwide to unite in safeguarding the planet's migratory species for future generations.
The Vital Importance of Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the thread that binds ecosystems together, sustaining not only wildlife but also the very foundation of human existence. Conservation researchers like Paul R. and Anne Ehrlich likened species to the rivets on a plane's wing—each one lost increases the risk of a catastrophic problem. Here are five key reasons why biodiversity conservation is imperative for our planet and our future:
- Ecosystem Services: From the depths of the Amazon to bustling metropolises like Beijing, humanity relies on ecosystems for essential services like fresh water, pollination, soil fertility, and food. The degradation of ecosystems due to biodiversity loss jeopardizes these services, as seen in Kenya's Lake Turkana, where overfishing, drought, and water diversion threaten both wildlife and the livelihoods of thousands.
- Public Health: The degradation of nature increases the risk of disease outbreaks, with 70% of emerging viral diseases originating from animals. Events like the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the consequences of encroaching upon wildlife habitats and trading in wild animals, underscoring the interconnectedness of human and environmental health.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Biodiverse ecosystems play a vital role in mitigating climate change, with forests alone capable of offsetting 30% of emissions by 2030. Forests, wetlands, and mangroves act as carbon sinks, while also providing resilience against extreme weather events—a crucial component of climate adaptation strategies.
- Economic Benefits: Biodiversity underpins at least 40% of the global economy, supporting industries such as agriculture, forestry, and ecotourism. The loss of biodiversity threatens these industries, endangering livelihoods and economic stability, but investing in natural resources presents significant sustainable business opportunities, potentially worth trillions of dollars by 2050.
- Cultural and Identity Importance: Species are not just biological entities; they are deeply intertwined with human culture, religion, and national identity. Many nations honor their natural heritage through national symbols, highlighting the intrinsic value of biodiversity beyond its ecological significance.
The preservation of biodiversity is not merely a matter of ecological concern but a fundamental necessity for human well-being and prosperity. By recognizing the multifaceted benefits of biodiversity conservation, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for both humanity and the natural world.
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