Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth and essential for life. Biodiversity loss is indeed a danger to humanity.
Yet, report after report we are presented with shocking figures of percentages by which our global population of wild species has fallen over the last years. Biodiversity loss and the climate crisis are also interdependent. Losing our biodiversity becomes a climate issue, a business issue, a food security issue, a health issue and ultimately a moral issue.
The world, including Malta, is expected to meet in Kunming, China in October for the UN Global Biodiversity Framework at the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Biodiversity loss is a planetary emergency and similar to the climate crisis, it needs a unified response. The world needs to address this global biodiversity crisis.
2015 was a big moment for the climate with the Paris Agreement, which aims at strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change. 2021 must be the world’s moment for biodiversity. The conference in China needs to be that ‘Paris’ moment
Our relationship with nature needs to be restored. This is the essence of the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. It is a long-term plan to protect our nature and reverse the degradation of our ecosystems for the benefit of people, climate, and the planet.
At national level, we are striving to continue our long-term efforts on biodiversity conservation. Malta’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) to 2030 is currently underway. The findings of the review on the implementation of the NBSAP 2012-2022 will serve as the initial basis for the road to 2030. This is being developed in consultation with national entities, stakeholders, relevant competent authorities and the wider public. It will also contribute to the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the Global Biodiversity Framework.
The NBSAP 2030 will include specific measures with timelines for implementation and indicators for monitoring their implementation. This plan will establish a comprehensive and proactive framework for safeguarding Malta’s biodiversity and will serve as a driver to mainstream biodiversity into sectoral policies. Promoting, protecting, and restoring our ecosystems is key and we must do this with social and economic safeguards. The pandemic has been a great opportunity for us all to realise that the wealth of a nation is more than just what we can produce.
The value of our natural capital and all the services it provides are just as important and should not be overlooked. We are already setting the pace and will continue to do so in areas such as the promotion of urban biodiversity, green infrastructure and initiatives, and the development of more outdoor spaces and gardens. The Strategy will, amongst others, provide coordinated measures for nature conservation, both terrestrial and marine. The new NBSAP is a reminder that societies are dependent on nature and once it is gone, so are we. The Ministry together with our Environmental Resources Authority are working to protect and restore the nature of our Maltese Islands.
Turning to the EU Pollinators Initiative. This was launched at European Union level, to address the decline of wild pollinating insects as part of the effort to halt biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. Pollinators are in serious decline. The Pollinator Park recently launched by the European Commission puts this into perspective by allowing us to experience what our world would look like without pollinating insects. Unfortunately, there are several drivers contributing to this – environmental pollution, land-use change, pesticide use, invasive alien species and climate change, to name a few. This is a devastating risk for our natural world and our very own existence.
Nature provides many services – for free! When we destroy our biodiversity, we are destroying this system. Whilst one can appreciate the difficulty of putting a monetary value, just to put things into perspective, to the insects’ pollination service, it is clear that we can expect economic impacts in a scenario where pollinators become scarce. That is just one side of the picture. The decline of pollinators also affects, amongst others, our food security and well-being.
The picture is not all bleak. Citizen engagement is also crucial in this. You too can help. With our initiative to distribute wildflower seeds to be sent to every household this spring, we are also contributing to the Biodiversity Strategy. The package contains a mix of wildflower seeds, as well as a leaflet on how to sow the seeds and care for the flowers. The wildflowers come in various shapes and colours, with attractive aroma for both pollinators and human beings. Serving as a mood booster in our homes and as a ground for pollinating whilst providing shelter and food for our indispensable pollinators through the green corridors across Maltese and Gozitan towns and villages.
Going green is possible, wherever you start.
Aaron Farrugia is Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning