The event was devoted to the elaboration of common approaches to preserving biological diversity on the planet and discussing the further development of the global nature protection agenda.
The key outcome of the conference was the adoption of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, which was under development for over four years. The document defines four global goals up to 2050, 23 objectives until 2030 and measures to implement them on the global, regional and national levels to re-organise economic, social and financial models in a manner that would make it possible to prevent the loss of biological diversity by 2030 and restore natural ecosystems by 2050.
In his speech at the High-Level Segment, Ruslan Edelgeriyev emphasised that the Convention, adopted 30 years ago, has remained a universal international legal tool ensuring that states and multilateral organisations join their efforts to preserve the environment and sustainable use of natural resources of the planet.
The Russian Federation attaches great importance to preserving biological diversity and ensuring sustainable use of its components. More than 25 percent of dry land in Russia are under the legislative protection. As a result of the work conducted over the past years, around 100 species, subspecies and animal populations have been removed from the Red Data Book. It also resulted in the growing population of the Amur tiger, Amur leopard, snow leopard, polar bears, European bisons, and falcons.
On the sidelines of the conference, Mr Edelgeriyev also had meetings with Minister of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China Huang Runqiu, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity Elizabeth Mrema, and delegations from Central Asia and other states.