National Statement by State Secretary Katrin Schneeberger, Switzerland
Madam President,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
We gather here in Cali at a critical juncture where our collective actions will shape the future of global biodiversity.
Biodiversity is the foundation of all life on Earth, fundamental to our well-being, prosperity and, ultimately, our survival. But we all know that biodiversity is under threat, both globally and locally.
As we discuss the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), we must face the urgency of halting and reversing the loss of biodiversity.
Switzerland started to update its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to align it with the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework immediately after the framework was adopted, and plans to finalise it before the end of this year.
Madam President, two years after the adoption of the landmark Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework in Montreal, we now have to ensure robust monitoring, reporting and review through common indicators and regular assessments to ensure accountability and tracking of progress.
Second, we need to strengthen cooperation among biodiversity-related conventions to make the implementation more effective and harness synergies . In this regard, Switzerland was pleased to host the Bern III Conference, and we stand ready to continue our support for the Bern Process.
Thirdly, we need to find practical solutions on how to operationalise the multilateral mechanism for sharing the benefits from the use of digital sequence information. Switzerland advocates for a solution that is efficient and practical, that supports research and innovation, and that contributes to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Switzerland can support the establishment of the mechanism based on a COP decision. However, since this is not binding under international law, strong incentives must be created for the parties and the private sector to implement it.
Madam President, together we can create a sustainable future where nature thrives and humanity flourishes in harmony with the environment.
Let us all face these tasks together, inspired by our shared responsibility and united in our vision of a world rich in biodiversity. Let us strive for a life in harmony with nature!
I thank you!
Letzte Änderung 30.10.2024
