In the 1980s, amid rapid advances in biotechnology, there was a growing consensus to protect wild genetic resources.
A group of experts was convened through the United Nations to explore ways to implement international law to achieve effective conservation of biodiversity.
At the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was announced. CBD has three core purposes.
1. Conservation of biodiversity
2. Sustainable use of the components of biodiversity;
3. Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.
Within 30 days of its publication, the CBD received signatures from 168 countries.
Countries that agree to accept and ratify the CBD and thereby agree to abide by its provisions are called parties to the Convention. Malaysia ratified the CBD in June 1994 and officially became a party in September of the same year.
The Parties convene the Conference of the Parties (COP) every two years to review scientific, technical and technical advances in biodiversity, adopt and amend protocols, and provide further scientific and technical advice. Establish additional subsidiary bodies for the purpose of:
To date, the CBD has established several broad protocols, frameworks and targets, including the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing, and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, which are followed by the Kunming Targets. . Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The Cartagena Protocol outlines procedures for the use of genetically modified organisms to ensure that they do not have a negative impact on biodiversity. The Nagoya Protocol addresses legal issues related to genetic resources and ensures that the benefits of genetic resources are shared in a fair and equitable manner.
The Aichi Biodiversity Targets were adopted at the same time as the Nagoya Protocol at the 10th Conference of the Parties (COP10) in 2010 and outline goals and targets to halt biodiversity loss by 2020. When this was not fully achieved, the Kunming Protocol and the Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework were introduced. It calls for action by all parts of society to halt and reverse biodiversity loss in the short term (by 2030), with the aim of restoring nature and humans living in harmony with nature by 2050. We aim to revitalize.
In the coming days of this October, the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will be held in the Colombian city of Cali from October 21st to November 1st.
As a prelude to COP16 with the theme of “Peace with Nature,” the Embassy of Colombia in Malaysia recently chaired the “COP16 Forum Discussion” at the Asia School of Business in Kuala Lumpur on September 24. Ta. The forum brought together key government representatives. , industry, non-governmental organizations and environmentalists shared best practices and case studies on nature conservation and protecting Malaysia's rich biodiversity, highlighting successful strategies tailored to key habitats.
The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), among other organizations, was invited to showcase its latest initiative, the Rantayan Urban Green Space (RUGS), an initiative to achieve harmony between nature and urban development.
As we approach COP16, MNS emphasizes the importance of aligning urban environmental management with global biodiversity goals and environmental sustainability, as well as engaging with indigenous peoples and local communities living in and around cities. We also emphasize fostering partnerships.
Leveraging the datasets, research and experience gained from the implementation of the RUGS project since mid-2022, MNS presents an overview of the currently available green spaces within the Klang Valley and addresses concerns about the decline in green spaces over the years. We have emphasized the trends and their effects. Biodiversity and impacts on Klang Valley residents.
Urban communities grapple with challenges such as flooding, urban heat islands, and poor access. Given the shrinking green cover and erratic weather patterns caused by climate change, it is almost certain that these problems will recur with increasing frequency and intensity in the coming years.
However, all is not lost. Efforts are being made to preserve, expand and reconnect green spaces through various methods by different stakeholders within the Klang Valley. Outcomes of such initiatives include Kebun Bandar Sungai Bunus, Bangsar Ecological Corridor, Taman Tug and Bukit Kiara.
These green spaces remain rich in biodiversity, with towering dipterocarp trees providing shelter and food for wildlife such as pangolins, hornbills and otters, as well as native fruit-bearing fig and palm trees. , is especially important. But that value is often reduced to glossy images painted on billboards openly displayed by developers, often seen around the Klang Valley.
The environment and its biodiversity serve a purpose far beyond mere aesthetic value. They play an important role in maintaining the overall health of the environment and, in turn, people's quality of life. From the purity of the air and water we ingest, to the tranquility of recreational activities, and even the simple joy of being surrounded by nature.
Plants, in particular, play an important role in mitigating climate change by regulating carbon dioxide and oxygen. Leaves and twigs that fall from trees decompose and become detritus, which becomes food for insects on the ground. This interaction, along with the burrowing activity of trees and insects, improves soil health and porosity, allowing rainwater infiltration.
This process not only recharges groundwater, but also minimizes the amount of rainwater flowing into rivers and streams, preventing flash flooding. Meanwhile, pollinators such as bees, birds, and bats fly from flower to flower, making it possible for our favorite fruits like durian and rambutan to ripen. These important functions are collectively called ecosystem services.
Coordinated efforts to protect the environment, biodiversity and ecosystem services must be at the forefront of public consciousness. Following Malaysia's approval of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in 2022, all levels of society will recognize the critical importance of biodiversity and promote the coexistence of humans and nature. It is essential to work towards the protection and restoration of
In the Klang Valley, the RUGS Initiative is working hard to establish natural corridors, envisioning cohesive biomes within the Klang Valley's highly fragmented forest ranges, in parallel with efforts along the central forest spine. I am.
Ng Sean Fong is the Head of Data and Policy at Malaysian Nature Society (MNS). Founded in 1940, MNS represents the largest and oldest non-governmental and civil society environmental organization. The organization has over 2,000 members in Malaysia and abroad, including 12,000 student members (Kerab Pensinta Alam), with 12 state chapters across the country, and in Singapore.
The views expressed here are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Twentytwo13.
