By Sahlee B. Barrer | Special to the BusinessMirror
More than 20 years after it first gained ground, sustainable development continues to drive global development efforts. Sustainable development is defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Biological diversity (biodiversity) has become a significant dimension in sustainable development. The relevance of biodiversity in sustainable development was highlighted in the celebration of the International Day for Biodiversity on May 22.
Everyone relies on the fruits of biodiversity, which encompasses the variety of life on earth. Biodiversity is crucial to food production and security, the supply of clean air and water, medicine, clothing, building materials and other provisions essential to human life.
Biodiversity and ecosystem services are vital to human health—regulating climate, pests and diseases. It provides the foundation for livelihoods, and national and global economies. It is also the cornerstone of people’s culture and religious beliefs. According to lawyer Roberto V. Oliva, executive director of the Asean Centre for Biodiversity, “Simply put, it is in the best interest of all stakeholders to incorporate biodiversity conservation on the national development agenda, as all our needs emanate from a rich and healthy variety of species and ecosystems.” The International Day for Biological Diversity, thus, highlights the importance of biodiversity in the attainment of long-term sustainable-development goals.
This includes the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, which envisions that, “by 2050, biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet, and delivering benefits essential for all people.”
The CBD states that biodiversity supports development through poverty eradication, development of sustainable livelihoods and equitable growth. It provides employment for millions of people in biodiversity-dependent industries, including agriculture, fisheries and tourism. The value of ecosystems and their benefits—such as coral reefs and mangroves—reach millions of dollars, as they support fisheries and provide vital protection against wave and storm surges, rising sea levels, and other impacts of human activities, including climate change. Biodiversity supports agriculture and food security, as genetic diversity ensures an ample supply of crop, marine species and livestock to satisfy the increasing demand for food.
Biodiversity remains a great source for both traditional and commercial medicines, and may harbor species that will provide the cure for currently untreatable diseases.
“Highlighting sustainable development during the International Day for Biological Diversity brings attention to the importance of mainstreaming biodiversity in development policies. Biodiversity conservation should no longer remain in the realm of environmental programs, and should, instead, be part and parcel of all government initiatives,” Oliva said.