Call to execute biodiversity conservation strategies

TANZANIA has commended the establishment of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), calling upon developed and developing nations to facilitate the raising of sufficient amount of money for the pool.

The country also stressed the need to facilitate implementation of the world biodiversity conservation strategy through national strategies.

The remarks were made by the Permanent Secretary in the Vice-President’s Office, Mary Maganga while leading Tanzania delegation in the seventh Global Environmental Facility (GEF) assembly that commenced in Vancouver, Canada on August 22, and concluded on Saturday.

The assembly held this year was particularly significant as it served as a forum to officially launch the GBFF which aims to reach 30 billion US dollars by 2030 and is targeted at addressing biodiversity loss and the protection of endangered species.

The GBFF has been designed to mobilise and accelerate investment in the conservation and sustainability of wild species and ecosystems, whose health is under threat from wildfires, flooding, extreme weather and human activity including urban sprawl.

The new fund for biodiversity will attract funding from governments, philanthropy, and the private sector. The countries which announced initial contributions to start its capitalisation included Canada which pledged 200 million Canadian dollars and UK that pledged 10 million pounds.

Ms Maganga commended the countries which pledged to contribute to fund.

Established in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit, the GEF has served as an international platform that coordinates international efforts and financing to address global environmental challenges, particularly in developing countries.

Overall, the Assembly this year has taken significant strides to facilitate discussions and action within the domain of biodiversity and ocean governance.

The launch of the GBFF has been particularly significant as it aims to address and assist the brunt of climate change bore by developing countries.

By allocating a third of the funds resources to least developed states and 20 per cent to Bindigenous communities, the fund aims to take concrete steps in conserving wild species and protecting biodiversity for future generations. “Countries have come together in Vancouver to turn things around for the health of the planet and its people.

This is a hugely positive moment that will be remembered far into the future. We have shown at the Seventh GEF Assembly that even in difficult conditions – with wildfire smoke as our backdrop – we can move forward to build a more biodiverse planet for everyone’s benefit,” said Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, CEO and Chairperson of the Global Environment Facility.

Other participants from Tanzania included the Advisor to the President-Climate Change and Environment Dr Richard Muyungi, Assistant Director Biodiversity Conservation – Environment Department in the Office of Vice-President Dr Thomas Bwana, Senior Environmental Officer Thomas Chali and Charles Faini from the Tanzanian Embassy in Canada.