How are COVID-19 and human health linked to nature and biodiversity loss? How can we prevent future pandemics from happening? How do we mainstream biodiversity for health and nutrition, and pave a path towards sustainable food systems? Why are the upcoming 12 months and global negotiations on biodiversity so important for people and planet?
To answer these questions, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the World Health Organization (WHO) invite you to a high-level webinar on biodiversity, health and food systems.
Programme
The webinar will be opened by WWF Director-General, Mr Marco Lambertini, CBD Executive Secretary, Ms Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, and WHO Director for Health and Environment, Dr Maria Neira. This will be followed by an expert panel discussion on mainstreaming biodiversity for health and nutrition; biodiversity and infectious diseases; and, solutions to transform our food system for more resilient and sustainable future. An open discussion will be led by representatives from FAO, ITTC, WBCSD and a range of global actors from the development field.
Background
Leading scientists agree that the Covid-19 outbreak was a “clear warning shot” and that today’s civilization was “playing with fire”. To prevent further disease outbreaks, the sustainable management and use of biodiversity and conservation of nature are essential.
In the next 12 months, leaders will have the chance to secure a sustainable future for people and nature. The decisions they make in the next year will continue to have impacts for decades to come. Most urgently, leaders must recognize today’s planetary crisis by working to secure bold and ambitious outcomes at the UN Biodiversity Summit, CBD COP15 and UNFCCC COP26 that set nature on a path to recovery by 2030.
The webinar will provide an overview of the interlinkages between biodiversity, health and food systems; explain how biodiversity loss plays a role in the emergence of infectious diseases; present part of the WHO Manifesto for a Healthy Recovery from COVID-19; and share key messages from new WHO Guidance on Mainstreaming Biodiversity for Nutrition and Health.
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Publication: Guidance on Mainstreaming Biodiversity for Nutrition and Health