“Biodiversity” is an expression of a fundamental feature of life on Earth: its astonishing variety. An estimated eight million species inhabit our planet, forming countless ecosystems at various scales. Such ecosystems provide services that are essential to human wellbeing. The rapid loss of biodiversity, accelerated by the climate crisis, is increasingly recognised as one of the core challenges of our time. In Asia and the Pacific, the conservation of forests is of particular relevance in tackling climate change. In response, IGES' Biodiversity and Forests experts participate in international policymaking, conduct various hands-on projects, and contribute regularly to the scientific literature and policy recommendations on this topic. Current focus areas include timber legality policy, and socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes.
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IGES Perspective on the G7 Hiroshima Summit Outcomes
While re-confirming their commitment towards the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement, the G7 Hiroshima Leaders' Communiqué did not include new and specific targets or actions to achieve that goal. On the other hand, it emphasised the need for "various
What does the "Global Biodiversity Framework" mean for the world?
The “Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework” (GBF), approved in December 2022, is expected to guide national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs) worldwide until the end of this decade. IGES, with guests from the Global Youth Bio
Analysis of timber legality assurance systems and good practices in China and Vietnam for sustainable timber trade
近年、木材貿易を取り巻く国内外の環境は、木材の合法性確認や、持続可能な開発目標(SDGs)達成への貢献など、大きくかつ急速に変化してきています。平成28(2016)年には、合法伐採木材等の流通及び利用を促進し、地域及び地球の環境保全に資することを目的とする「クリーンウッド法(合法伐採木材等の流通及び利用の促進に関する法律)」が制定されました。クリーンウッド法では、木材関連事業者が木材等を利用する場合に合法伐採木材等を利用することを努力義務として定めるとともに、木材が合法に伐採されたかものか否かを
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CBD COP15 Special Webpage
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a multilateral environmental agreement on: (1) the conservation of biodiversity; (2) the sustainable use of the components of biological diversity; and (3) the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits
IGES Inputs to the 9th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD 2022)
The Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) is an annual meeting convened by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), that serves as a regional preparatory for the United Nations High-level P