Eritrea took part in the UN Convention on Biological Diversity 15th Conference, which had the topic “Ecological Civilisation-Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth” and was held in Montreal, Canada, from December 7–19.
Samuel Okbu, head of consular affairs for Eritrea in Canada, and Estifanos Bein, director of bio-diversity at the Ministry of Land, Water, and Environment, represented Eritrea at the meeting, which was attended by representatives of 19 nations and organisations.
The Eritrean delegation to the conference outlined the great advancements Eritrea has made in preserving soil and water, growing trees, boosting the natural regeneration of biodiversity by creating terrestrial and protected areas, and promoting traditional community enclosures.
The group also reaffirmed Eritrea’s commitment to building on and advancing its successes in restoring environment that has been damaged, especially threatened wild species of flora and wildlife.
Since joining the Biodiversity Convention in 1996, Eritrea has rarified a number of environmental treaties.
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is the international legal instrument for “the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources” that has been ratified by 196 nations.
Its overall objective is to encourage actions, which will lead to a sustainable future. The conservation of biodiversity is a common concern of humankind. The Convention on Biological Diversity covers biodiversity at all levels: ecosystems, species and genetic resources. It also covers biotechnology, including through the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
In fact, it covers all possible domains that are directly or indirectly related to biodiversity and its role in development, ranging from science, politics and education to agriculture, business, culture and much more.