- The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has released a groundbreaking report asserting that the sustainable utilization of wild species has the potential to meet the needs of billions.
- Representatives from 140 countries convened to engage in discussions and formulate an agreement on the sustainable use of wildlife.
- The assessment identified five primary categories of practices employed for wild species, encompassing Fishing, Gathering, Logging, Terrestrial animal harvesting (which involves hunting), and non-extractive practices such as observation.
- This report represents a pioneering effort, marking the first of its kind and the culmination of a four-year period of comprehensive research and analysis by the IPBES.
IPBES
- IPBES is an autonomous intergovernmental organization, founded by member States in 2012.
- Its mission is to enhance the collaboration between science and policy in the realms of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- This is aimed at supporting the preservation and sustainable utilization of biodiversity, ensuring long-term human well-being, and promoting sustainable development.
FINDINGS OF THIS REPORT
Dependence on Wild Species:
- Approximately 70% of the global impoverished population relies directly on wild species.
- Around 20% of individuals obtain their food from wild plants, algae, and fungi.
Wild-Species as a Vital Income Source:
- Utilization of wild species serves as a crucial income source for millions worldwide.
- Two-thirds of global industrial roundwood is sourced from wild tree species, and trade in wild plants, algae, and fungi constitutes a billion-dollar industry.
Local Variations in Fishing Practices:
- Approximately 34% of marine wild fish stocks are overfished, while 66% are fished within biologically sustainable levels.
- Despite global trends, there are significant local and contextual variations in fishing practices.
Unsustainable Logging and Gathering:
- An estimated 12% of wild tree species face threats due to unsustainable logging.
- Unsustainable gathering poses a significant threat to various plant groups, including cacti, cycads, and orchids.
Threats from Unsustainable Hunting:
- Unsustainable hunting is identified as a threat to 1,341 wild mammal species, with declines observed in large-bodied species with low natural rates of increase.
Rural Vulnerability to Unsustainable Use:
- Rural communities in developing countries are particularly vulnerable to the unsustainable use of wild species.
- Lack of alternative resources often compels these communities to exploit species already at risk.
Cultural Significance and Exploitation:
- Certain species hold cultural importance, providing tangible and intangible benefits to cultural heritage.
- The trade of wild species and materials has been a culturally meaningful source of employment for many communities over millennia.
Drivers and Threats to Wild Species:
- Land- and seascape changes, climate change, pollution, and invasive alien species are identified as drivers impacting the abundance and distribution of wild species.
- These factors increase stress and challenges among human communities relying on wild species.
Illegal Trade:
- Global trade in wild species has significantly expanded in volume, value, and trade networks over the past four decades.
- Illegal trade in wild species ranks as the third-largest class of all illegal trade, estimated at up to USD 199 billion annually, with timber and fish being the primary contributors.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Integration of diverse value systems and equitable distribution of costs and benefits.
- Addressing the causes of unsustainable use and, where possible, reversing these trends.
- Collaboration between scientists and indigenous communities to strengthen sustainable practices.
- Urgent actions in fishing, including reducing inefficiencies, illegal practices, and harmful subsidies, while supporting small-scale fisheries.
- Robust fisheries management practices have shown increased stocks, exemplified by the Atlantic bluefin tuna population.
- In logging, recommendations include forest management and certification, technological innovations to reduce waste, and recognition of indigenous rights and local communities, including land tenure.
FAQs: Sustainable Use of Wild Species – IPBES Report
1. What is the main focus of the IPBES report on the sustainable use of wild species?
A: The report emphasizes that the sustainable utilization of wild species has the potential to meet the needs of billions and highlights the various aspects of this sustainable approach.
2. What led to the creation of this report?
A: The report is the result of a comprehensive four-year research and analysis effort by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).
3. How many countries were involved in the discussions regarding the sustainable use of wildlife?
A: Representatives from 140 countries participated in discussions to formulate an agreement on the sustainable use of wildlife.
4. What are the primary categories of practices identified for wild species in the assessment?
A: The assessment identified five main categories: Fishing, Gathering, Logging, Terrestrial animal harvesting (including hunting), and non-extractive practices such as observation.
5. What is the mission of IPBES?
A: IPBES, established in 2012, aims to enhance collaboration between science and policy in the areas of biodiversity and ecosystem services to support preservation, sustainable utilization of biodiversity, long-term human well-being, and sustainable development.
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