UN must do more to protect biodiversity - Environment Minister

The protection of biodiversity must become more globally mainstream, Environment Minister Leo Brincat told a United Nations biodiversity convention in South Korea.

“It is the duty and obligation of this global convention to spread strong awareness about the negative outlooks for the future of biodiversity,” Brincat said. Current international efforts to stem the loss of wildlife and natural have failed, according to a UN report published this October.

“The quality of air, protection against climate change, and the development of a low carbon economy will all benefit from the protection of biodiversity,” Brincat said.   

He also spoke about the economic factors behind the preservation of natural ecosystems.

“Around 35% of jobs in developing countries and 7% of jobs in the EU are all dependent on ecosystems,” he said, while encouraging businesses to invest in the preservation of biodiversity.