Only a human rights-based approach will address biodiversity loss

Photo credits: Greenpeace/Paul Basweti.

By Josefa Cariño Tauli, Global Youth Biodiversity Network

One of the biggest differences that the post-2020 GBF can make for biodiversity is to send a clear message to the world: to address biodiversity loss, we must ensure justice and address inequalities. Calls for justice, equity and respect for human rights in the context of the environment have been resounding for a long time, but that does not make them any less relevant, because problems of oppression and injustice persist and permeate our economic systems, institutions, technological systems and governance, with deep roots that are causing the interrelated socio-ecological crises we face today.

A human rights-based approach means that biodiversity policies, governance, management and implementation do not violate human rights, and actively seek ways to promote human rights. The details will follow by integrating existing human rights obligations within the framework, strengthening specific language in the targets where it is especially needed, and ensuring accountability by monitoring and measuring these elements — just as much as other elements of the targets must be monitored.

We must ensure that area-based targets safeguard Indigenous Peoples’ rights to their territories and to free, prior and informed consent. We must ensure and monitor meaningful participation and access to justice and information of IPLCs, women, children and youth. We must hold businesses accountable for their negative impacts on the environment and consequently on human rights and we must protect environmental defenders.

A human rights-based approach is not an add-on. It’s a non- negotiable that must be reflected throughout the text of the GBF. Beyond a moral and legal obligation, it is also the most effective way to conserve biodiversity. All we ask when we ask for a human rights-based approach to protecting biodiversity is that we take away the fear that marginalized groups, including young people all over the world, live with every day. To the world’s decision-makers, is that really too much to ask? 

Read the complete article here:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-022-01796-x

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