Mijøministerens tale i New York

MINISTERENS INDLÆG VED PANELDEBATTEN
ved FN's high level møde om biodiversitet
New York, 22. september 2010
(Det talte ord gælder)

Your Excellencies, dear colleagues

The global 2010 biodiversity target has not been achieved. Biodiversity - from the highest mountains to the deepest seas - is being reduced and is under increased pressure. Our biodiversity represents the very foundation for our societies. It also represents a delicate balance. If tipped - it will have severe consequences. For our nature. For our economies. For our way of living.

We are facing a global problem. What we need are global solutions. And we need them now. Time has come for us to act.

At COP10 in Japan - only a month from now - we must stand up to our responsibilities as leaders. At COP10 we must deliver the deal that will set the world back on track. That will enable us to look back in 2020 and state - that we did turn around the development. That we did stop the decline in our biodiversity.

So what do we need from COP10? Let me offer you my personal view on some of the important elements.

First of all we need a compass to steer by. From COP10 we need a Strategic Plan setting out the targets for our effort towards 2020. The targets must be clear, concrete, measureable and communicable. The targets should serve as solid reference for monitoring of progress. And they should allow us to undertake timely and adaptive measures to achieve them. A strategic plan with clear and concrete targets will reflect our real commitment. And it will enable the global society to address the challenge ahead.

Second - a legally binding Protocol on acces and benefit sharing must be part of the outcome from COP10. A clear, fair and effective ABS protocol is a very key feature in our collective efforts to address the biodiversity challenge. We need an ABS protocol to motivate conservation and sustainable use of the genetic resources. And to provide for fair and equitable benefit sharing. And we need the protocol to enhance legal certainty and transparency for both providers and users. An ABS protocol will benefit all stakeholders involved.