The United Nations designated 22 May as the International Day for Biological Diversity to raise awareness of the threats facing biodiversity and ecosystems around the world. This year’s theme is “Harmony with nature and sustainable development”, which aligns well with the Alpine Convention’s vision. Moreover, the Multi-Annual Work Programme of the Alpine Conference, which sets the direction for the period 2023-2030, highlights the importance of taking action in the area of biodiversity and ecosystems.
Biodiversity is the foundation for our food supply, well-being, and health. It underpins our quality of life and has enabled societies to flourish. A healthy, thriving biodiversity contributes to the rich and diverse ecosystems of the Alps. However, these fragile environments face growing threats from climate change, land-use changes and conflicts, and pollution.
To address these challenges, the Alpine Convention, under the Slovenian Presidency (2023-2024), prepared a Policy Brief on ‘Biodiversity in the Alps’, which offers strategic guidance in translating and implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework targets to the Alpine level. In a statement on International Biodiversity Day, Alenka Smerkolj, Secretary General of the Alpine Convention, also highlighted the importance of working with international partners like the Convention on Biological Diversity to translate and implement the Global Biodiversity Framework targets in the Alpine region.
The Alpine Biodiversity Policy Brief is based on four pillars: conservation, connectivity, restoration, and monitoring, as well as governance. It is available in the four Alpine languages and English. These processes will be further defined in the Alpine Biodiversity Action Plan currently being elaborated by the Alpine Biodiversity Board. The protection and preservation of biodiversity hence remains a priority during the Italian Presidency of the Alpine Convention.