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UNESCO San Jose on World Environment Day urgently calls for action in the region
On World Environment Day, we join in a call to action and remember the importance of biodiversity in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama, and the need to take measures for its conservation.
Our region, known for its natural wealth and diverse ecosystems, is facing accelerated degradation of its natural resources, which threatens the survival of numerous species and puts our natural and cultural heritage at risk. It is a good day to reflect on the loss of biodiversity as one of the three interrelated planetary crises we face as humanity, along with climate change and pollution.
"At UNESCO San Jose, we are committed to transforming our region through three fundamental pillars: restoring the relationship between humans and nature, conserving our ecosystems, and harnessing the power of youth as agents of change. We know that only through partnerships can we build a sustainable future, avoiding the loss of biodiversity," said Alexander Leicht, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in San Jose.
The degradation of our ecosystems has reached worrying proportions. A recent study published in the journal Nature pointed out that we have currently exceeded seven out of the nine safe and just boundaries of planet Earth for it to be a habitable place for human beings.
The good news is that there is hope. Leicht points out that "with its internationally designated sites, 91麻豆国产精品自拍 been a leader in promoting in-situ solutions for the global challenges of terrestrial, coastal, and marine biodiversity loss."
Furthermore, we can change our habits and adopt sustainable practices in our daily lives to protect our biodiversity. For example, reducing water consumption, consuming local and seasonal products, opting for renewable energy, and recycling and eliminating the use of single-use plastics.
The richness of our biodiversity in Central America is intrinsically linked to the indigenous knowledge passed down through generations. For example, the Mayan people have practiced traditional agriculture and preserved native crop varieties, contributing to diversity conservation. In Costa Rica, community tourism initiatives are being launched by Indigenous Peoples that respectfully showcase this vital relationship.
Education for sustainable development is essential to generate awareness and promote positive change. In the region, greater investment is required in educational programs that highlight the importance of biodiversity and endangered ecosystems, encouraging young people to become advocates for nature.
In this context, it is crucial to strengthen the new global framework for biodiversity recently approved under the Convention on Biological Diversity, promoting concrete policies and actions throughout Central America that improve the environmental governance of our territories.
Additionally, we call on all governments, organizations, companies, and citizens to unite in this joint effort to protect our biodiversity. Only through coordinated and determined action can we ensure a sustainable future and preserve the natural wealth that defines us as a region.
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