SUSTAINABLE USE OF WILD SPECIES: IPBES REPORT

Copyright infringement is not intended

Context: According to a recent report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), 50,000 wild species meet the needs of billions of people around the world.

Details:

• People use approximately 7,500 species of wild fish and aquatic invertebrates, 31,100 species of wild plants, 7,400 of which are trees, 1,500 species of fungi, 1,700 species of wild terrestrial invertebrates, and 7,500 species of wild amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
• An estimated one in every five people worldwide rely on wild plants, algae and fungi for food, nutritional diversity and income.
• Trade in wild plants, algae and fungi for food, medicine, hygiene, energy and ornamental use is increasing.
• The report shows that humans rely on 50,000 wild species (of plants and animals) for a variety of reasons. This includes food, energy, medicine, materials and other necessities.
• The over-exploitation of wild species is one of the primary causes of biodiversity loss. For example, Unsustainable fishing is the main cause for the increased extinction risk of sharks and rays over the past half century.
• The accelerating global biodiversity crisis, which threatens the extinction of a million plant and animal species, jeopardizes these contributions to people.

About Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES):

• The IPBES is an independent intergovernmental body established in Panama City, in 2012. At present, it comprises 139 member Governments and is often described as the “IPCC for biodiversity.”
• It aims to strengthen the science-policy interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, long-term human well-being and sustainable development.
• It is not a United Nations body, the UNEP provides secretariat services to IPBES.

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/sustainable-use-of-wild-species-can-meet-needs-of-billions-ipbes-9-report-83631