UNDP launches EAS biodiversity project in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a biodiversity project in the Philippines, one of 138 countries authorized to access the Global Environment Fund (GEF).

The Global Biodiversity Framework Early Action Support, funded by the GEF, aims to fast-track readiness and early actions to implement the framework by providing financial and technical support to eligible parties.

“The protection of biodiversity is not only about the environment’s target, they are also social stakes. There is a need for the protection of certain population groups who are usually at a disadvantage,” said UNDP deputy resident representative Edwine Carrie.

Carrie encouraged government agencies, biodiversity experts, academics, policymakers and other stakeholders to take part in the consultation process.

“Your insights and active participation will help us in achieving a holistic approach in the development of... a plan that will not only accomplish our targets under the EAS project but will also provide a unifying perspective in reporting the Philippine target for the marine and coastal sector under the target of 30 by 30,” he said.

The 30 by 30 goal is a global initiative to designate 30 percent of Earth’s land and ocean area as protected areas by 2030.

Outer space security

Meanwhile, the Philippines and 32 other countries have endorsed the continuation of a diplomatic panel created by the UN to address threats to outer space security.

“Work on elaborating norms of responsible behavior in outer space is a useful means towards addressing threats in outer space,” the joint statement, drafted by the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, stated.

The panel, officially called the Open-Ended Working Group on reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviors, conducted its final meeting recently.

– Pia Lee-Brago