MOSCOW, October 6 (RIA Novosti) - International efforts to protect biodiversity and reduce the destruction of natural habitats has proven to be unsuccessful, according to Global Biodiversity Outlook 2014.
“World leaders are currently grappling with many crises affecting our future, but […] there is a collective failure to address the loss of biodiversity, which is arguably one of the greatest crises facing humanity,” claimed Dr. Richard Gregory, the head of species monitoring and research at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, cited by the Guardian.
Numerous rare species are under the threat of extinction, rates of deforestation are constantly rising, while environmental pollution and overfishing are going on despite the governments’ efforts to bring these negative trends to a stop, Daily Mail reported.
The Global Biodiversity Outlook 2014 showed that the international community has managed to fulfill only 5 from 53 targets, set in the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020. Governments achieved considerable progress in some areas, such as conserving terrestrial and inland water areas. However, the extinction of rare species as well as the destruction of natural habitats is becoming more serious.
"Despite individual success stories, the average risk of extinction for birds, mammals and amphibians is still increasing," the report stated.
The fulfillment of the formulated objectives is a matter of great importance, as it could not only improve environment conditions and prevent numerous rare species from disappearance, but also contribute to the reduction of hunger and poverty and guarantee long-standing food and energy supplies.
According to a series of UN reports, countries would have to spend about $150-$440 billion a year for biodiversity protection and preservation. $190 billion more are to be invested annually to ensure sustainable food production.
