Norwegian statement COP15: Putting biodiversity on a path to recovery

Dear Minister Huang, ladies and gentlemen, colleagues.

The world is dealing with multiple crises – the climate crisis, unprecedented biodiversity loss, and the COVID-19 pandemic.  Strong and urgent action is needed to address these interconnected crises.

The latest IPCC report was launched with the message "code red for humanity" by the UN Secretary- General - and that is with good reason.

In Norway, the country of fjords and mountains, where I come from, we can already see that mountain glaciers are shrinking. We experience heavier rainfall, more frequent floods and landslides.

According to IPBES, safeguards for biodiversity are crucial in climate mitigation. We need to scale up nature-based solutions with safeguards for biodiversity.

No country can solve this on its own -  we need multilateral cooperation and global partnerships to protect nature.

The Biodiversity COP and the Climate COP in Glasgow represent unique opportunities to drive joint cohesive actions that benefit both climate and nature. We stand ready to contribute to effective and ambitious outcomes from both COPs.

Norway is a member of the High Ambition Coalitions and we are committed to a global target of 30% conservation and protection of land and sea. I encourage all countries to push for this target.

However – the main challenge is still to use the components of biological diversity on the Planet in a way and at a rate that does not lead to a long term-decline. Therefore, we must also push for 100% sustainable use.

And we need an effective implementation mechanism

Large scale and long-term financing will only be available by involving the private sector. 

That is why the recently launched LEAF Coalition represents such an important step forward. Both for our climate and our biodiversity.

All of us need to change the way we manage our lands and resources. How we use land for food, clothing, paper, fuel and other products can no longer be part of the problem. It must, and can, be part of the solution. 

Protecting nature while producing more efficiently will improve food security. Together we can create a stronger and more equitable socioeconomic growth and development within planetary boundaries.

Biodiversity and ecosystems are important for the global economy

It will be crucial to align financial flows with biodiversity values  - and that negative impacts are progressively reduced.

Thank you.