One Planet Summit for biodiversity to advance the protection of nature

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a dramatic reminder of the importance of nature for our daily lives and economies. Biodiversity represents the natural capital of the world, yet exploitation, pollution and climate change are bringing irreversible damage to ecosystems. Therefore, the French President Emmanuel Macron, the Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres, and the President of the World Bank Group David Malpass, have organized the fourth edition of "One Planet Summit" focused on biodiversity preservation, to discuss the major issues and to mobilize commitments to protect ecosystems and make links to human health. The Summit was held by videoconference because of the coronavirus pandemic. The "One Planet" movement, founded by France, the World Bank and the United Nations, aims to speed up the implementation of international climate agreements by supporting specific projects at the local level. The Summit brought together this Monday, 11 January 2021, about 30 leaders, heads of state and government, leaders of international organizations, financial institutions, companies and NGOs, all ready to demonstrate that their commitments are leading to concrete actions to preserve and restore biodiversity, and to lead systemic transformations of economies. It goes without saying that H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco participated as well. The Summit programme focused on biodiversity preservation: the protection of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, the promotion of agroecology, the mobilization of funding for biodiversity, and the link between deforestation, species and human health.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, opened the event saying that “Pandemic recovery is our chance to change course. With smart policies and the right investments, we can chart a path that brings health to all, revives economies, builds resilience and rescues biodiversity.”

During the first session dedicated to the protection of marine and terrestrial areas, H.S.H. Prince Albert II evoked the example of two initiatives developed in the Mediterranean with the support of His foundation. Actually, the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco is behind "The MedFund" dedicated to the preservation of marine protected areas and "Beyond Plastic Med - BeMed" dedicated to the fight against plastic pollution. At the end of his speech, the Sovereign recalled that to act for the preservation of the seas and forests is to act for the survival of humanity. Britain’s Prince Charles launched an "urgent appeal" to private sector leaders to join a new investment alliance targeting $10 billion by 2022 to finance nature-based solutions. António Guterres also said that as stated by the World Economic Forum, emerging business opportunities across nature could create 191 million jobs by 2030. According to the French President, Emmanuel Macron, the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, which was launched in 2019 by Costa Rica, France and Britain to set a target of protecting at least 30% of the planet, including land and sea, by 2030, has now been joined by 50 countries. Top U.S. officials were notably absent, as were the leaders of Russia, India and Brazil.