On International Women’s Day 2014 we pay particular homage to the
leaders, both women and men, who have pushed tirelessly for the empowerment and
participation of women in issues related to biodiversity.
Women are strong forces of change. Their efforts in stewardship
can inspire further action in such critical areas as ecosystem management and
protected areas, and thus help achieve the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity
2011-2020 and its 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
Women’s leadership is critical for community revitalization and
for renewable natural resource management. Women often have first-hand
knowledge of their ecosystems, including the importance of diversification,
pest management, soil conservation and the development and use of plant genetic
resources. Women often play a critical role in selecting seeds based on, inter
alia, resistance to disease and drought, storage quality, adaptation to
agro-climatic conditions, and in preserving them using a variety of traditional
methods. Women also tend to have a more highly specialized knowledge of wild
plants used for food, fodder and medicine than men. Thus, accounting
for women’s knowledge, and ensuring their full participation can contribute
substantially to sustainable development.
The international community recognizes that the diversity of
genes, species and ecosystems continues to decline, while pressures on
biodiversity remain constant or are increasing in intensity, mainly as a result
of human activities. The root causes of biodiversity loss must be addressed.
This is why countries adopted the Strategic Plan. The active participation of
women in decision-making processes on biodiversity related issues is key to
achieving the Strategic Plan and ensuring that by 2050, biodiversity is valued,
conserved, restored and wisely used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining
a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people.
Nature protects if she is protected. By protecting biodiversity
and achieving the Strategic Plan and its Aichi Targets, we will ensure a good
quality of life for all, including women. On behalf of the Secretariat of the
Convention on Biological Diversity, I wish women all around the world a joyous
and fulfilling celebration of International Women's Day 2014.
