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Message of UN Secretary-General on the International Day for Biological Diversity, 22 May 2007.

Biodiversity is the foundation of life on earth and one of the pillars of sustainable development. The richness and variety of life on earth makes possible the ecosystem services on which we depend: clean water, food, shelter, medicine and clothing. Environments rich in biodiversity are resili ...

Statement by Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at its sixth session, New York, 17 May 2007

From its inception, the Convention on Biological Diversity has attached the highest importance to the need to protect and conserve the rich biodiversity heritage of indigenous and local communities. Article 8(j) of the Convention focuses specifically on respecting, preserving and maintaining tr ...

Statement by Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity to the Fifteenth Session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, New York, 10 May 2007

In many parts of Europe, the spring of this year has set new records in terms of temperature and dryness. In Germany, April was the warmest, sunniest and driest since 1901. Spring was preceded by the warmest fall in Europe in 500 years and the warmest winter on record worldwide.

Statement by Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, at the BIO International Convention , Boston, United States of America, 8 May, 2007

Here in Boston at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, paint that can kill influenza viruses and wipe out 99% of bacteria is being tested and could be used very soon in the hospitals. The same institute, in collaboration with the University of Hong Kong, has developed a nano liquid that c ...

Statement Delivered by Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, at the Symposium on Asserting Rights, Defining Responsibilities: Perspectives from Small-scale Fishing Communities on Coastal and Fisheries Management in Asia, Organized by International Collective in Support of Fishworkers, in Cooperation with the Fisheries Administration of the Royal Government of Cambodia, Siem Reap, Cambodia, 7-8 May 2007.

Asia is known for its great variety of marine and coastal biodiversity resources. Southeast Asia is a global centre of marine biodiversity, supporting 30 per cent of the world’s coral reefs and mangroves. Marine and coastal ecosystems have played a central role in its socio economic developmen ...

Message from Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Aleppo, Syria, 4-5 May, 2007

It is with great pleasure that I extend my congratulations to Dr Mahmoud Solh and his whole team, on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the creation of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA).<br><br><table width=120> <tr><b>Other languages:</b></tr ...

Statement by Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, to theExpert Panel on International Environmental Governance, New York, 1 May 2007

The United Nations Organization was established in San Francisco on 24 October 1945, in the aftermath of the most devastating war waged by humanity against itself, in response to people’s cry for international peace and security. It was established based on the strong conviction that multilater ...

Statement by Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, to the Second Meeting of the Advisory Group on Article 8(j) and Related Provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Montreal, 30 April 2007

I wish to welcome the distinguished experts to the second meeting of the Advisory Group for Article 8(j) and Related Provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity. I am particularly pleased to welcome the representative from the Government of Brazil, a Party to the Convention with a part ...

Message from Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary, to International Conference in Defense of the Quality of the Night Sky and the Right to Observe the Stars.

We have not inherited this Earth but have simply borrowed it from our children. Yet our reckless and relentless exploitation is eroding our very resource base, jeopardizing the existence of life on Earth, including our own existence.

Statement delivered by Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, at the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law Research Workshop Ottawa, Canada, 19th April, 2007

By awarding in 2004 for the first time in its history the Nobel Peace Prize to Prof. Wangari Maathai, a well-know Kenyan environmental activist, the Nobel Committee has recognized the security component of the environment. At this historical occasion Mr Ole Danholt Mojs, the chairman of this p ...

Address by Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, to the Research Workshop of the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law, Ottawa, Canada, 19 April 2007

It’s a great honor to join you today and to be given the opportunity to address this important gathering of distinguished scholars from all over the world to discuss the conceptualization and planning of future research to be undertaken in the field of environmental law.

Contribution from Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, to the Seminar on Desertification and its Implications, 2 – 4 April 2007.

Dry and sub-humid ecosystems cover 47% of the Earth’s land surface. They are not barren land or dead landscapes; rather they contain a number of important well-adapted species. Indeed some of the world’s most important food crops originated in dry and sub-humid lands including wheat and olives. ...

Statement by Mr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity at the Opening of the Meeting on “Cities and Biodiversity: Achieving the 2010 Biodiversity Target”, Curitiba, Brazil, 26 March 2007.

When a family faces crises, it gets together and celebration of anniversaries is a good opportunity to provide a collective response to meet these challenges. As evidenced by the messages that we heard this morning humanity is facing unprecedented environmental challenges. The city of Curitiba ...

Message from Mr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary, on the Occasion of World Meteorological Day - 23 March 2007.

The third report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) confirms that man made emissions of greenhouse gases are responsible for fewer cold days, hotter nights, heat waves, floods, heavy rains, devastating droughts, and an increase in hurricane and tropical storm strength. The ...

Message from Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary, on the Occasion of World Water Day, 22 March, 2007.

Human activities have taken an enormous toll on global freshwater resources. The stresses we have placed upon fresh waters have resulted in them being in the poorest condition of all ecosystems. The second edition of the Global Biodiversity Outlook produced by the Secretariat of the Convention ...

Address by Dr Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, at the Opening of the Expert Meeting on the Further Strengthening of Links between Biodiversity and Climate Change, Montréal, Canada, 19 March 2007.

In the space of a few days, the south of “La Belle Province” has broken all temperature records. On 6 March, temperatures in Montréal reached minus 24.3 degrees Celsius, minus 39 degrees with the wind-chill factor. The previous record dated back to 1989, when the temperature was down to minus 2 ...

Biological Diversity and Cultural Diversity or the Components of Life on Earth, Address by Dr Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, to the 47th Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, Westin Hotel, Ottawa March 16th, 2007.

I would like to congratulate the Canadian Commission for UNESCO on its fiftieth anniversary at the service of the ideals of peace and justice through multilateral cooperation in the key areas of culture, science and education. The celebration of this important event could not have found a better ...

Message from Mr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary, on the Occasion of International Women’s Day, 8 March 2007

As major stakeholders in the Convention on Biological Diversity, women have a special relation with nature in general and biodiversity in particular. In most countries, the survival of women, their well-being and empowerment depend on biodiversity. For women in developing countries, particular ...

Message from Mr. Ahmed Djoghlaf to the International Expert Seminar on Indicators Relevant to Indigenous Peoples, the Convention on Biological Diversity and the MDGS, Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines, 5 March 2007

I wish to congratulate the Working Group on Indicators of the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB) and in particular, its Chair, Ms. Joji Carino, who has worked tirelessly in organizing this important seminar on the indicators relevant to indigenous peoples and the Convention on ...

Statement by Ahmed Djoghlaf at the Opening Ceremony of the 41st Meeting of the Chairmen/ Coordinators of the Group of 77 Chapters, Rome, 26 February 2007

The Group of 77 is the largest intergovernmental organization of developing states in the United Nations that provides the means for the developing countries to articulate and promote their collective economic interests and promote South-South cooperation for development. Since its establishmen ...

Message to Parliamentarians from Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf for the 13th General Assembly of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Conference on Environment and Development

On the occasion of the 13th General Assembly of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Conference on Environment and Development, I am pleased to offer my full support to the Conference and its important objectives, such as promoting awareness and understanding among Parliamentarians regarding susta ...

Speech by Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Montréal, 22 February 2007

“What you see is but a grain of mustard but, inspired by the spirit of faith of religion, it will grow and its branches will cover the Earth,” declared Paul de Chomedey, sieur de Maisonneuve, in 1641 at the founding of the City of Montréal. Gathered here today, 366 years later, in this prestigi ...

Statement by Mr. Ahmed Djoghlaf , Executive Secretary Convention on Biological Diversity , to the Symposium on Climate Change and the European Water Dimension Berlin, 12-14 February, 2007

Water is the basis of all life and our most valuable natural resource. Mr. Mostafa Tolba, the former Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, speaking over a decade ago, said, “We used to think that energy and water would be the critical issues for the next century. Now ...

Statement by Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, to the Twenty-Fourth Session of the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GC-24/GMEF), Nairobi, 7 February 2007

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment called for unprecedented efforts to achieve the 2010 biodiversity target. The 4,000 participants, including 95 ministers, who attended the eight meeting of the Conference of the Parties, held in Curitiba in March 2006, responded to this call for urgent action ...

Statement by Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, at the Meeting of the Network of Women Ministers of Environment, Nairobi, 7 February 2007

In the majority of countries, the survival of women, their well-being and empowerment depend on biodiversity. For women in developing countries, in particular in the least developed countries, their survival, and that of their households and communities, depends on access and control to natural ...

Statement by Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, at the Ministerial Panel Discussion on United Nations Reform at the Twenty-Fourth Session of the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GC-24/GMEF), Nairobi, 7 February 2007

In 1945, in San Francisco, the United Nations Organization was established in response to people’s cry for international peace and security in the aftermath of the most devastating war waged by humanity against itself. It was also established based on the strong conviction of its founders tha ...

Statement by Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, at the Ministerial Panel Discussion on Globalization and the Environment at the Twenty-fourth Session of the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GC-24/GMEF), Nairobi, 6 February 2007

Introduced in the early years of the European settlement as a stock for the fur industry, the Brushtail Possum has become today a major environmental, economic and cultural threat to New Zealand. At the kind invitation of the Honorable Winston Peter, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, I had the ...

Message from Mr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity, on the Occasion of World Wetlands Day

Marking the date of the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and celebrated each year on 2 February, World Wetlands Day is an important event for the biodiversity family as whole and for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in particular. The Ramsar Convention is the lead partn ...

Statement of the Executive Secretary on Mainstreaming Biodiversity into the Millennium Development Goals at the Biodiplomacy Course Lecture Series organized by UNU/IAS on 25 January 2007 in Yokohama, Japan

Biological diversity is the result of millions of years of evolution and comprises the totality of life on Earth. Ecosystems provide the essential requirements for life, protection from natural disasters and diseases and the very basis for human culture. Indeed biodiversity is not only an envir ...

Message from Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the Occasion of the Tenth Anniversary of the Entry into Force of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, 26 December, 2006

It is with great pleasure that I extend my congratulations to you and your staff, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), for the many achievements of the past 10 years. The successful world wide celebra ...

18th Council of Arab Ministers of the Environment, 19 - 20 December 2006, Algiers

Message from Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the Occasion of the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation, 19 December 2006

South-South cooperation has emerged as a powerful tool to enhance international cooperation for achieving sustainable development. The celebration by the international community of a United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation is recognition of the importance of such cooperation aimed at com ...

Message of Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, to the Participants in the First International Congress on Oasis and Sustainable Tourism, Elche, Spain, 14-16 December 2006.

I am very pleased to have an opportunity to commend the initiative of Spain, and the objectives of this event, to contribute to the preservation and promotion of the world’s oasis through the promotion of sustainable tourism. This congress comes towards the end of what the General Assembly of th ...

The Importance of Science in the Arab World for Achieving the 2010 Biodiversity Target.

Statement by Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, to the International Symposium on the Advancement of Science in the Arab World and Role of International Cooperation, Damascus, Syria, 12-13 December 2006. <br><br><table width=120> <tr><b>Other languages ...

Statement of the Executive Secretary at the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Tunisia, 9 December 2006, Tunis.

Statement from Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on International Mountain Day

What is common among the people living on the slopes of Java’s volatile mountains, the Tibetan Dropkas, the Curiosos in Canrey Chico in Peru, the women of Chinga village in Nepal, and the residents of Mount Kilimanjaro? Their lives are intricately connected to mountains, and their survival depen ...

Message of Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, to the Workshop on “ Biodiversity and Environmental Governance: Safeguarding Ecosystems for Human Well-being”.

I am glad that Winrock International India and the International Institute for Environment and Development are organizing a workshop on “ Biodiversity and Environmental Governance: Safeguarding Ecosystems for Human Well-being”.

Message From Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the Occasion of Universal Children’s Day, 20 November 2006

As we observe this important day of fraternity and understanding between children, let us not forget that one of the guiding principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child includes survival and development of the child. This includes rights to adequate food, shelter, clean water, forma ...

Statement by Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, at the Opening of the International Conference on the Implications of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, New Delhi, 20-22 November 2006

In this great megabiodiverse country, home to more than 89,000 animal species and some 47,000 plant species, including some 15,000 medicinal plants, it is pertinent to be addressing you on one of the key and most challenging issues facing the world community today—biosafety, which encompasses me ...

Joint Statement of the Convention on Biological Diversity and RAMSAR Convention, Delivered By Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, at the High-level Segment of the Twelfth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Nairobi, 15 november, 2006.

Human activities that impact on the natural functioning of the planet are seriously—and possibly irreversibly—jeopardizing the ability of ecosystems to meet the needs of future generations. Climate change has been identified as one of the most important drivers of the unprecedented rate of the l ...

Intervention de M. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Secrétaire exécutif de la Convention sur la diversité biologique, à la journée de célébration du 30ème anniversaire de la loi du 10 juillet 1976 relative à la protection de la nature, Paris, le 14 novembre 2006.

Statement by Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary Convention on Biological Diversity, at the Opening session of the Brainstorming Meeting on South-South Cooperation on Biodiversity, Montreal, 6 November 2006

Solidarity and unity are key features of the functioning of the Group of 77 and China as a institution that, since its establishment in 1964, has made a unique contribution to promoting multilateral cooperation for development. As such, the Group of 77 has always attached the highest importance ...

Statement by the Executive Secretary to the Second Committee to the General Assembly at its sixty-first session under agenda Item 53: Sustainable Development. New York , 25 October 2006

In considering the report of the Curitiba meetings that, for the first time in my capacity as the new Executive Secretary of Convention, I have the honour of formally introducing, your august assembly, as the supreme body of the United Nations, has a unique opportunity to respond to the call for ...

Statement by Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, to the Second Intergovermental Review Meeting of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA), Beijing, 16-20 October 2006

It is a great pleasure and honour to address the Second Intergovernmental Review Meeting of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA).

An investment in biodiversity is also an investment in agriculture and food security

Message of Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of World Food Day 2006

Intervention du Dr Ahmed Djoghlaf, Secrétaire exécutif de la Convention sur la diversité biologique au symposium « Diversité culturelle, identités et mondialisation » organisé par l’Association internationale de science politique (AISP), Montréal, le 12 octobre 2006

La diversité biologique et la diversité culturelle ou les éléments constitutifs de la vie sur terre

Message from Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the Occasion of the World Habitat Day, 2 October 2006

As we celebrate the theme “Cities, Magnets of Hope” on World Habitat Day 2006, we call upon all stakeholders, including citizens, non governmental organizations, the private sector, local and national authorities, to work together to ensure that cities are sustainable and inclusive.

Statement by Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, to the 17th Meeting of the Secretariat of the Pacific Environment Programme, Noumea, New Caledonia, 11 to 15 September 2006

The Pacific region and its islands are faced with a responsibility beyond their usual means. You are the guardians of the world’s largest ocean and its critical living resources, yet the means at your disposal and the geographical circumstances of the region make it especially challenging to bea ...