ICTs for Biological Diversity

This year, 2021, will be a year where the world evaluates the current state of biodiversity and sets the global agenda for biodiversity for the next decade through the adoption of a new global biodiversity framework. As we move toward this aim of creating a global vision for living in harmony with nature, there is a growing awareness of how important biodiversity is for people and the planet. On May 22, we celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2021 under the slogan “We’re part of the solution” to highlight the importance of biodiversity and the urgent need to accelerate action to halt the unprecedented degradation of natural habitats. While almost 25% of all species are at risk of going extinct mainly because of unsustainable human activities, biodiversity is essential for humanity and for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. From monitoring populations, collecting and analysing data, to raising public awareness, information and communication technologies (ICTs) can help build and sustain healthy ecosystems. This session highlighted some examples of innovative initiatives making use of ICTs for biodiversity conservation and showed how ICTs can be leveraged to overcome challenges and strengthen efforts to mobilize, create and drive solutions to achieve SDG 15