Messages from our Peers
Biodiversity Strategy Office
Ministry of the Environment
Government of Japan
I would like to first express my deepest respect to the companies participating in JBIB for jointly engaging in activities that are contributing to the conservation of biodiversity both within Japan and abroad.
As you are all aware, the global biodiversity targets to succeed the Aichi Biodiversity Targets are now under review. These targets were to be decided at CBD COP15, which was scheduled to be held in October 2020.
Due to COVID-19, however, the conference was postponed to 2021. But through the utilization of current technologies centering on online discussions, we are striving to advance the examination process.
Current technologies have, in this way, greatly transformed the international decision-making process. Such technologies also have enormous potential for utilization in the conservation of biodiversity and its sustainable use.
The draft of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, which is currently under review, includes matters that are closely related to the production activities of companies, such as reducing pollutants and mitigating impacts on biodiversity within the supply chain.
There are still many Japanese technologies that can be used to help achieve the global biodiversity goals. These include technologies for maximum effective use of natural resources to eliminate waste, and survey technologies essential for the formulation of business plans to reduce impacts on the natural environment.
Taking to heart the contents of the IPBES Global Assessment Report and GBO5, in the process of examining the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, greater focus than ever before is being placed on reducing the impacts of economic activities on biodiversity.
I hope that Japanese companies will not view the new targets as constraints, but will consider the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework as a valuable opportunity to use their technologies to help achieve the targets and also develop their corporate activities, thereby promoting a virtuous cycle for biodiversity and the economy.