Biodiversity is declining faster than at any other point in human history, and the risk of biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse was identified as one of the top five global threats of the next decade by the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Global Risks Report. The decline of biodiversity will have far-reaching economic and societal consequences, as it underpins all natural ecosystems and is an essential element of human wellbeing – sustaining Mondi’s packaging and paper business, as well as our economies and societies in which we are located¹. Ecosystems provide essential services that can impact livelihoods, income, local migration and even political conflict². In addition to all this, over half of the world’s GDP is either moderately or highly dependent on nature – $44 trillion of economic value generation³. And yet, nature continues to decline at unprecedented rates.
A global roadmap for biodiversity
Nations are increasingly recognising the importance of conserving biodiversity and accelerating actions, as seen at the 2022 United Nations Biodiversity Conference, otherwise known as COP15. The conference put a spotlight on biodiversity loss, as delegates, including myself, met to address this crisis. The conclusion of COP15 was the Global Biodiversity Framework – a global roadmap for the conservation, protection, restoration and sustainable management of biodiversity and ecosystems to 2030. The plan includes the aim to protect 30% of the planet’s land and sea by 2030 and lays out what is expected of businesses in the coming years.
Not only was COP15 an essential reminder of the role governments and businesses must play in conserving our natural ecosystems, but it also highlighted the importance of sustainable business models – like Mondi’s.
Biodiversity & sustainable forestry
Conserving biodiversity is an essential element of sustainable forest management. Forests cover 31% of the world’s total land area⁴ and perform vital ecological, economic and social functions at local, national, and global levels. Forests are also home to the vast majority of terrestrial species in the world. Therefore, the sustainable management of forests to provide renewable resources while protecting biodiversity plays a significant role in maintaining the natural equilibrium of our planet.