1. Scientists issue grave warning on Hindu Kush Himalaya region’s collapse due to nature loss.
2. 130+ global experts convene in Kathmandu for IPBES nexus assessment.
3. Meeting aims to examine biodiversity, water, food, health linkages amid climate change.
New Delhi, Feb 06: Scientists issue a grave warning about the state of the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, calling it a biosphere on the brink of collapse due to extensive nature loss.
Key Meeting in Kathmandu
Over 130 global biodiversity experts gather in Kathmandu, Nepal, for the Third Lead Authors meeting of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) nexus assessment.
Understanding the Nexus
The meeting aims to examine the interconnectedness between food and water security, health, biodiversity, and climate change in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, spanning eight countries across 3,500 kilometers.
Urgent Call for Action
ICIMOD, the host of the meeting, emphasizes the urgent need for bold action and financial support to prevent further deterioration of the region’s biodiversity and ecosystems.
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Catastrophic Losses
Experts describe the alarming rate of nature and habitat loss in the region, with 70% of the original biodiversity lost over the last century. This loss poses a threat not only to wildlife but also to human societies.
Human Impact
With around 241 million people residing in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, 31% of whom are food insecure, the crisis extends beyond environmental concerns to include human livelihoods and well-being.
Prioritizing Investment
Experts stress the critical need for increased investment to fund efforts to reverse nature loss and prevent species extinction in the region. They urge the international community to prioritize funding to prevent the collapse of these fragile ecosystems.
Moving Forward
Efforts are underway to enhance understanding of the complex relationships between biodiversity, water, food, and health, to identify policy options and to foster collaboration across sectors to address the crisis.
