CGTN Interviews Linda Wong on Wetlands and Birds Conservation | CBD COP16 Observation

With the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) underway in Colombia, the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) is now a central global concern.

On Oct 31st 2024, CGTN interviewed Ms Linda Wong, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation and a member of the IUCN SSC Stork Ibis and Spoonbill Specialist Group, talking about the current status and pressing need for wetland and waterbird conservation, especially during the background of the COP16.

Wong emphasized the crucial role of wetlands in maintaining biodiversity, regulating climate, and providing essential ecosystem services. She expressed deep concern over the rapid decline of wetlands worldwide due to human activities such as pollution, overexploitation, and habitat destruction. Waterbirds, as indicator species, reflect the health of wetland ecosystems, and their declining populations are a cause for alarm.

The interview delved into the specific challenges facing wetland conservation, including habitat loss, pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Wong noted that these factors not only threaten waterbird populations but also impair the overall function of wetland ecosystems.

She emphasized the need for concerted efforts among the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity to secure the necessary funding and legislation for wetland conservation. Highlighting the intrinsic link between wetlands and biodiversity, Wong stressed that wetlands provide habitats for numerous species, making wetland conservation a cornerstone of biodiversity conservation and ecological balance. Through sound management, wetlands can continue to fulfill their ecological functions and safeguard global biodiversity.

Despite the challenges, Wong remains optimistic about the future of wetland conservation. She called for increased international cooperation, greater financial investment, and enhanced public awareness to address these issues. Wong also expressed hope that the COP16 would lead to more ambitious goals and commitments for wetland protection.

Moreover, as Linda Wong mentioned, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) extends beyond the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD); it is a global framework. Given the multitude of international conventions related to biodiversity, including the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, and the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, enhanced cooperation among these conventions and international law is essential to achieve the goals of the GBF.   

Credit: Heping Feiyu

(Please note: This article is a routine work record. It is for information only.)


Reporter: Wendy

Reviewer: Richard

Date: 2024-10-31

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