The ongoing Covid-19 global pandemic has exposed our fragility on a number of levels from supply chains, healthcare, financial and everything in between. But past spillovers from other major epidemics (i.e Ebola and Sars) from wildlife to human beings also served as important reminders that when we destroy biodiversity, we're destroying the ecosystems that support human life.
Conserving and restoring biodiversity – the variety and variability of life on Earth, from ecosystems to species – is not only essential for sustainable development but for the fabric of life.
From the swarms of locusts threatening food security for millions across the Middle East, East Africa and South Asia, to the Covid-19 pandemic – the interrelationship between the environment, species, habitats, ecosystems and human health is clear.
Our societies are fundamentally interlinked with, and depend on, biodiversity. And biodiversity is not only essential for the provision of food, clean water and medicines but also against the protection of extreme weather events.
Before we reach an irreversible tipping point, now is the time to act.
Having said that, the onus shouldn’t only be on governments as businesses must also act to help offset biodiversity loss.
With the world calling for a greener recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses too must address environmental issues such as biodiversity.
A report published last year by the World Economic Forum highlighted that several economic gains are made when moving towards a "nature-positive economy".
The business case for investing in nature to offset biodiversity loss and put it at the top of the post pandemic agenda is also strong.
A case in point is Nestlé, which is using nature-based solutions to help restore ecosystems and preserve water resources. Throughout its supply chain, the company plants trees under its reforestation programme, which not only contributes to boosting biodiversity but also provides water and nutrients to the crops around them.
In using this technique, farmers therefore use less water, achieve greater crop yields and are more resilient to extreme weather events. This not only benefits the company's bottom line but has a wider environmental impact. Corporates in the region should take note of this approach given the rise in water insecurity in the region.
Another example is Unilever, which has implemented several programmes across Indonesia and Malaysia to help achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal 15 – life on land. The company is working to stop deforestation and help restore and expand forested areas to "prevent the worst impacts of climate change and safeguard the world's biodiversity" in the Malaysian state of Sabah. It has already lost half of its tropical forest mainly due to the industrial agriculture of oil palms.
Global financial institutions are also weighing up the idea.
Just as the Paris Agreement led to an international awareness and commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, due to take place later this year, will likely lay the groundwork for similar efforts with a focus on biodiversity. A global call for businesses and financial institutions to also participate in these efforts will likely follow.
We've seen some evidence already last month when 37 financial firms signed up to the Finance for Biodiversity pledge, the first global financial industry effort of its kind. The signatories pledged to set targets and report on the impact their investments have on biodiversity.
Although biodiversity loss is inextricably linked with climate change, it’s a distinct environmental issue requiring specific solutions. The coronavirus could be a catalyst for key transformations needed in the region to better design climate solutions to deal with the looming biodiversity crisis.
Earlier this week at the One Planet Summit, world leaders convened over videoconference to discuss ways in which to better protect the world's biodiversity. And as governments renew their interests and commit to taking steps to offset biodiversity loss, they won't be able to deliver alone.
Biodiversity should also be a top environmental concern for businesses at the moment. Restoring and preserving nature can help tackle both the issue of biodiversity loss and climate change.
Further, addressing these issues simultaneously offers a number of benefits. In addition to improving water and food security, doing so would enhance resilience in the face of environmental, economic, health and social shocks. Over half of the world's GDP is moderately or highly dependent on nature so ignoring biodiversity could prove to be a risky business.
Maram Ahmed is a Senior Fellow at Soas, University of London.
SPECS
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HAJJAN
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Nepotism is the name of the game
Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
What it means to be a conservationist
Who is Enric Sala?
Enric Sala is an expert on marine conservation and is currently the National Geographic Society's Explorer-in-Residence. His love of the sea started with his childhood in Spain, inspired by the example of the legendary diver Jacques Cousteau. He has been a university professor of Oceanography in the US, as well as working at the Spanish National Council for Scientific Research and is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Biodiversity and the Bio-Economy. He has dedicated his life to protecting life in the oceans. Enric describes himself as a flexitarian who only eats meat occasionally.
What is biodiversity?
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, all life on earth – including in its forests and oceans – forms a “rich tapestry of interconnecting and interdependent forces”. Biodiversity on earth today is the product of four billion years of evolution and consists of many millions of distinct biological species. The term ‘biodiversity’ is relatively new, popularised since the 1980s and coinciding with an understanding of the growing threats to the natural world including habitat loss, pollution and climate change. The loss of biodiversity itself is dangerous because it contributes to clean, consistent water flows, food security, protection from floods and storms and a stable climate. The natural world can be an ally in combating global climate change but to do so it must be protected. Nations are working to achieve this, including setting targets to be reached by 2020 for the protection of the natural state of 17 per cent of the land and 10 per cent of the oceans. However, these are well short of what is needed, according to experts, with half the land needed to be in a natural state to help avert disaster.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Ticket prices
General admission Dh295 (under-three free)
Buy a four-person Family & Friends ticket and pay for only three tickets, so the fourth family member is free
Buy tickets at: wbworldabudhabi.com/en/tickets
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
World Cup League Two
Results
Oman beat Nepal by 18 runs
Oman beat United States by six wickets
Nepal beat United States by 35 runs
Oman beat Nepal by eight wickets
Fixtures
Tuesday, Oman v United States
Wednesday, Nepal v United States
SM Town Live is on Friday, April 6 at Autism Rocks Arena, Dubai. Tickets are Dh375 at www.platinumlist.net
The years Ramadan fell in May
SWEET%20TOOTH
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Profile Box
Company/date started: 2015
Founder/CEO: Mohammed Toraif
Based: Manama, Bahrain
Sector: Sales, Technology, Conservation
Size: (employees/revenue) 4/ 5,000 downloads
Stage: 1 ($100,000)
Investors: Two first-round investors including, 500 Startups, Fawaz Al Gosaibi Holding (Saudi Arabia)
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
Results
6.30pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah – Group 2 (PA) $36,000 (Dirt) 1,600m, Winner: RB Money To Burn, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Turf) 2,410m, Winner: Star Safari, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
7.40pm: Meydan Trophy – Conditions (TB) $50,000 (T) 1,900m, Winner: Secret Protector, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
8.15pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 - Group 2 (TB) $293,000 (D) 1,900m, Winner: Salute The Soldier, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass
8.50pm: Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,800m, Winner: Zakouski, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) $65,000 (T) 1,000m, Winner: Motafaawit, Sam Hitchcock, Doug Watson
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
The%20specs
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Crime%20Wave
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Company%20Profile
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Specs%20
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Company%20profile
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Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
