Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My Department is aware of the recent Living Planet Report 2018, which is the latest to highlight global declines in biodiversity in very stark terms. I am concerned about any decline in species, as well as any loss of habitats around the world. Biodiversity loss is an enormous challenge that requires a concerted response from the global community. The UN Convention on Biological Diversity, CBD, is the key international agreement underpinning international co-operation on biodiversity and, as noted in the Living Planet report, it is the appropriate body for such a global agreement.

My Department will be represented at the Conference of the Parties which will take place in Egypt later this month. The main work of this conference is to achieve the groundwork for the post-2020 framework for tackling biodiversity loss and this has been the subject of lengthy discussions between the EU member states during this year. In addition to the overarching framework of the CBD, there are a number of targeted agreements that Ireland and our colleagues across the EU actively participate in with a view to meeting the challenges presented by the loss of species and habitats around the world. These agreements include the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, CITES. The CITES agreement is instrumental in tackling, on a global level, the continued threat posed by illicit trade to vulnerable and endangered species, including rhinos, elephants, sharks and rosewood. It should be noted that protecting species also helps preserve the habitats they live in for future generations.

The 18th Conference of the Parties for CITES will take place next year in Sri Lanka. EU member states, including Ireland, are beginning preparations so that a strong and coherent pro-conservation position can be presented at the conference negotiations on behalf of the EU and its member states.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

Efforts to achieve global consensus on tackling biodiversity loss are complementary to existing agreements on climate change. The impacts of climate change on biodiversity are significant and detailed consideration is given to this issue in the context of discussions at EU level and the CBD. Another important consideration is the effects of invasive alien species on native species and habitats. This issue is also being tackled on an international level, notably through the EU invasive alien species, IAS, regulation and frequent discussions, at scientific and policy levels between member states to best deal with the threats posed to biodiversity across the EU and also with a view to EU member states having their voices heard at a global level during the CBD Conference of the Parties and other international meetings.

The need for a coherent multilateral and multi-disciplinary approach to halting biodiversity loss is clear. I support the work of my Department in participating in efforts through a range of international agreements and conventions to make progress on this issue and I look forward to a productive and forward-looking outcome from the CBD Conference of the Parties later this month.

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