Ahead of the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16), the Government of Bangladesh, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) have partnered to improve the sustainable management of critical wetland ecosystems by launching two new projects. A signing ceremony was held on Thursday at the NEC-II conference room, Economic Relations Division, where UNDP and the Government of Bangladesh signed two agreements to launch the projects titled “Community-based Management of Tanguar Haor Wetland in Bangladesh” and “Implementing Ecosystem-based Management in Ecologically Critical Areas (ECA) in Bangladesh,” both funded by GEF. The agreements were signed by Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative, Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change; and Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division. The projects aim to address some of Bangladesh's most urgent environmental challenges by promoting the sustainable use of wetland resources by local communities, conserving globally significant biodiversity, and enhancing ecosystem services. Shahriar Kader Siddiky stated, "We must explore more global funding opportunities to conserve biodiversity and restore ecologically critical ecosystems. It's essential to engage local communities in the co-management of these ecosystems and ensure that conservation of natural ecosystems and biodiversity is a key consideration in any civil infrastructure projects." Dr. Farhina Ahmed stressed, "We need to reform land management for sustainable wetlands, involving local communities instead of traditional leasing. Responsible tourism is also key to protecting critical ecosystems." She added, "While climate change gets much attention, we must also focus on protecting biodiversity and improving environmental governance. This is a priority for us." Stefan Liller, in his remarks, said, "While Bangladesh has made commendable strides in climate adaptation and ecosystem restoration, the ongoing environmental challenges demand our collective and innovative efforts. UNDP remains steadfast in its partnership with the Government, particularly the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. “Together, we've mobilized approximately $362 million from the GEF to support sustainable development projects aligned with national priorities,” he further added. Senior government officials and UNDP representatives, along with others, attended the event. This collaborative effort highlights the commitment of both UNDP and the Government of Bangladesh to protect the nation's biodiversity and promote sustainable development.

The recent sightings of Russell's vipers in rural areas and urban outskirts of Bangladesh have led to increased fear among the public. Widespread rumours have further led to misinformation, misguiding people and causing panic. To address this, it is crucial to evaluate facts about the snake, ensuring communities are better prepared to handle abrupt encounters. Let's go over facts, myths, and the origin of Russell's viper. Introducing Russell's Viper This venomous snake, known scientifically as ‘Daboia russelii’, belongs to the family Viperidae. The species was named in honor of Patrick Russell, a Scottish herpetologist renowned for his pioneering descriptions of many snakes native to India. The genus name, ‘Daboia’, is derived from a Hindi word meaning ‘that lies hid’ or ‘the lurker’. However, recent studies have reclassified these South Asian snakes as a separate species, ‘Daboia siamensis’. The type locality is specifically listed as Coromandel Coast, India, as inferred by Russell in 1796. This southeastern coastal region of the Indian subcontinent borders the Bay of Bengal, where Bangladesh is also located. In Bangladesh, the snake is known as ‘Chandrabora’. Originally, this viper was primarily found in the Barendra region of Bangladesh. However, its range has expanded significantly to include areas along the banks of the Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna rivers. The spread of this snake has caused widespread panic in numerous regions, including Barishal, Patuakhali, Manikganj, Faridpur, Shariatpur, Chandpur, and even villages on the outskirts of Dhaka. Presently, this venomous reptile is reported in at least 25 districts across Bangladesh. Read more: Locals rush to catch Russell’s vipers after bounty announcement by Faridpur AL leader Russell's Viper: Myth vs. Reality False information regarding this viper has been spreading across social media platforms, causing extensive public panic in Bangladesh. These misleading posts have generated significant misconceptions about the snake and its prevalence. However, the facts differ greatly from these rumors. Let's explore the most popular myths and the truths behind them. Native or Non-native to Bangladesh? Contrary to popular belief, Russell’s viper is native to Bangladesh as well as other countries in Southeast Asia. It was initially described in 1797 by English naturalist George Shaw and illustrator Frederick Polydore Nodder. According to the article ‘Russell's Viper (Daboia russelii) in Bangladesh: Its Boom and Threat to Human Life’, of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh Science in 2018, two species of these snakes exist globally. Daboia Russelii is found in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, whereas Daboia siamensis inhabits China, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Taiwan. The species was classified as 'critically endangered' in 2000 and remained 'near-threatened' at least until 2015 in Bangladesh by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Read more: What to do when you encounter a Russell's Viper: Environment Ministry issues guidelines Chasing People to Bite? In 2021, Mongabay published a research paper titled ‘Tracking Russell's viper in rural Karnataka unravels their behavior’, authored by organismal biologist Xavier Glaudas. Throughout his study, Glaudas had numerous close encounters with these vipers, yet remarkably, he was never bitten. He attributed this to the snake's tendency to remain concealed within vegetation. These vipers typically exhibit immobility when approached, occasionally retreating deeper into foliage or retracting their heads for camouflage.

Zero waste is not just a trend; it is a movement towards sustainability and environmental responsibility. March 30 marks International Zero Waste Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about waste management and sustainable living practices. This concept extends beyond individual actions to encompass a holistic approach involving communities, businesses, and policymakers. What is Zero Waste and Zero Waste Movement? Zero waste is a philosophy aiming to eliminate trash. It is a lifestyle that focuses on minimising waste generation and resource depletion. It advocates redesigning resource life cycles so that all products are reused or recycled, leaving no waste to be sent to landfills or incinerators.  In 2008, the term "Zero Waste" primarily referred to industrial and municipal waste management methods. However, Bea Johnson, a French American adopted this concept for her household. By 2009, she began documenting her journey on the Zero Waste Home blog, gaining recognition when featured in The New York Times in 2010. Read more: Eight ways to overcome waste pollution crisis The zero waste movement promotes sustainable practices, such as reducing consumption, reusing items, recycling materials, composting organic waste, and refusing single-use products. By embracing these principles, individuals, communities, and businesses can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future, where resources are conserved, pollution is reduced, and ecosystems are protected.

For centuries, brick kilns, characterised by fiery chimneys and billowing smoke, have played a key role in the construction industry. Despite their contribution in providing essential building materials, their operations entail harmful impacts on human health, biodiversity and environment.  What is a Brick Kiln? A brick kiln is a specialised facility used in the production of bricks, fundamental building blocks for construction. These kilns play a vital role in shaping the urban landscape. The process involves heating clay or other materials in furnaces to create bricks and contributes to the growth of infrastructure. However, the traditional methods employed in brick kilns can have environmental and health consequences, making it imperative to explore sustainable alternatives and technologies. Impacts of Brick Kiln on Health Particulate Matter Emissions Brick kilns pose a major health risk due to the emission of particulate matter, including pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Inhaling these pollutants can irritate the lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure may contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  Read more: 9 illegal brick kilns shut down, fined Tk 47 lakh in Sirajganj Respiratory Issues  Prolonged exposure to emissions from brick kilns can lead to a range of respiratory problems. From workers within the kilns to residents in nearby communities, the inhalation of pollutants can result in asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments. Occupational Health Risks Workers directly involved in brick kiln operations face occupational health risks due to exposure to high temperatures, dust, and pollutants. Adequate safety measures and protective equipment are crucial to mitigating these risks. Cardiovascular Problems  Brick kiln fumes, laden with pollutants, can obstruct arteries, elevate blood pressure, and disturb heart rhythms. These adverse effects heighten the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, underlining the severe cardiovascular risks associated with exposure.  Read more: 4 brick kilns shut down for polluting air in South Keraniganj Skin Problems  Dust and irritants emanating from brick kilns inflict skin torment on workers, causing rashes, itching, and burns. The daily grind leaves exposed skin raw, rendering workers vulnerable and uncomfortable in their work environment.  Cancer  Inhaling brick kiln fumes conceal invisible dangers, harbouring carcinogens that escalate cancer risks over time. Exposed workers face heightened threats of lung, skin, and other cancers, emphasising the risks associated with prolonged exposure.

In an exclusive and wide-ranging interview with UNB, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury (SHC) shares insights on the priorities and challenges with which he steps into his new role. The interview took place in the minister’s office at the Secretariat earlier this week: UNB: What do you see as challenges facing the ministry? SHC: I think coordinating with all the ministries to protect the environment, or to control water, air and noise pollution, is the biggest challenge. Because, the Department of Environment only sets the standards. As a ministry, we identify problems. But enforcement is not solely our responsibility. Various ministries and departments of the government need to work collaboratively on this matter. When it comes to dealing with climate change, many other departments of the government, and a number of ministries such as food, water resources, commerce, local government, industry, are involved. So the government has to take that overall responsibility. We work on the coordination efforts. UNB: What will be your first priority? SHC: First of all, we are emphasising on identifying how much capacity we have to work on the issues. Does the ministry and agencies under it have the requisite capacity for certain tasks? The name of our ministry is the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Biodiversity is a big issue that needs focus, but it's not in the ministry structure. Therefore, the capacity of the ministry is important to identify. UNB: Bangladesh is one of the most affected countries due to climate change. What plans do you have in this field? SHC: Climate change is one of the three issues of the ministry. It's global, we have no hand in it. But we are the most affected. Our strategy is to do as much as we can to reduce the effects of climate change and stand on the side of people. Although we do not have control over carbon emissions, we are not getting the amount of money we are supposed to get. Developed countries or donors do not keep the promises they made in terms of funding. Proper use of the limited money given to them has to be ensured. We have to implement the action plans that we have in the field of climate change with transparency and cost-effectiveness. Though Bangladesh is not responsible for climate change, it is one of the worst sufferers of the adverse impacts of climate change. We will work to build global public opinion against climate change. True sustainable development is not possible without the development of the environment. Therefore, the policies and ideals of Bangladesh will have to be implemented to protect the environment. Despite various global economic and environmental problems, we will work under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to provide a livable environment and a better life to the people of Bangladesh. Read more: Macron says France will sign agreement with Bangladesh to finance climate-change adaptation, loss and damage in first half of 2024 UNB: What plans do you have to protect the environment? SHC: We're facing a lot of challenges in the environment. Every year many people die prematurely due to air pollution. Years are being lost from our lives, productivity is being destroyed. There is nothing new to say about it. So when we talk about sustainable development, the issue of the environment comes into the mainstream. River pollution is a major challenge. Hills are being destroyed. How do we take effective action there? Everyone says it has to stop. But how? ETP plans have been installed in various places. In reality, we have seen that in many cases ETP plans are not maintained. It is launched just before the inspector’s visit. And even if they find violations, the penalty is not punitive enough. It needs to be updated. I will say though, that the environment and forests are completely under our control. We can't blame anyone else for that. If there is any pollution in these two cases, we are solely responsible for it. Deforestation occurs on a greater scale in Bangladesh than in the rest of the world. So one of the focus points is the conservation of the forest. Another is the restoration of encroached forests. If the forested area can be expanded, that's also a big deal. The forest is not just a tree, it is also about biodiversity. The whole ecosystem is related. While doing development work, many people say that if 5,000 trees are cut, we will plant 50,000 trees. But that can never actually compensate for what is lost. Because it's not just a tree, it's biodiversity. UNB: How do you plan to ensure proper use and transparency of climate funds? SHC: We will ensure that the allocated money actually reaches the affected people. Maximum efforts will be made to bring allocation from the International Loss and Damage Fund at the earliest, followed by its maximum utilisation, and we will ensure transparency in the use of climate fund money. UNB: Brick kilns are responsible for the majority of air pollution in the capital, which regularly features near the top of the world’s most polluted cities. Do you have any specific plan to address this, as well as the damage they cause to the environment? SHC: Effective measures will be taken against air pollution to protect public health. To this end, legal action will be taken against the air polluting brick kilns. Work will be done in coordination with the concerned ministries and agencies to control air pollution in Dhaka city. Other factors responsible for air pollution will also be controlled on a scientific basis. ‘Brick Kiln Tracker’ will be used to help identify environmental pollutants and illegal brick kilns and take appropriate legal actions against them. As a result, it will be easy to stop illegal activities by identifying the harmful brick kilns on priority basis. As a result, it will be possible to reduce air pollution caused by brick kilns. The Department of Environment and National University of Singapore (NUS) have jointly developed the Brick Kiln Tracker based on IT and remote sensing technology. With the help of this latest technology using Artificial Intelligence, the monitoring and enforcement activities of the Department of Environment will be strengthened and successful. UNB: What initiatives will you take to ease the process of obtaining environmental clearance, that has become a cumbersome process for citizens? SHC: All necessary initiatives will be taken so that people can get services in time. We plan to simplify the process of obtaining environmental clearance certificates to reduce public suffering. At the same time no irregularities will be tolerated in the issuance of clearance. UNB: What can we expect in the upcoming 100-day work plan? SHC: The 100-day action plan will be announced next week. A 100-day work plan will be implemented incorporating various priority activities of the ministry. In particular, necessary steps will be taken to solve the problems of air pollution, noise pollution, water pollution, plastic-polythene pollution and hill cutting. Bangladesh Awami League's election manifesto and Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan will be implemented on priority basis. The law will be properly implemented for sustainable development and prevention of forest encroachment.  International funding will be attempted. We will work to take the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change to number 1 (among all the ministries) in terms of performance. Transparency and accountability will be established in the activities of the ministry. Besides, active participation of the concerned ministries and departments is needed to prevent environmental pollution, so we will work in coordination with other ministries. Read more: Hasina’s return to power will be welcomed in Global South: Policy analyst Kugelman

The government has taken a special programme to protect the biodiversity of the Halda River, said Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin on Wednesday. “An action plan will be prepared to implement this programme and once it is implemented, it can be possible to protect biodiversity of 94 kilometer areas of the river,” he said while talking to reporters after attending the 2nd meeting of National Biodiversity Committee, held at the Secretariat. Not only of the Halda River, the government is working to protect the biodiversity of all regions of the country, said Shahab. He also stressed the need for cooperation of people from all walks of life to protect biodiversity. Deputy Minister of the Ministry Begum Habibun Nahar, Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Additional Secretary (Environment) Sanjay Kumar Bhowmik, Director General of Department of Environment Dr. Abdul Hamid, Chief Conservator of Forests Department of Forests Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury and representatives of various ministries, departments and research institutes spoke at the meeting. Read more: Neglect endangering red-listed dolphins in Halda River After receiving the recommendation by the technical committee of the Ministry of Health, It has been decided to send the Vibrio cholerae biological sample responsible for cholera disease to The Wellcome Sanger Institute in Britain as per ICDDRB's request for joint research.  Findings from this research will enable Bangladesh to conduct advanced research on the cholera genome that will help eliminate cholera.          

United Nations members gather Monday in New York to resume efforts to forge a long-awaited and elusive treaty to safeguard the world's marine biodiversity. Nearly two-thirds of the ocean lies outside national boundaries on the high seas where fragmented and unevenly enforced rules seek to minimize human impacts. The goal of the U.N. meetings, running through March 3, is to produce a unified agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of those vast marine ecosystems. The talks, formally called the Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, resume negotiations suspended last fall without agreement on a final treaty. “The ocean is the life support system of our planet,” said Boris Worm, a marine biologist at Canada’s Dalhousie University. “For the longest time, we did not feel we had a large impact on the high seas. But that notion has changed with expansion of deep sea fishing, mining, plastic pollution, climate change,” and other human disturbances, he said. The U.N. talks will focus on key questions, including: How should the boundaries of marine protected areas be drawn, and by whom? How should institutions assess the environmental impacts of commercial activities, such as shipping and mining? And who has the power to enforce rules? “This is our largest global commons,” said Nichola Clark, an oceans expert who follows the negotiations for the nonpartisan Pew Research Center in Washington, D.C. “We are optimistic that this upcoming round of negotiations will be the one to get a treaty over the finish line.” The aim of the talks is not to actually designate marine protected areas, but to establish a mechanism for doing so. “The goal is to set up a new body that would accept submissions for specific marine protected areas,” Clark said. Marine biologist Simon Ingram at the University of Plymouth in England says there's an urgent need for an accord. “It’s a really pressing time for this — especially when you have things like deep-sea mining that could be a real threat to biodiversity before we’ve even been able to survey and understand what lives on the ocean floor,” Ingram said. Experts say that a global oceans treaty is needed to actually enforce the U.N. Biodiversity Conference's recent pledge to protect 30% of the planet's oceans, as well as its land, for conservation. “We need a legally binding framework that can enable countries to work together to actually achieve these goals they've agreed to,” said Jessica Battle, an expert on oceans governance at World Wide Fund for Nature U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Monica Medina said the treaty was a priority for the country. “This agreement seeks to create, for the first time, a coordinated approach to establishing marine protected areas on the high seas,” she said. "It’s time to finish the job.” Officials, environmentalists and representatives of global industries that depend on the sea are also watching negotiations closely. Gemma Nelson, a lawyer from Samoa who is currently an Ocean Voices fellow at the University of Edinburgh, said that small Pacific and Caribbean island countries were “especially vulnerable to global ocean issues,” such as pollution and climate change, which generally they did not cause nor have the resources to easily address. “Getting the traditional knowledge of local people and communities recognized as valid” is also essential to protect both ecosystems and the ways of life of Indigenous groups, she said. With nearly half the planet's surface covered by high seas, the talks are of great importance, said Gladys Martínez de Lemos, executive director of the nonprofit Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense focusing on environmental issues across Latin America. “The treaty should be strong and ambitious, having the authority to establish high and fully protected areas in the high seas,” she said. “Half of the world is at stake these weeks at the United Nations.”

Although coastal and freshwater wetlands – such as swamps, mangroves and marshes – contain 40 percent of all plant and animal species, many are polluted or degraded due to climate change and human development. On World Wetlands Day Thursday, the UN called for urgent action to revive and restore these ecosystems, which are disappearing three times faster than forests. Wetlands cover roughly six percent of the Earth's land surface and are vital for human health, food supply, tourism and jobs.  More than a billion people worldwide depend on them for their livelihoods, while their shallow waters and abundant plant life support everything from insects to ducks to moose. Wetlands also play a crucial role in both achieving sustainable development and the fight against climate change.   They provide essential ecosystem services such as water regulation, and reducing the impact of flooding, for example. Peatlands, a particular type of vegetated wetland, store twice as much carbon as forests. However, over the past 200 years, wetlands have been drained to make way for farmland or infrastructure development, according to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Roughly 35 percent of all wetlands globally disappeared between 1970 and 2015, and the rate of loss has been accelerating since the year 2000. Depending on the amount of climate-related sea level rise, some 20 to 90 percent of current coastal wetlands could be gone by the end of the century, the UNEP said. Wetlands have also suffered more biodiversity loss than other land and marine ecosystems. Leticia Carvalho, head of the agency's Marine and Freshwater Branch, urged governments to end policies and subsidies that incentivise deforestation and wetlands degradation, and urgently focus on restoration. Read more: Historic biodiversity agreement reached at U.N. conference "At the same time, we must guide and drive investments to protect priority ecosystems, such as peatlands, and encourage the private sector to commit to deforestation and peatland-drainage-free supply chains," she added. Recently, governments have been stepping up efforts to protect wetlands.  At the UN Biodiversity Conference in December, countries agreed a landmark deal to protect a third of the planet's lands, coastal areas and inland waters by 2030. Action to restore wetlands is gathering momentum around the world. For example, China is developing the "sponge cities" concept, in the face of rapid urbanisation and intensified climate hazards, including flooding. Initiatives include "green" rooves, constructed wetlands and pavements that capture, slow down and filter stormwater.

Negotiators reached a historic deal at a U.N. biodiversity conference early Monday that would represent the most significant effort to protect the world’s lands and oceans and provide critical financing to save biodiversity in the developing world. The global framework comes a day before the United Nations Biodiversity Conference, or COP15, is set to end in Montreal. China, which holds the presidency at this conference, released a new draft earlier in the day that gave the sometimes contentious talks much-needed momentum. The most significant part of the agreement is a commitment to protect 30% of land and water considered important for biodiversity by 2030. Currently, 17% of terrestrial and 10% of marine areas are protected. “There has never been a conservation goal globally at this scale,“ Brian O’Donnell, the director of the conservation group Campaign for Nature, told reporters. “This puts us within a chance of safeguarding biodiversity from collapse ... We’re now within the range that scientists think can make a marked difference in biodiversity.” The draft also calls for raising $200 billion by 2030 for biodiversity from a range of sources and working to phase out or reform subsidies that could provide another $500 billion for nature. As part of the financing package, the framework calls for increasing to at least $20 billion annually by 2025 the money that goes to poor countries — or about double what is currently provided. That number would increase to $30 billion each year by 2030. Some advocates wanted tougher language around subsidies that make food and fuel so cheap in many parts of the world. The document only calls for identifying subsidies by 2025 that can be reformed or phased out and working to reduce them by 2030. Read: UN chief appeals for more fund from developed countries to help preserve biodiversity “The new text is a mixed bag,” Andrew Deutz, director of global policy, institutions and conservation finance for The Nature Conservancy, said. “It contains some strong signals on finance and biodiversity but it fails to advance beyond the targets of 10 years ago in terms of addressing drivers of biodiversity loss in productive sectors like agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure and thus still risks being fully transformational.” The ministers and government officials from about 190 countries have mostly agreed that protecting biodiversity has to be a priority, with many comparing those efforts to climate talks that wrapped up last month in Egypt. Climate change coupled with habitat loss, pollution and development have hammered the world’s biodiversity, with one estimate in 2019 warning that a million plant and animal species face extinction within decades — a rate of loss 1,000 times greater than expected. Humans use about 50,000 wild species routinely, and 1 out of 5 people of the world’s 8 billion population depend on those species for food and income, the report said. But they have struggled for nearly two weeks to agree on what that protection looks like and who will pay for it. The financing has been among the most contentions issues, with delegates from 70 African, South American and Asian countries walking out of negotiations Wednesday. They returned several hours later. Brazil, speaking for developing countries during the week, said in a statement that a new funding mechanism dedicated to biodiversity should be established and that developed countries provide $100 billion annually in financial grants to emerging economies until 2030. Read: UN chief calls for greater ambition to reverse biodiversity loss “All the elements are in there for a balance of unhappiness which is the secret to achieving agreement in U.N. bodies,” Pierre du Plessis, a negotiator from Namibia who is helping coordinate the African group, told The Associated Press. “Everyone got a bit of what they wanted, not necessarily everything they wanted. Let’s see if there is there is a spirit of unity.” Others praised the fact the document recognizes the rights of Indigenous communities. In past biodiversity documents, indigenous rights were often ignored and they rarely were part of the larger discussions other than a reference to their traditional knowledge. The framework would reaffirm the rights of Indigenous peoples and ensure they have a voice in any decision making. “It’s important for the rights of Indigenous peoples to be there, and while it’s not the exact wording of that proposal in the beginning, we feel that it is a good compromise and that it addresses the concerns that we have,” Jennifer Corpuz, a representative of the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity said. “We believe that it’s a good basis for us to be able to implement policy at the national level.” But the Wildlife Conservation Society and other environmental groups were concerned that the draft puts off until 2050 a goal of preventing the extinction of species, preserving the integrity of ecosystems and maintaining the genetic diversity within populations. They fear that timeline is not ambitions enough.

Developed countries must provide bold financial support for the countries of the Global South as custodians of the world's natural wealth, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said here on Tuesday. Addressing a ceremonial opening of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, Guterres said that international financial institutions and multilateral development banks must align their portfolios with the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. "We cannot expect developing countries to shoulder the burden alone," he said. Read: Peace is the only practical way to a better, fairer world for all: UN Chief The secretary-general also called for the implementation of national plans that would divert subsidies and tax breaks away from activities that can destroy nature, as well as the recognition and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities. He argued that the private sector should recognize that profit and protection go hand-in-hand. "It is up to us to accept responsibility for the damage we have caused, and take action to fix it. The deluded dreams of billionaires aside, there is no Planet B," said the secretary-general.