Belgrade, October 12, 2023 – In commemoration of the 20th anniversaryth On the anniversary of the Carpathian Convention, environment ministers and senior officials of the Carpathian countries adopted, among other decisions, the Carpathian Biodiversity Framework at the Seventh Conference of the Parties (COP7) in Belgrade, Serbia. The new framework is a comprehensive instrument to support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at the Carpathian level.
“The Carpathian Biodiversity Framework is an important tool for translating global goals into action by various stakeholders in the region. Serbia is proud to contribute to this transformative initiative,” said Serbian Environment Minister of Protection Irena Vujovic said. “Let us work together to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and build a sustainable Carpathian region. We are confident that we can secure the system.”
The Carpathian Treaty, which includes the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Ukraine, was established in 2003 to protect Europe’s second-largest mountain range, home to around 4,000 plant species and Europe’s largest virgin forest. Established. Europe. It is also home to the continent’s richest population of large carnivores. The Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention is hosted by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
“We should celebrate the progress of the past 20 years. But we cannot rest on our laurels. A potentially devastating combination of climate change, nature loss and pollution is putting new pressures on the Carpathian region. ” said UNEP Deputy Executive Director Elizabeth Mulema. “We are pleased that the Carpathian Convention is strengthening its collaboration with other biodiversity and chemicals agreements to implement the global biodiversity framework in a comprehensive and integrated manner. Masu.”
At COP7, the Environment Ministers of Serbia and Romania approved the establishment of a transboundary Ramsar site in the Djerdap Valley (Iron Gate) National Park on the Danube River. This wetland straddles the border between Serbia and Romania.
Forest ecosystems are a precious resource of the Carpathian Mountains and have rich ecological, economic and cultural values. At the conference, an assessment of climate change risks and adaptation options for the Carpathian forest ecosystem and its services was presented. Another highlight of COP7 was Inventory of primeval forests of the CarpathiansIn an official declaration, ministers further encouraged governments by calling this “an important step towards strengthening the protection of Europe’s few remaining virgin forests.” “Expand the inventory to include other Carpathian forests with varying degrees of naturalness. ”
Carpathian Ministers called for new initiatives to achieve the Carpathian Vision 2050, which states that by 2050, “Carpathia will be a prosperous and sustainable region where people live in harmony with nature.” The biodiversity and natural beauty of the Carpathians is preserved, restored and wisely used to provide a healthy environment and essential ecosystem services for all people in the region and beyond. ”
Representatives of the Carpathian countries also recognized the need to tackle air, water and soil pollution, with a particular focus on combating plastic pollution in the region’s waterways.
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About the Carpathians
The Carpathians provide essential ecosystem services for millions of people living within and beyond the region and contribute to the health of diverse landscapes. In addition to being home to the headwaters of major rivers, the region is also a biodiversity hotspot in Europe, home to some of Europe’s last remaining virgin forests and large carnivores such as lynx, brown bears and wolves. It is home to the largest population of animals.
About the Carpathian Treaty
The Carpathian Convention, a multilateral environmental agreement, brings together the seven Carpathian countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Ukraine) in a unique partnership to protect the natural and cultural heritage of the Carpathian region while ensuring sustainable development. Promote development. The Convention provides an open forum for discussions between different stakeholders, a framework for cross-sectoral and cross-border cooperation, and a cross-border strategy for the protection and sustainable development of the Carpathian region. , provides a platform for developing and implementing programs and projects.
About the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)
UNEP is the world’s leading voice on the environment. Demonstrate leadership in environmental stewardship by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve the quality of life without compromising the quality of life of future generations. Encourage partnerships.
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Alejandro Laguna, UNEP European Communications Director
United Nations Environment Program News and Media Unit
