AUSTRALIA’S PLEDGE FOR NATURE COMES AT A CRUCIAL TIME

The World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia applauds the Australian Government for signing the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature and committing to reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Australia’s endorsement of the pledge today as part of an event taking place on the sidelines of the 77^th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

With the endorsement, Australia joins leaders from more than 90 countries and the EU who have pledged to reverse nature loss this decade.

“The newly elected government promised Australians that the environment was back as a priority, and this commitment sends that signal to the world,” said WWF-Australia’s CEO, Dermot O’Gorman.

“We look forward to working with the government to ensure this pledge translates into action that helps regenerate Australia and supports our neighbours in the Asia Pacific."

“Australia’s internationally prized landscapes are deteriorating. Our deforestation and mammal extinction rates are among the highest in the developed world, and raise the very real spectre of losing iconic species like the koala in Eastern Australia."

“We are on the front line of the escalating nature crisis and we can play a global leadership role in addressing it.”

Countries that have endorsed the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature have committed to take action in ten areas that will benefit nature and sustainable development.

These include efforts to reduce deforestation, halt unsustainable fishing practices, crack down on illegal wildlife trafficking, eliminate the dumping of plastic waste in oceans, and begin the transition to sustainable food production systems and a circular economy.

“Now is the crucial time for leaders to step up and deliver on this pledge,” said Mr O’Gorman.

“That should begin with an ambitious agreement from governments to protect our wildlife and wild places and tackle the drivers of nature loss at the COP15 UN biodiversity conference in Montreal in December."

“Australia has a seat at the table to establish a Paris-style agreement for nature. We can help lead the global effort to reverse biodiversity decline and secure a future that benefits both people and nature.”