The United Nations Environment Assembly,
Reaffirming that the Convention on Biological Diversity establishes the objectives agreed on by the international community for the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources,
Underlining that the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity for the period 2011–2020 and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets are sustained in a 2050 vision in which biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits that are essential for all people,
Reaffirming the need to promote synergies between the biodiversity-related agreements,
Underlining that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes goals and targets to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and priority ecosystems for advancing social well-being, economic growth and environmental protection by applying integrated approaches,
Also underlining the importance of adopting and implementing policies and guidelines for the integration of the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in all relevant sectors to ensure the fulfilment of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity for the period 2011–2020 and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals,
1. Notes that the thirteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the eighth meeting of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the second meeting of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization will take place in Cancun, Mexico, from 4 to 17 December 2016 under the theme “Mainstreaming of biodiversity for well-being”;
2. Underlines that the thirteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity represents an opportunity to align, where appropriate, the plans, programmes and commitments adopted in the framework of those international instruments with the principles and approaches set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with the aim of revitalizing the political support to the efforts undertaken at all levels to achieve the sustainable management of natural resources;
3. Stresses that the integration of policies set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is an adequate approach to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in various sectors, including agriculture, forestry, fisheries and tourism, among others, which are interconnected, inter alia, with food security, economic growth, human health, the improvement of living conditions and the enjoyment of a healthy environment; and calls on Member States to promote the integrated approach in their national policies, taking into account different national realities, capacities and levels of development;
4. Expresses its gratitude and support to the Government of Mexico as host of the thirteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity and calls on all convened Parties to participate in a constructive manner to reach agreements that will contribute to the fulfilment of the objectives of the Convention.