Following COP15, Saint Lucia recognised by UN

By Shanieka Smith

Staff Writer

December 16, 2022 – At the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) hosted in Montreal, the United Nations highlighted 10 major global initiatives and the role they are playing in restoring the planet. These initiatives are now recognized as World Restoration Flagships and are now able to receive funding, promotion and advice from the UN.

One of the recognized initiatives is the Small Island and Developing States Restoration drive with focus in Vanuatu, St Lucia and Comoros. The drive will work on restoring reefs and unique ecosystems in these islands to improve blue economic growth.

UNEP Executive Director, Inger Andersen said that “transforming our relationship with nature is the key to reversing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. These 10 inaugural World Restoration Flagships show that with political will, science, and collaboration across borders, we can achieve the goals of the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration and forge a more sustainable future not only for the planet but also for those of us who call it home.”

The joint efforts of the 10 flagships will not only help restore over 68 million hectares but also create some 15 million jobs.