Biodiversity and its importance to the biotechnology industry

摘要

My presence here is an expression of UNEP's resolve to continue to strengthen its links with specific fora such as this, that enable us to seek and secure practical and scientific approaches that translate and carry forward the message of effective conservation and sustainable use of biological resources encapsulated in the biological diversity of our planet. Indeed, Chapter 31 of Agenda 21, the main outcome of the Rio Conference on Environment and Development, is devoted to the question of how the scientific and technological community can be mobilized to make a more open and effective contribution to decision-making processes concerning environment and development. Your Congress is one channel towards mobilizing technical and scientific knowledge for the public welfare. It is evident the goal of this conference is to place the biotechnology agenda of the Asia-Pacific region at the forefront, indeed, at the cutting edge, of the quest for sustainable resource use pathways that can lead to the rapid optimization of benefits derivable from conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity (or components thereof) in the full interests, welfare and enjoyment of not only the present but also the future generations of humankind. Bearing in mind the fact that 60% of the present global human population currently resides in this region, success in forging sustainable livelihoods for everyone in the region would have attained more than half of the global effort.