Mr. President,
Excellencies,

1) I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of G77 and China.

2) At the outset, allow me to express our appreciation for convening this interactive dialogue on “Harmony with Nature”.

3) We only have one planet, our common home, referred to as “Mother Earth” as a common expression in a number of countries and regions. If the current trend of biodiversity loss and environmental degradation continues, we would seriously jeopardize our existence on this planet.

4) The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of the relationship between people and the rest of nature, and it reminds us of profound consequences of eco-system degradation on our well-being and survival.

5) It is scientifically proven that the loss in biological diversity would pose a serious threat to our society, our culture, our prosperity, and our planet.

6) We must, therefore, take transformative actions to combat the root causes of biodiversity loss and climate change to save ourselves, and the living systems on which we all rely.

7) Policies and measures to recover from the pandemic and its impacts must therefore include, as an integral part, actions for eco-system restoration. Only this way we can build a more sustainable and resilient post-COVID-19 world.

Mr. President,

8) Over the last decade, several developments in ecological economics and earth-centered law have emerged linking planetary health with human well-being. These developments have gained visibility and momentum because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

9) To this end, the Group stresses the following principles and elements which we must take into account to lead a harmonious life with nature:

i. First, the Group stresses the importance of having new holistic metrics to complement gross domestic product as a measure of development progress. This can be done through building on existing initiatives, such as the ongoing work on the creation of MVI, to incorporate vulnerabilities of the developing countries into financial decision-making, including planning and policy and finance.

ii. Second, the Group also believes that a transformation of the financial system is needed to achieve sustainable development goals by 2030.

iii. Third, we also stress that, due to their historical responsibilities, developed countries must take lead through ambitious actions and commitment to ensure a swift global recovery, progress, and prosperity, with no one leaving behind.

iv. Fourth, support for developing countries in this regard must be enhanced through adequate cooperation, provision of financial and non-financial resources, strengthening of scientific knowledge, transfer of technology, capacity building, and through promotion of a rule-based and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system.

v. And fifth, we urge the international community to strengthen its efforts to counter the trends of biodiversity loss, climate change, and protect the Earth’s ecosystems, based on the “principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities”; and promote an environmentally conscious and sustainable lifestyle.

Mr. President,

10) The Group reiterates its support for the continuation of the dialogue on harmony with nature in the future recognizing the need to mobilize financial resources, including to the Voluntary Trust Fund, which is established for that purpose.

11) Finally, we call for the implementation of holistic and integrated approaches to sustainable development, in order to achieve a just balance among economic, social, and environmental needs of present and future generations, that will guide humanity to live in harmony with nature and will restore the health and integrity of the Earth’s ecosystems.

12) I thank you.