G7-Elmau-Progress-Report-2015-Biodiversity-A-vital-foundation-for-sustainable-development

G7 ELMAU PROGRESS REPORTVIIFOREWORDWithout intact ecosystems and biodiversity, there can beno good life and no future for humankind on our planet.Ecosystems are not just living environments and spaces ofrecreation for us. They are also an important resource, forinstance for producing food and medicinal substances.Intact ecosystems protect us from flooding, prevent erosionand foster soil formation. They regulate the Earth’s climatesystem and its water and nutrient cycles. Often, intelligentsolutions from our natural environment serve as modelsfor materials, technologies and processes that we use on adaily basis. Not least, the jobs and livelihoods of billions ofpeople depend on ecosystems – especially those of poorpeople.But these vital resources for the survival of current andfuture generations can only be protected if we halt the continuingdestruction of biodiversity. Ecosystems are comingunder increasing pressure as a result of population growthand non-sustainable production and consumption patterns.They are becoming weaker. Without biodiversity andintact ecosystems, sustainable development and povertyreduction on a global scale will not be possible.The G7 nations realize that the preservation of vital naturalresources is essential to reach a large number of otherdevelopment goals in areas such as food security, climateand health.This is why the G7 countries made a commitment to protectbiodiversity – not only within their national borders, butalso internationally and together with their partners. In thepresent report, the G7 countries provide an account of whatthey have already accomplished along that road. This includesactivities ranging from cross-border nature conservationto taking the economics of biodiversity benefits intoaccount in political decision-making.The challenge of our time is to share our planet’s wealth ofresources so that all people may live with dignity, and torespect the boundaries of our planet so that future generationsmay continue to live here and prosper.Dr Gerd MüllerFederal Minister for EconomicCooperation and Development