Biological diversity makes the earth habitable for human beings because of the productive and economic resources and for the social, scientific, educational, cultural, aesthetic, and recreational values that it contributes.  Biodiversity is the result of the evolution of life in all its possible forms on our planet. To date, close to 1.75 million species have been identified: the majority of these small animals such as insects. Scientists calculate that in reality there are around 13 million species, although estimations range from three to 100 million. The lack of clear and effective policies against the loss of biodiversity has been observed, caused among others, by the destruction and fragmentation of habitats, changes in soil use, the unsustainable use of natural resources, contamination and invasive exotic species, to which climate change has already been summed up. The loss of biodiversity affects the following in a singular manner:

• The most vulnerable and needy populations in poor countries given their direct dependence on biodiversity and natural resources for food, medicines, transport, shelter, etc. In broad terms, 3 billion people depend on the sea and its coasts, 1.6 billion on forests and 1 billion on wetlands, which represents more than 70% of the world’s population.

• The negative impact of the current productive system on biodiversity is neither internalized in the costs of what is produced nor measured by our current global economy. In this sense the destruction of the natural forest resources in some regions and countries (logging of practically all commercial forests) has meant an increase in GDP with the consent and recognition of global economic powers, when in reality this has had to with the elimination of their natural capital and their source of social and economic resources - present as well as future.

• The annual amount of the global loss of services that biodiversity offers us is equal to 50 billion euros, counting only terrestrial ecosystems. The accumulated loss of well-being could reach 7% of GDP by 2050.

• The chance is being lost for new business opportunities in natural resources valued between $2 and 6 billion USD.

In Sustainlabour we are working toward:

•  Raising awareness among workers on the importance of protecting biodiversity
•  Reflectiong on what are the policies that defend biodiversity at the same time that they can raise people out of poverty, offer decent jobs and make us part of democratic decision-making in the long term.
• Obtaining more information on the relationship between biodiversity and employment in the framework of the current debate on green economy
• Understanding  the impacts on employment of the policies on the protection of biodiversity in different sectors (management of natural spaces, fishing, forestry management, agriculture and livestock, tourism, environment education and training, environmental services to companies)
• Understanding and working on the implications for just transitions toward a production model that respects biological diversity: a clear and resounding commitment for equity, justice and biodiversity, for decent and quality work.
• Spreading national and local experiences that are inspiring
• We would like to inform the debate on biodiversity and follow the negotiations on the Convention of Biological Diversity 

Click here to learn more about the project we are developing with FSC- CCOO and Fundación Biodiversidad

Biodiversity: our activities + See more

New report on biodiversity and jobs: ecosystems, economy and employment

On the occasion of biodiversity negotiations at COP 11, Hyderabad (India), ITUC and Sustainlabour release a report on biodiversity and employment. The report highlights to the need (and the actual possibility) to address a profound transformation of productive sectors to ensure the survival of the species and the creation of sustainable jobs.

Biodiversity and Employment: side event at COP 11 of Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

On Friday October 19 2012, Sustainlabour organizes an event at COP 11 of CBD to present the new report published together with the ITUC entitled Ecosystems, Economy and Employment. Representatives of Ecoropa and governments of India, Spain and Brazil will participate in the event.

Taking part of COP 11 of the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD)

Sustainlabour is taking part of the eleventh meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Hyderabad (India) defending the trade union demands and launching the new report Ecosystems, Economy and Employment.

Resources + See more

Green Jobs and related policy frameworks: An Overview of South Africa

Green Jobs in the European Union: an overview

Un updated version of the Climate Change Manual for Unionists

Green Jobs for a sustainable development: A case study of Spain