An official of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has warned that global biodiversity loss is happening right now and called for massive efforts to stop the crisis and prevent its catastrophic impacts.

“The current state of global biodiversity loss around the world is alarming,” USAID Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks said during the celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity in Taguig City. 

“Species are disappearing at an unprecedented rate because of habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, unsustainable agricultural practices, and exploitation of natural resources," Eubanks said at the gathering of government officials, advocates and stakeholders led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR BMB).

“Biodiversity loss not only threatens the survival of countless species, but also undermines the stability of ecosystems, impacting human wellbeing and livelihoods," Eubanks pointed out. Biodiversity refers to all life forms on the planet.

Under the leadership of DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, the DENR has adopted a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach where partnerships and linkages are formed with other government agencies, the private sector and all stakeholders for ecosystems protection, conservation and integrity and the resilience of communities that surround these.