UNEA-6: A Noteworthy Muster with Some Missed Opportunities
The sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) marked an important milestone in addressing global environmental issues, with the adoption of 15 resolutions targeting climate change, biodiversity, and pollution. However, a significant topic was overlooked – animal welfare and its intricate link with the environment and sustainable development.
Understanding the One Health Approach
One forward-thinking measure recognized by the World Federation for Animals (WFA) was the adoption of the UNEP/EA.6/L.16 Resolution. This comprehensive document offered a profound approach to sustainable water management and the protection of aquatic ecosystems. A significant highlight was its incorporation of the One Health approach, emphasizing the intricate interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in managing environmental challenges.
The Ignored Nexus Between Animal Welfare and Sustainable Development
However, despite the acknowledgment of the One Health concept, the UNEA disappointedly overlooked the critical intersection between animal welfare and sustainable development. A report on this nexus, requested during UNEA-5 from the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), was conspicuously missing at UNEA-6. The failure to address this fundamental link was a major setback for animal organizations, such as the WFA, who believe that animal welfare, environment, and sustainable development are inextricably linked.
Animal Welfare: A Keystone to Sustainable Development
Improved animal welfare can spark a domino effect that contributes immensely to more sustainable practices. For example, animal agriculture, a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution, can be alleviated through better animal welfare practices. Moreover, the health of animals directly reflects the wellbeing of the ecosystems they inhabit. Thus, animal welfare can potentially act as a crucial indicator of environmental health and conversely, their protection can contribute to biodiversity conservation.
Climate Change: An Imminent Threat to Animal Welfare
Furthermore, climate change poses a severe threat to animal welfare by disrupting established living patterns and ecosystems. Horses, for instance, are significantly affected by extreme weather conditions, altered temperature and precipitation patterns, and an increased frequency of natural disasters, signifying a pressing need to incorporate animal welfare into climate change discussions.
The Role of NGOs
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) wield an influential hand in advocating animal welfare and its broader implications. A notable instance is the WFA's efforts in raising awareness about the interconnectedness of animal welfare, the environment, and sustainable development.
Looking Forward: Addressing the Overlooked
In summary, while UNEA-6 unarguably forged essential advances in tackling environmental challenges, it also missed an opportunity to address a significant link - animal welfare and its integral role in sustainable development. The consequences of neglecting this pivotal connection could range from increased environmental degradation to severe animal suffering and serious repercussions for economic and food security. Encouragingly, looking forward, it's crucial that we prioritize this link in future UNEA sessions to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all–animals, humans, and the environment.
References:
1. World Federation for Animals. (2022, March 23). Retrieved from https://wfahq.org/news/
2. United Nations Environment Programme. (2022). UNEP/EA.6/L.16. Retrieved from https://unep-wcmc.org/UNEA-6/UNEP-EA-6-L-16-Rev.1.pdf
3. United Nations Environment Programme. (2020). UNEP/EA.5/14. Retrieved from https://unep-wcmc.org/UNEA-5/UNEP-EA-5-14-Rev.1.pdf
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5. World Wildlife Fund. (2021). Wildlife and livestock: A shared future. Retrieved from https://www.worldwildlife.org/publications/
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7. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2019). Climate change and food security. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/climate-change/en/
8. World Federation for Animals. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved from https://wfahq.org/about-us/
