Ecological wisdom is a fundamental principle of the Global Greens Charter and protecting biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, has always been a central Green priority. The climate crisis makes this imperative.

The earth’s natural ecosystems regulate the climate and keep the planet habitable. Oceans have a primary role in temperature setting and maintaining the Earth’s carbon balance. Coastal zones have the highest rates of biodiversity and biological productivity in the world but are threatened by development and over-exploitation. Forests store massive amounts of carbon and have a crucial role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating impacts, yet natural forests being destroyed by logging, clearing and the expansion of agro-fuels.

Greens believe that the Earth’s remaining natural ecosystems should be protected and expanded while upholding the rights of Indigenous peoples, women and local communities. We promote organic, diverse and GMO-free agriculture to improve the health and carbon-richness of agro-ecosystems, and recognize that raising animals for food is a significant contributor to climate change. We reject any assumption that industrial-scale logging in natural forests is ‘sustainable’ or carbon-neutral and will campaign against illegal and unsustainable logging.

Ø Greens agree to propose a common protocol under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change: The Biodiversity and Climate Protocol, which recognises the links between biodiversity and climate, prevents actions having adverse impacts on biodiversity and establishes a very large global biodiversity fund to support local communities and all levels of government in protecting, restoring and managing natural ecosystems;

Ø Greens oppose mandatory targets and subsidies for agro-fuels, except where their production is demonstrably greenhouse positive, does not impact on biodiversity, and does not compete against food production for land and water;

Ø Greens commit to campaign at national and international level to protect oceans and their biodiversity.