In the struggle to deliver a healthier, more just and environmentally sound world one issue is clear. The Earth’s life support systems, from its forests and flowers to its coral reefs and waterways, are under assault as never before. Biological diversity, our global asset, is currently under threat but is, at the same time, the basis for survival and progress of present and future generations.

While both genders have strong links to biodiversity, women are more often the first and most affected by environmental problems. As the women’s primary responsibility is raising a family, she must be able to secure enough resources to meet their needs. In the majority of countries, the survival of women, their well-being and empowerment depend on biodiversity. For women in developing countries, in particular in the least developed countries, their survival, that of their households and communities, depends on access and control to natural resources.

Biodiversity is also part and parcel of their belief system and their cultural and spiritual values.

It is for these reasons that the Convention on Biological Diversity recognizes the “…vital role of women in the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity” and affirms “the need for the full participation of women at all levels of policy-making and implementation for biological diversity conservation.” (Preamble; para. 13)