Worldwide ecosystem assessment shows 60% of world ecosystems are degraded

   
    The report, which was jointly produced by several UN agencies, scientific organizations, private sector and civil society groups, underlines the importance of protecting the natural resources essential for the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals set by the UN in 2000.

    According to the report, 60% of the world ecosystems are being degraded or used unsustainably. The unsustainable use of the resources of the world’s major ecosystems does not only mean future generations will have to cope with a lack of essential resources such as fresh water but it can also lead to the emergence of new diseases.

    To counteract this gloomy forecast, the Millennium report states it is necessary to implement radical policy changes aimed at transforming current global business practices and market functioning. Policies should place greater priority on protection of the environment and the sustainable use of resources, given the enormous economic, social, cultural, and health value that ecosystem services provide, but which are often unrecognized in economic policy.

    "Our markets are distorted", says Dr Watson, co-chair of the board of the directors at the Millennium Assessment. Rising consumption in industrialized countries is often met with changes in landuse in developing countries, leading to ecosystem destruction, such as mangrove forests converted to shrimp farms throughout Ecuador and Asia. Dr Watson remains hopeful that, by incorporating sustainable practices into core business practices, the private sector can transform its role into that of "champion" for the environment.

   
Sources: http://www.ethicalcorp.com/content.asp?ContentID=3612
http://laflecha.net/canales/ciencia/noticias/200504041/
http://www.maweb.org/en/index.aspx (the complete Millenium Ecosystem Assessment can be downloaded from this page)