International forums help protect ecosystems in New Zealand and around the world.
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
The CBD promotes the development of global targets, national strategies and action plans for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
An international organisation, representing the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, comprising both government and civil society members.
Conservation is part of the work of the United Nations, the world’s largest intergovernmental organisation promoting international cooperation.
Aotearoa New Zealand has rich natural, historical and cultural heritage, some of international significance. International engagement provides tools to strengthen the protection of the world’s most special places.
New Zealand is also engaged in other international bodies to protect ecosystems.
The Intergovernmental Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)
This intergovernmental body assesses the state of the planet's biodiversity, ecosystems and the essential services they provide to society. DOC is the lead agency for this forum.
In April 2020, IPBES released the first Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. The report found that nature is declining globally at rates unprecedented in human history. Around 1 million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction, with grave impacts on people around the world unless we take urgent, transformative actions.