List any five multilateral initiatives on bio-diversity.

Several multilateral initiatives aim to address biodiversity conservation and promote sustainable use of natural resources globally. Here are five prominent examples:

1. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): Established in 1992, the CBD is a landmark international treaty aimed at conserving biological diversity, promoting sustainable use of biodiversity, and ensuring equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources. The CBD sets out principles, objectives, and obligations for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, including the establishment of protected areas, conservation of ecosystems, and integration of biodiversity considerations into national policies and planning processes.

2. Aichi Biodiversity Targets: Agreed upon under the CBD in 2010, the Aichi Biodiversity Targets provide a comprehensive framework for global biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The 20 targets cover various aspects of biodiversity conservation, including the protection of ecosystems, sustainable management of natural resources, and equitable sharing of benefits. The Aichi Targets aim to halt biodiversity loss, promote ecosystem resilience, and enhance the contribution of biodiversity to human well-being by 2020.

3. Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES): Established in 2012, IPBES is an independent intergovernmental body that assesses the state of biodiversity and ecosystem services worldwide, providing policymakers with scientific information and policy-relevant recommendations. IPBES conducts comprehensive assessments, thematic reports, and policy support tools to inform decision-making and promote biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources, and equitable sharing of benefits.

4. Global Environment Facility (GEF): The GEF is a multilateral financial mechanism that supports projects and initiatives aimed at addressing global environmental challenges, including biodiversity conservation. Through grants and concessional funding, the GEF invests in projects that protect and sustainably manage biodiversity, promote ecosystem resilience, and enhance the livelihoods of communities dependent on natural resources.

5. United Nations Decade on Biodiversity (2011-2020): Declared by the United Nations General Assembly, the UN Decade on Biodiversity aims to raise awareness, promote action, and mobilize resources for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The Decade provides a platform for governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to collaborate on biodiversity-related initiatives, including public awareness campaigns, capacity-building activities, and policy advocacy efforts.

These multilateral initiatives demonstrate global commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, providing frameworks, mechanisms, and resources to address pressing environmental challenges and safeguard the planet's rich biological diversity for future generations.