Dr. Yoshihide Wada - Director of Biodiversity and Natural Resources, IIASA

Dr. Yoshihide Wada discusses the critical importance of biodiversity and groundwater use in addressing land degradation challenges, particularly in regions like India, China, the US, Mexico, and Brazil, which face intense agricultural pressures. He emphasizes the need to integrate nature capital into economic accounting, highlighting its role in maintaining ecosystems and supporting economic activities like ecotourism and agroforestry. Globally, biodiversity loss threatens soil fertility and food chains, with potential impacts on crop productivity. Dr. Wada stresses the urgency of financial investment in preserving natural ecosystems, warning of catastrophic consequences if action is delayed. He advocates for collaboration among stakeholders from various sectors to develop shared solutions and investment strategies.