Environmental changes have accelerated in recent years. We are experiencing the sixth mass extinction. In its report, the MEA concludes that current human activity prevents the ability of ecosystems to sustain future generations for granted. Nowadays, the preservation of biodiversity has taken a notorious place in the diplomatic registers. Finding a solution to this socio-environmental multifaceted problem is at the core of the concept of sustainable development (SD) advocated by science diplomacy, which has become essential to address tensions and conflicts between Global North and South for management of the environment and natural resources. This chapter will address, from angle sustainable development perspective, the multiple relationships complexity between the countries of the North and the South to solve the environment-natural resources-biodiversity challenges, and then explore various approaches and alternatives to boost the natural resource development in order to preserve biodiversity.
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For almost six decades, humans have been altering ecosystems at an unprecedented rate and on an extensive scale, driven largely by the need to satisfy the rapidly increasing demands for food, water, timber, fiber, and energy. Consequently, the Earth has lost a significant portion of its biodiversity, with a considerable amount of it being irreversibly lost (MEA, 2005). The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA, 2005) identifies that environmental changes have been rapidly increasing in recent years. The report's main conclusion is that human activity is undermining the capacity of ecosystems to sustain future generations. Furthermore, the assessment highlights a significant wealth gap between the poorest and richest populations. The divide between rich and poor in developed as well as developing nations is growing ever wider. Currently, the richest 2% of the global populace hold over 50% of the world's household wealth, with the poorest 50% owning a mere 1% (UNDP, 2007). Shockingly, in 2018, the top 1% of the population received a staggering 82% of the newly generated wealth (UNDP, 2020). The degradation of ecosystem services, which refers to the persistent decline in an ecosystem's ability to provide vital services, has a disproportionate impact on the poor. This contributes to the widening gap between communities and can be a significant factor in driving poverty and social conflict, as highlighted by the MEA report in 2005 (MEA, 2005).
At the core of sustainable development (SD) lies the challenge of finding solutions to multifaceted problems, particularly those that are socio-environmental in nature. Science diplomacy has emerged as an essential concept to address tensions and conflicts between North and South in the management of natural resources and the environment. The objective is to tackle global issues through a universal science that promotes peace and solidarity. Nevertheless, science diplomacy remains an underutilized and underexploited tool. The concept of science diplomacy that is being examined and challenged in this chapter is the one put forth by the UK’s Royal Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, which comprises three dimensions as outlined by Ruffini ((Ruffini, 2018):
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Informing foreign policy objectives through scientific advice (science in diplomacy): The use of scientific advice to inform foreign policy objectives is critical in certain areas of foreign policy. Diplomacy often seeks the expertise of the research community to shed light on global issues such as climate change, biodiversity, or human health. Scientific knowledge serves as a valuable decision-making aid in international negotiations, highlighting the important role that science plays in shaping diplomatic efforts.
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Facilitating international scientific cooperation (diplomacy for science): Every country endeavor to promote its research community globally and foster collaboration with other countries.
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Using scientific cooperation to improve relations between countries (science for diplomacy): In instances where political relations between countries become strained, collaborations between researchers can serve as a means to maintain or rebuild connections.
Sustainable Development (SD) aims to address the limitations of the traditional liberal economic development model, which prioritizes simple economic growth, by promoting alternative approaches. It is this traditional model that has been identified as a root cause of the current socio-environmental crisis. However, due to the involvement of multiple stakeholders with varying perspectives on sustainable development, there is no consensus on the actions needed to effectively manage environmental crises.
In 2020, the topic of biodiversity preservation received notable recognition among policymakers and politicians in diplomatic spheres, who acknowledged the gravity of scientists' warnings about the current sixth mass extinction. Nevertheless, addressing the issue of biodiversity decline presents major challenges that demand attention.
In fact, the multitude of complex challenges facing our planet calls for a coordinated scientific response that can only be achieved through strengthened diplomatic efforts. To ensure the success of these endeavors, it is essential to prioritize the principles of ethics, equity, and solidarity in the formulation, execution, and strategy of science diplomacy between countries of the North and South.