Ruth Davis: It's time to apply integrated approach to environmental issues

Water creates an important connection between ecosystem health, climate change, nature, and food security, and it is necessary to strengthen cooperation between various conventions within the UN framework, UK Special Representative for Nature Ruth Davis said at a COP29 event titled "Water for Climate: Integration of Water Issues into NDCs and NAPs" held in Baku, Report informs.

Davis emphasized the importance of close cooperation in solving global environmental problems: "Water is the key element connecting these problems. Water supports ecosystems, and healthy ecosystems in turn protect the water cycle. It's impossible not to prioritize the importance of water."

Davis drew special attention to the crucial role of tropical forests in the water cycle: "Healthy tropical forests regulate the rain cycle and provide water to tropical agricultural basins that sustain millions of people's livelihoods. This interaction proves once again the importance of water and ecosystems."

She believes it's time to apply a more integrated approach to climate, nature, and other environmental problems: "We should see these issues not as problems but as opportunities and search for solutions together."

Additionally, she highlighted the importance of linking water issues to problems directly affecting people's lives: "The transition to a sustainable economy may not be easy, but it's important to combine this transition with issues affecting people's livelihoods and welfare. While applying high-level integration approaches, it's also essential to work directly with local communities."

Davis stated that water is both a warning signal for global environmental problems and a ray of hope when approached correctly: "This initiative is a unique approach. I look forward to working with all of you in this field as time progresses."