Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) has submitted public comments on the Ministry of the Environment’s published “Interim Evaluation of the Implementation Status of the National Biodiversity Strategy 2023-2030 (Draft)” and the “7th National Report under the Convention on Biological Diversity (Draft)”.

The “Interim Evaluation of the Implementation Status of the National Biodiversity Strategy 2023-2030 (Draft)” is being conducted in accordance with the Basic Act on Biodiversity. This evaluation is required by the Basic Act on Biodiversity and follows the strategy that the Cabinet approved in March 2023. The strategy requires regular progress checks on its goals and actions, including interim and final evaluations that align with international reporting deadlines for the Global Review.

Furthermore, the “7th National Report under the Convention on Biological Diversity (Draft)” is being prepared because Article 26 of the Convention on Biological Diversity requires each Party to submit a national report summarizing the status of implementation of the Convention to the Conference of the Parties.

Biodiversity is the foundation supporting health of ecosystem and is closely linked to planetary health and One Health approach. Against this backdrop, our organization proposed the following perspectives:

• Regarding the impact of microplastics, consider not only biological ecosystems but also risks to human health.
• When promoting Nature-based Solutions (NbS), it is essential to raise awareness of the importance of scientifically evaluating their co-benefits for human health.
• Position health damage to local communities caused by the degradation of natural capital as a new critical issue in health management.
• Capture changes in demand driven by increased public interest in mental health and well-being, as it relates to the types of use and services required in national parks, quasi-national parks, and national monuments.
• Explicitly state the One Health perspective, which integrates biodiversity conservation and public health.

Our organization will continue to contribute to advancing planetary health through policy proposals and collaboration with relevant organizations, by providing insights and promoting dialogue.