Indian Minister for Forest and Environment and new president of Conference of Parties on Convention of Biodiversity Jayanthi Natarajan has said that the high level segment discussions recognized that biological loss led to the loss of livelihood resulting in persistence of poverty. In her summary statement at the high level segment she said that there were active discussions revolving around four issues and related matters. In the Panel on biodiversity for livelihoods and poverty reduction, the need to integrate biodiversity with livelihood security conforming to the principles of inter and intra generational equity and justice, and right’s based approach was underlined. She said that the Parties agreed to continue discussions related to ‘Biodiversity and Livelihoods’, and ‘Biodiversity and Health’ and recommend concrete actions, considering the critical linkages of biodiversity with livelihoods, health and poverty alleviation. On the theme of status of biological diversity, parties indicated the progress made in achieving Aichi targets through increase in the forests, coastal and marine protected areas. They also outlined the threats faced by various ecosystems. On the theme of activities relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, participants noted the special programs and projects initiated at national, sub-national and regional level and observed the need to document the wealth of traditional knowledge among indigenous and local communities. In - country initiatives for protection of biodiversity within a legal framework, development of community oriented programmes and activities for awareness and capacity building have been undertaken to educate stakeholders, she said. On the theme of implementation of the strategic plan on biodiversity, she said that the need to implement biodiversity activities at different levels of governance within a country and the need to ensure substantial financial resources from developed to developing countries, particularly Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States and mobilization of domestic resources were underlined. Countries indicated aligning their national plans with Aichi targets and the need to conserve biodiversity in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication. Gender equity was identified as a cross cutting issue in biodiversity related efforts. Parties viewed that valuation of ecosystem services is an important tool in mainstreaming the biodiversity conservation, priorities in the programmes and activities. On the theme of status on the ratification of Nagoya Protocol on access to genetic resources and benefit sharing, participants urged greater political commitment to expedite the process of ratification and the need for new and additional financial resources and technical support for capacity building initiatives, including innovative financing.