The Natural History Museum, London, Announces COP28 Activities

• A Natural History Museum (NHM) delegation at COP28 will be engaging with policy makers and taking part in critical conversations around the planetary emergency, biodiversity loss, nature-based solutions and the vital role of data
• The Museum will be sharing preliminary analysis into the COP15 commitment to protect 30% of land by 2030 – showing that nature is declining in the most critical areas, and we must rethink area-based conservation to safeguard human wellbeing as well as species

The Natural History Museum (NHM) is a world-leading science research centre and its 350 scientists represent one of the largest research groups finding solutions to the planetary emergency. Throughout COP28, the NHM will focus on biodiversity loss, as a fate as dangerous to people and the planet as climate change and show that the solutions are linked.

Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the NHM says: “Our mission is to create advocates for the planet, so it is fantastic to be attending COP28 to engage with policy makers and influence discussions around both the role of biodiversity loss in the planetary emergency and the potential for nature-based solutions. At COP15 the world committed to ’30 by 30’ and we are particularly excited to share our initial findings from a new piece of work at COP28 that aims to answer the critical follow up questions: which 30%, how are we doing, and who’s doing it well?”

Biodiversity data:

At this year’s COP, the Natural History Museum’s Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) will provide a rigorous biodiversity metric to support the implementation of ‘biodiversity positive nature-based solutions’.

The BII uses data on plants, fungi and animals from around the world, showing how local terrestrial biodiversity is responding to human pressures such as land use change and intensification. Unlike other biodiversity indicators, this can project how biodiversity will change in response to future management decisions. This can help businesses and policymakers to evaluate different management strategies and opportunities.

Our preliminary analysis, using the BII from the NHM, explores the ‘30 by 30’ target, which commits the world’s governments to designate 30% of Earth's land and ocean as protected areas by 2030. While the current global network of protected areas is working to protect biodiversity, it focusses on species extinction and excludes many local ecosystems on which the world’s people critically depend.

Locations around the world which provide key benefits to human wellbeing and livelihoods as well as the local ecosystem are known as Critical Natural Assets and should also be safeguarded. These can provide services such as pollination, water quality, flood regulation and access to nature. Protecting these areas should be part of delivering '30 by 30’, conserving livelihoods as well as threatened species.

Initial analysis by the NHM indicates worrying gaps in current biodiversity protection. Astonishingly, only 5.6% of critical natural asset areas, on which more than 6 billion people depend, are within protected areas. When looking at protecting these Critical Natural Assets, the UK finds itself in the bottom 10% globally.

Dr Gareth Thomas MRSB, Head of Research Innovation at the NHM said, “When thinking about ecosystem health and protecting critical natural assets, it's important to remember that biodiversity transcends borders, and thus protecting and restoring the most crucial 30% requires a global approach.”

Event highlights taking place at COP28 in Dubai:

5 December - As theme leader of Water and Ecology within the Resilience Hub (Blue Zone), the NHM’s Dr Gareth Thomas and a panel of experts will explore the interconnected relationship between water resilience, biodiversity, and economic stability. Emphasising that water is the linchpin of economic resilience the session also highlights the indispensable role of biodiversity and nature in safeguarding our planet's health and human well-being, underscoring the urgency of closing the global investment gap for their conservation.

8 December - The NHM and the We Are Family Foundation have come together to curate a day of activity on Youth Day within the Extreme Hangout COP28 (Green Zone). This includes sessions and workshops on hope and anxiety in the climate crisis, exposing false climate solutions, climate justice and restoring our relationship with nature, in collaboration between NHM scientists and young activists like Melati Wijsen and Tori Tsui. Later that evening, participants can enjoy a night of storytelling and music with multi- Grammy winner and Co-Founder of the We Are Family Foundation, Nile Rodgers.

9 December - The Museum will be participating in several activities within the UK Pavilion (Blue Zone) culminating on Nature Day. Chaired by the Museum’s Director of Policy, Emma Woods, and in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and Zoological Society of London, a session on ‘Listening to the science and recognising knowledge: How to harness solutions from nature’ will explore how nature-based solutions shaped by scientific evidence and local knowledge can deliver for climate, biodiversity and people.

Also within the UK Pavilion (Blue Zone) a backdrop of images from the Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition will be displayed celebrating the beauty and reminding participants of the fragility of nature.

9 December - The NHM’s Dr Richard Sabin will be joining the ‘Focussed on Nature Panel’ in the Terra Auditorium (Green Zone) alongside Dr Sylvia Earle and conservationist and photographer Prince Hussain Aga Khan to discuss the conservation of whales and dolphins. The panel will share knowledge and experiences gained from extraordinary research, global advocacy efforts and exploring groundbreaking technology to protect cetacean populations.

NHM scientific delegation at COP28

The following scientists from the Museum will be appearing at COP28 events taking place in Dubai:

Dr Gareth Thomas MRSB, Head of Research Innovation

Gareth is an academic at the Natural History Museum in London, UK, known for his expertise in environmental science, encompassing fields such as terrestrial ecology, statistical analysis, geospatial insights, molecular microbial ecology, marine biology, and analytical chemistry. With a strong publication record, he has become a prominent figure in the scientific community. Gareth also has an extensive commercial background; pioneering innovative data-licensing commercial enterprises and engaging with global organisations across various sectors, highlighting his adaptability in bridging academia and industry. He is a passionate advocate for biodiversity and environmental conservation, actively contributing to policy development, public outreach, and "bending the curve" on biodiversity loss.

Richard Sabin, Principal Curator, Mammals

Richard has worked at the NHM for the past 30 years, with his curatorial work primarily focused on the study of marine mammals. Collaborating globally, Richard is generating new scientific data from old specimens, currently exploring stress levels in baleen whales using wax earplugs and sperm whale population structure using teeth. He supports wildlife conservation, UK and international law enforcement through his endangered species identification work and is NHM advisor to the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme. He works closely with the arts and humanities to help develop new perspectives and explore ‘hidden’ histories of collections and is dedicated to expanding and diversifying museum audiences.

Professor Richard Herrington, Merit Researcher

Richard is former Head of Earth Sciences at the Natural History Museum and visiting Professor at both the University of Exeter and Imperial College. Trained as an economic geologist, Richard’s 40 years of experience includes working in the mining industry which has framed his approach to developing minerals research that provides solutions to the challenges of discovery and recovery of useful minerals. The bulk of his current research is focused on metals critical for our modern economy seeking supply solutions that ensure sustainable outcomes. He is currently working on projects focused on copper, cobalt and lithium from conventional and unconventional sources. He sits on the UK Government’s Critical Minerals Expert Committee and is an advisor to the Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre based at the British Geological Survey

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Notes to Editors

Natural History Museum Press Office

Tel: +44 (0)20 7942 5654 / 07799690151

Email: press@nhm.ac.uk

About The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is a world-leading science centre and one of the most visited attractions in the UK. A global source of curiosity, inspiration and joy.  Our vision is to build a future in which both people and the planet thrive.  We aim to be a catalyst for change, engaging advocates for the planet in everything that we do. Our 350 scientists are finding solutions to the planetary emergency in all aspects of life.  Visit, join and support the Natural History Museum today. Protecting the planet. It's in our nature.