The International Conference on the Underlying Causes of Biodiversity Loss 
closed today with the unveiling of The Montreal Call, an invitation to 
stakeholders around the world to continue the dialogue on solutions that will 
transform an economic model and value system that are damaging nature.

Logo - 
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This event was organized by the Collectif COP15, a collective of Quebec civil 
society organizations under the leadership of SNAP Quebec, in response to the 
repeated calls by IPBES and the IPCC for urgent systemic changes to the shared 
underlying causes of the two major interrelated environmental crises: 
biodiversity loss and climate change.

The organizers welcome the progress made during the conference in identifying 
solutions to these underlying causes. The Montreal Call is an invitation to 
continue this reflection and accelerate it at future COPs, with biodiversity 
and climate combined.

Governments, ministers, delegates, Indigenous representatives, and leaders of 
multilateral organizations, civil society agencies, youth groups, academic 
organizations, foundations and the private sector, as well as citizens, are 
invited to publicly express their support for The Montreal Call.

The unveiling was attended by Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante, the Grand Chief of 
the Cree Nation Government Mandy Gull-Masty, the Minister of l'Environnement, 
de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs Benoit 
Charette, and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault.

Quotes:

"The decline of biodiversity is critical and requires radical changes in the 
way we live and plan our land use. To achieve the ambitious goals that Montreal 
has set for itself, we must stand together with the population, business and 
institutions. Starting now, decision-makers around the world must protect our 
green spaces and create and implement new economic models. The Montreal Call 
for Dialogue is a major commitment that will let us accelerate this societal 
transition."

– Valerie Plante, Mayor of Montreal

"I am grateful for your contribution and commitment to achieving Quebec's 
target of preserving 30% of its territory by 2030. This support is essential 
for the biodiversity of our land, and the participation of all stakeholders 
will be crucial in the coming years. To achieve our goal, we need all the 
actors and stakeholders, because it is through acting together that we will 
succeed in achieving our common goal of preserving our biodiversity and natural 
abundance. The Quebec government has also given itself the means to achieve its 
ambitions with its Plan nature, its plan for nature, which will help build the 
Quebec of tomorrow."

- Benoit Charette, minister of l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les 
changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs du Quebec

"There is an urgency to halt and reverse the alarming loss of biodiversity, 
worldwide and here in Canada. We need to work together to create positive and 
tangible results for nature and people, building on the Government of Canada's 
historic investments in nature over the past few years. Montreal's Call is an 
important step, encouraging dialogue on solutions to the underlying causes of 
biodiversity loss."

– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

"While COP15 is in full swing, seeking solutions to the decline of 
biodiversity, Fondaction continues to maintain an ongoing dialogue with leaders 
from various backgrounds. From this dialogue between diverse experts, relevant 
and effective solutions are being conceived, which we can then implement in our 
respective spheres. This collective and proactive effort will let us inspire, 
anchor and accelerate the change movement."

– Genevieve Morin, CEO of Fondaction

"Civil society's leadership during COP15 in opening dialogue on the underlying 
causes of biodiversity loss demonstrates that the solutions are also within 
human nature. We must take back control of our future and our economy and 
elevate the defense of nature to a core value."

– Alain Branchaud, executive director of SNAP Quebec and spokesperson for the 
Collectif COP15

INFORMATION

Link to The Montreal Call: https://bit.ly/MTLCall
Share The Montreal Call with #MTLCall

CONTACT: SNAP Quebec, Charlene Daubenfeld, Communications Director, (514) 
378-3880, communications@snapquebec.org 

SOURCE SNAP Quebec; Collectif COP15