Harmony with Nature A/RES/72/223 Noting that in recent years there have been many initiatives on sustainable development governance, including policy documents on living well in harmony with nature, Taking note of the conceptual framework of the Intergovernmental SciencePolicy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, 10 Recognizing that gross domestic product was not designed as an indicator for measuring environmental degradation resulting from human activity, nor is it an indicator of development, and the need to overcome these limitations with regard to sustainable development and the work carried out in this regard, Recognizing also the uneven availability of basic statistical data under the three dimensions of sustainable development and the need to improve their quality and quantity, Reaffirming that fundamental changes in the way societies produce and consume are indispensable for achieving global sustainable development and that all countries should promote sustainable consumption and production patterns, with the developed countries taking the lead and with all countries benefiting from the process, taking into account the Rio principles, Recognizing that many ancient civilizations, indigenous peoples and indigenous cultures have a rich history of understanding the symbiotic connection between human beings and nature that fosters a mutually beneficial relationship, Recognizing also that the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous peoples and local communities can support social well-being and sustainable livelihoods and therefore contribute to global efforts and initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals, Noting that some countries are discussing the possibility of considering a declaration on the protection of nature, Noting also that both formal and informal educational activities on the rights of nature have arisen in the professional and public spheres in some countries in the context of the promotion of sustainable development, and encouraging a holistic approach of education and public awareness for sustainable development in its three dimensions, Recognizing the work undertaken by civil society, academia and scientists with regard to signalling the precariousness of life on Earth, as well a s their efforts, along with those of Governments and private sector organizations, to devise more sustainable models and methods for production and consumption, Noting the work of the experts of the Harmony with Nature Knowledge Network, who have initiated important activities to support the United Nations with the goal of ensuring that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature, as set out in target 12.8 of the Sustainable Development Goals, Considering that sustainable development is a holistic concept that requires the strengthening of interdisciplinary linkages in the different branches of knowledge, Reiterating the pledge that no one will be left behind, reaffirming the recognition that the dignity of the human person is fundamental, and the wish to see the Goals and targets met for all nations and peoples and for all segments of society, and recommitting to endeavour to reach the furthest behind first, __________________ 10 17-23296 See IPBES/2/17. 3/5