The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) that’s convening in Colombia for COP16 defines biodiversity as “the diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems, including plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi.” These three elements work together to sustain life on Earth in all its complexity.
Biodiversity maintains balance within the global ecosystem, providing essential resources for human survival, such as food, clean water, medicine, and shelter. It is also a crucial defense against climate change, with land and ocean ecosystems acting as carbon sinks that absorb more than half of all carbon emissions.
At COP16—the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Biodiversity Convention—delegates will focus on restoring rapidly degrading land and seas while respecting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities. A key objective will be the implementation of the ‘30 by 30’ Kunming-Montreal pledge, which aims to protect 30% of the planet’s lands, inland waters, marine, and coastal areas by 2030.
Colombia’s Minister of Environment and COP16 President, Susana Muhamad, emphasized the significance of Colombia’s role in global climate action, stating, “Colombia has become the epicenter of global climate action, uniting leaders and experts to address the greatest challenge of our era: protecting our planet and ensuring a sustainable future.” She underscored the need for harmony with nature, which she linked to broader peace efforts.
The COP16 summit commenced with a symbolic nature-inspired ceremony and opened formal discussions on biodiversity conservation and restoration. Representatives from governments, scientific communities, environmental advocates, and indigenous groups are in attendance, addressing urgent challenges tied to biodiversity and climate change.
Scientists argue that biodiversity loss and climate change are driving ecological, social, and economic crises, necessitating multilateral efforts with actionable outcomes. These efforts are seen as critical for humanity’s survival.
In her opening remarks, COP16 President Muhamad highlighted the opportunity to correct past failures and create sustainable solutions for communities. “Let’s hope COP16 can mobilize us to achieve peace with nature,” she remarked.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a virtual address, called for tangible results that enhance human dignity, stating, “For humanity to thrive, nature must flourish. Destroying nature fuels conflict, hunger, disease, poverty, inequality, and the climate crisis. The Global Biodiversity Framework offers a chance to reset our relationship with the Earth.”
The summit in Cali, Colombia, focuses on implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), which aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by setting global targets for 2030 and beyond. This marks the first Biodiversity Conference of the Parties since the adoption of the KMGBF at COP15 in Montreal, Canada.
During the two-week summit, parties, including Kenya, are expected to align their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) with the global framework’s objectives. Guterres urged delegates to secure significant investments in the Global Biodiversity Framework and mobilize public and private resources to meet its goals fully.
“We have a plan to rescue humanity from a degraded Earth,” Guterres stated, expressing hope for successful outcomes by the conclusion of the summit.
