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Global Biodiversity Conference Kicks Off in Colombia
The opening ceremony for a significant global conference on biodiversity commenced with a video message from the UN Secretary-General, highlighting the urgent need for action in one of the world’s most biodiverse nations. This gathering officially started on October 21 and spans two weeks, bringing together government officials, environmental activists, and representatives from indigenous communities to address critical issues related to biodiversity conservation.
This event marks the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), referred to as COP16. It represents the first major global meeting on biodiversity since the establishment of the Kunming-Montreal Global Framework (GBF) in 2022, a comprehensive plan aimed at mitigating biodiversity loss.
The UN Secretary-General emphasized the foundational principle of the GBF, stating, “For humanity to thrive, nature must also thrive. This framework aims to redefine our relationship with the Earth and its ecosystems.”
The Call to Action
Despite the promise of the framework, the Secretary-General pointed out that current progress is insufficient. He urged delegates to translate commitments into tangible actions by presenting actionable plans that align with the framework’s goals. This includes establishing enhanced mechanisms for monitoring and accountability, as well as fulfilling financial pledges to support developing nations.
“It is essential that nations exit Colombia with meaningful investments in the GBF and commitments to mobilize additional resources, both public and private, to support its objectives,” he stressed. He noted that those gaining financially from natural resources should contribute to their preservation and restoration. Furthermore, he remarked on the exploitation of developing countries, whose rich biodiversity often benefits wealthier nations through scientific discoveries and economic activities.
The conference should engage all sectors of society, embracing the theme of ‘la COP de la gente’ (a COP for the people) and elevating the roles of indigenous peoples and local communities as vital stewards of biodiversity. Their traditional knowledge and practices must inform biodiversity strategies at every level.
“We have a roadmap to restore humanity’s connection to a healthy planet,” the Secretary-General concluded, expressing hope to hear about the outcomes of the conference from participants in person.
Transforming Development Models
The President of COP16, Susana Muhamad, underscored the importance of advancing the Kunming-Montreal Global Framework throughout the conference. She articulated that the essence of these efforts lies in “recomposing our way of living, rethinking our development models, and rediscovering how we coexist in diversity without degrading our natural environment.”
Ms. Muhamad, also Colombia’s Minister of the Environment, highlighted the intrinsic link between biodiversity conservation and climate change initiatives, noting that the unsustainable extraction of natural resources accounts for half of all greenhouse gas emissions and significantly contributes to biodiversity loss. She asserted, “Restoring ecosystems can play a profound role in stabilizing our climate and the carbon cycle, contributing nearly 40% to climate solutions.”
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news.un.org