Cali, Colombia – October 20, 2024.
The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP 16) under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) officially began today in Cali, Colombia, marking a pivotal moment for global biodiversity conservation. With over 23,000 delegates from nearly every nation pre-registered, this year’s conference is set to be one of the most significant gatherings in biodiversity history. The two-week event follows the historic adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) at COP 15 in 2022, where world leaders agreed to ambitious goals to protect nature by 2030.
President Gustavo Petro of Colombia opened the conference, joined by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres (via video message) and Colombia’s Environment Minister Susana Muhamad, who will serve as the President of COP 16.
What’s at Stake?
The primary focus of COP 16 is to ensure the implementation of the KMGBF, which outlines 23 targets aimed at halting biodiversity loss and restoring ecosystems. One of the framework’s most ambitious goals is to protect 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030, commonly known as the “30×30” target. Other key objectives include reducing harmful subsidies and mobilizing resources for conservation efforts in developing countries.
As the conference progresses, the global community will also address the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of Digital Sequence Information (DSI) on genetic resources—an emerging issue that has drawn attention from governments, researchers, and indigenous groups.
Key Questions to Be Answered
Throughout COP 16, negotiators will seek solutions to several pressing questions:
- How will countries operationalize the multilateral mechanism for benefit-sharing from DSI?
- Can the $200 billion annual target for biodiversity funding by 2030 be achieved?
- How will indigenous peoples and local communities be empowered as stewards of biodiversity?
Delegates are under pressure to deliver concrete actions, especially in the face of increasing threats from climate change, habitat destruction, and invasive species. “The Global Biodiversity Framework promises to reset relations with Earth and its ecosystems. But we are not on track. Your task at this COP is to convert words into action,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his opening remarks.
Learn more about the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
Global Leaders Rally for Action
The conference has attracted high-level participation from heads of government, ministers, and international organizations. Leaders from Brazil, Ecuador, and Kenya, among others, are expected to attend the High-Level Segment on October 29-30, where they will discuss strategies for mobilizing financial resources and integrating biodiversity into national policy frameworks.
Colombia’s Environment Minister Susana Muhamad emphasized the urgency of action: “Colombia hopes that COP 16 will be the COP of implementation, where concrete actions can be articulated to fulfill the Kunming-Montreal Global Framework. Biodiversity must be positioned on the same level as decarbonization and energy transition.”
The participation of indigenous peoples and local communities will also be a central theme. Their traditional knowledge and deep connection to the land make them key allies in conserving biodiversity. At COP 16, discussions will focus on how these communities can play a more significant role in global conservation efforts.
Challenges Ahead: Financing and Fair Benefit-Sharing
One of the toughest challenges at COP 16 will be securing the financial resources needed to meet biodiversity targets. The goal of mobilizing $20 billion annually by 2025 in official development assistance for biodiversity is still 23% short, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Delegates will explore innovative solutions such as biodiversity credits, blended financing, and stronger private sector engagement.
Another complex issue is the operationalization of the global fund established at COP 15 to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources, particularly Digital Sequence Information. This mechanism is vital for supporting indigenous communities and developing nations that contribute genetic resources but often lack the means to benefit from their use.
Next Steps
As COP 16 unfolds, the world will be watching to see if the commitments made in Kunming can be translated into tangible actions that halt biodiversity loss and restore ecosystems. The stakes are high, and the outcomes of this conference will determine whether global efforts to protect biodiversity are on track.
Stay updated on the latest developments from COP 16 by visiting the official CBD website, and follow the conversation on social media using #COP16Colombia and #BiodiversityAction.
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