Papua New Guinea Launches National Biodiversity Targets Ahead of COP16
On October 14, 2024, Papua New Guinea’s CEPA launched 23 National Biodiversity Targets to align with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This initiative supports PNG’s sustainable environmental management and biodiversity conservation goals by 2030, ahead of COP16. The UNDP and international partners are assisting in implementing these targets, emphasizing a collaborative approach to biodiversity preservation.
On October 14, 2024, the Conservation and Environmental Protection Authority (CEPA) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) officially launched its 23 National Biodiversity Targets aimed at fulfilling commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, in advance of the upcoming UN Biodiversity Conference of the Parties (COP16) in Bogota, Colombia. This initiative represents a critical step in PNG’s efforts to ensure sustainable environmental management and biodiversity conservation by the year 2030. The establishment of these targets is supported by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which has aided CEPA in formulating the targets and detailing the associated 195 actions and policy measures necessary for their accomplishment. Jude Tukuliya, the Managing Director of CEPA, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort among CEPA officials, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international specialists. He emphasized the importance of identifying actionable strategies for the preservation of biodiversity within PNG, indicating a collective commitment to these environmental objectives. As an integral part of the Convention on Biodiversity, which serves as a global legal framework for biodiversity conservation initiated in 1993, these targets align with the globally accepted Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This framework, adopted at COP15, includes 23 targets to promote sustainable development and build upon previous strategic conservation plans. The upcoming COP16 is particularly significant as it marks the first opportunity for nations to assess their progress in implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework. Akiko Yamamoto, UNDP’s Regional Team Leader for Environment and Energy in Asia and the Pacific, articulated support for CEPA’s endeavor, stating the need for sustainable financing to achieve these targets and prepare for the next National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. CEPA has also partnered with the European Union’s Forestry-Climate Change-Biodiversity programme to assemble a skilled government delegation for COP16, thereby empowering participants to glean insights and foster the country’s biodiversity objectives upon their return. Furthermore, PNG will host three side events during COP16 to showcase its efforts towards nature conservation and the monitoring of its forest resources. Plans are in place for a workshop following COP16, aimed at aligning newly acquired resolutions and commitments with PNG’s national biodiversity initiatives. The release of the National Biodiversity Targets on the Convention on Biodiversity’s website marks a significant milestone in PNG’s environmental strategy, underscoring the country’s dedication to fostering a sustainable and conservation-oriented future.
Papua New Guinea is an ecologically rich nation with diverse ecosystems that play a crucial role in global biodiversity. Amidst growing environmental challenges, PNG’s alignment with international frameworks, such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, is essential for sustainable management and conservation efforts. The recent establishment of National Biodiversity Targets demonstrates PNG’s commitment to addressing biodiversity loss and contributes to global conservation goals. Underpinning these initiatives is the support of international organizations such as the UNDP and partnerships with various stakeholders, which are vital for effective implementation and resource mobilization.
The launching of Papua New Guinea’s National Biodiversity Targets is a commendable step towards the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and biodiversity conservation under the Global Biodiversity Framework. By participating in COP16 and actively engaging with international partners, PNG aims to garner the necessary support and resources to achieve these targets. The collaborative efforts with local and global entities will be crucial for translating commitments into action and ensuring that PNG’s rich biodiversity is preserved for future generations.
Original Source: www.undp.org
