UN Biodiversity Summit Commences in Colombia with Calls for Urgent Action and Funding
The UN biodiversity summit in Cali, Colombia, began on October 21, 2024, with Colombian Environment Minister, Susana Muhamad, highlighting the need for urgent action and funding to address biodiversity loss, as nearly one million species face extinction. With around 23,000 delegates present, the summit aims to establish monitoring and financing mechanisms to meet UN biodiversity targets by 2030, despite challenges such as a lack of significant ocean protection and threats from local guerrilla groups. Urging countries to translate commitments into action, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the economic stakes of biodiversity loss and the need for shared benefits from genetic resources.
The UN biodiversity summit commenced in Cali, Colombia, on October 21, 2024, with significant calls for immediate action and financial commitment to combat the alarming decline in biodiversity. Colombian Environment Minister and COP16 president, Susana Muhamad, emphasized the urgency of the crisis, stating that “The planet doesn’t have time to lose.” This summit, which hosts around 23,000 delegates, including approximately 100 government ministers and a dozen heads of state, is the largest Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) yet, aimed at addressing the critical issue of species extinction that threatens nearly one million species worldwide. The overarching theme of this summit, “Peace with Nature,” underscores the pressing need for effective monitoring and funding mechanisms to fulfill the 23 UN targets established at COP15, seeking to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. With substantial security measures in place, including over 10,000 police and military personnel due to threats from the EMC guerrilla group, the conference aims to foster actionable strategies for biodiversity preservation. As the summits progresses, delegates face the challenge of achieving the target of designating 30% of land and marine areas as protected by 2030. Current data reveals that only 8.4% of the oceans are currently under such protection. Greenpeace’s policy advisor, Megan Randles, highlighted this concerning trend, stating, “At the current rate, we won’t hit 30 percent protection at sea until the next century.” Despite positive strides, with only 34 of 196 countries having submitted their biodiversity strategies, much more progress is requisite. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged nations to prioritize actionable commitments and increase contributions to the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), which currently stands at approximately $250 million. He asserted the economic repercussions of biodiversity loss could result in global annual losses in the trillions of dollars. In addition to the financial dimensions, a significant goal of the COP16 meeting is to establish a fair mechanism for the sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources, particularly regarding medicinal advancements stemming from biodiversity-rich regions, commonly found in lower-income nations. Colombia, recognized for its vast biodiversity, endeavors to integrate environmental protection into its national agenda while navigating ongoing challenges related to historic conflict. This conference represents a pivotal moment in the global effort to address biodiversity loss and create sustainable solutions to protect the planet’s ecological health.
The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) holds biennial Conferences of the Parties (COP) to discuss and enhance global initiatives for biodiversity protection. As the number of species at risk of extinction rises alarmingly—approaching one million—the urgency for robust commitments and financial support has never been more pressing. This political forum aims not only to set targets, such as protecting 30% of Earth’s land and oceans by 2030 but also to ensure countries are equipped with the necessary resources to meet these ambitious goals. The relationship between biodiversity conservation and economic stability is critical, given that a decline in natural processes can result in significant financial losses worldwide. Colombia hosts COP16 in a context charged by its rich biodiversity but challenged by historical violence and a need for sustainable governance practices.
The opening of COP16 in Colombia marks a significant mobilization of global efforts to combat biodiversity loss amidst a backdrop of urgency and financing challenges. As delegates convene to forge actionable and sustainable strategies, the emphasis on collaboration, commitment, and innovative funding sources will be pivotal in achieving the ambitious international biodiversity targets by 2030. The intersection of environmental protection and economic viability remains crucial in discussions, underscoring the importance of immediate and sustained action in safeguarding the planet for future generations.
Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com
