The United Nations COP16 biodiversity summit in Cali, Colombia, is in its final week with over 140 ministers and a dozen heads of state expected to participate. The focus of the conference is on implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) adopted by nearly 200 countries in 2022.
The GBF includes 23 targets, with the famous ‘30 by 30’ goal aiming to protect 30% of the planet’s lands and oceans by 2030. A recent UNEP report found that progress has been slow, with only 17.6% of land and inland waters and 8.4% of ocean and coastal areas currently protected.
Indigenous communities from across the Americas are calling on governments to honour their commitments and accelerate biodiversity conservation efforts. WWF Colombia CEO Sandra Valenzuela emphasized the need for action and restoration efforts to meet targets effectively.
The European Union has positioned itself as a leader in biodiversity conservation, with initiatives like Natura 2000 and nature restoration laws driving progress. Director-General Florika Fink-Hooijer highlighted the need for a water resilience strategy to complement existing environmental policies.
Financial discussions are also taking place at the conference, with the United Nations stressing the urgency of tripling green investments to meet the ambitious 2030 targets.
The summit in Cali marks a crucial moment in shaping global biodiversity policies and taking decisive action against environmental degradation. With key stakeholders gathered to discuss and negotiate, the hope is that concrete steps will be taken to protect the planet’s biodiversity for future generations.
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