Final Week of COP16 Biodiversity Summit in Cali
The United Nations COP16 biodiversity summit is entering its final week in the vibrant Colombian city of Cali. This crucial event serves as a platform for international negotiations aimed at defining the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which was adopted by nearly 200 nations at the conclusion of 2022. The conference plays a pivotal role in shaping policies related to global biodiversity, emphasizing the urgent need for concerted action against environmental degradation.
The GBF encompasses 23 ambitious targets, including the well-known ‘30 by 30’ initiative, where over 100 countries have pledged to safeguard 30% of the world’s lands and oceans by the year 2030. A recent UNEP report indicated that while countries have made some progress on their commitments, a significant acceleration in the expansion of the global protected area network is essential over the next six years to meet these ambitious goals.
Currently, the report reveals that 17.6% of land and inland waters, along with 8.4% of the ocean and coastal areas, are designated within documented protected and conserved regions worldwide. “The increase in coverage since 2020, which is equivalent to an area more than twice the size of Colombia, is certainly a cause for celebration,” stated UNEP in a recent news release. “However, it represents a mere increase of less than 0.5 percentage points in both land and marine environments.”
Concerns Over Slow Progress
The summit in Cali has brought together representatives from indigenous communities across the Americas, who are passionately advocating for countries to fulfill their commitments made two years ago. Teddy Sinacay Tomas, the President of CECONSEC, an organization dedicated to defending the territorial and civil rights of indigenous communities in the region, expressed his concerns: “Our governments are not making swift decisions; they are slow to implement necessary changes. While they focus on enforcing laws and standardizing policies, they are not taking adequate action to reverse harmful activities or work towards the restoration and conservation of biodiversity.”
Sandra Valenzuela, the CEO of WWF Colombia, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the urgent need for expedited action. “Currently, we have only 17% of terrestrial areas and a mere 8% in marine and coastal regions designated as protected,” she pointed out. Valenzuela also underscored the importance of national action plans that not only enhance protection but also prioritize restoration efforts to effectively achieve these critical targets.
European Union’s Leadership in Biodiversity Protection
In the midst of these discussions, the European Union has emerged as a frontrunner in the global fight for biodiversity. “With Natura 2000, we have established an extensive network of connected protected sites. Thanks to this initiative and the nature restoration law, we are quite optimistic that we will soon achieve the 2030 goals for land protection,” stated Florika Fink-Hooijer, Director-General of the Environment Department at the European Commission. However, she did acknowledge the complexities surrounding water protection and emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive water resilience strategy.
Financial Discussions on Green Investments
In addition to environmental policies, significant financial discussions are underway at the summit. The United Nations has highlighted the pressing need to triple green investments in order to meet the ambitious targets set for 2030. Without an increase in funding and resources, the goals of the GBF may remain elusive, underscoring the importance of collaboration among nations to secure the future of our planet’s biodiversity.
