Between October 21 and November 1, 2024, the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) unfolded in Cali, Colombia, encompassing over two weeks of intense negotiations and collaborative dialogues aimed at addressing the alarming global biodiversity crisis. The conference, which attracted participation from over 180 nations, high-ranking officials, ministers, and organizations, resounded with the powerful message of "Peace with Nature." Notably, it featured strong representation from Colombia's Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities, who played pivotal roles in shaping discussions on land conservation, climate change, and wildlife protection.
One of the most significant outcomes of COP16 was the launch of the Protocol of Intent for Biodiversity Conservation, initiated by WCS Brazil and the country's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MMA) on the penultimate day of the conference. Signed by Rita Mesquita, the National Secretary of Biodiversity, Forests, and Animal Rights and Marcos Amend, Executive Director of WCS Brazil, this protocol symbolizes the commitment of Brazil to bolster its biodiversity strategies through innovative funding mechanisms and reinforced management of protected areas.
This Protocol serves as a framework for implementing bold conservation measures, establishing ecological financial strategies, and combating wildlife trafficking. Central to the Protocol is the High Integrity Forests Investment Initiative (HIFOR), aimed at financing the establishment and expansion of conservation areas through extensive studies directed at public forests. With measures like these, Brazil seeks to expand its biodiversity protection and promote initiatives rooted in conservation-based territorial development.
Marcos Amend remarked, “The launch of this Protocol of Intent signifies an important milestone for advancing the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), underscoring our commitment to collaborative efforts for shared environmental goals.” Secretary Mesquita echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collective responsibility of society at large to participate effectively and fulfill ambitious conservation targets, particularly those geared toward combating wildlife crime.
While the cooperation established at COP16 was promising, it became clear there were serious challenges to meet the established biodiversity goals. With just six years left to meet the ambitious targets set by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, governments are racing against time, yet many nations have yet to present actionable plans. The central target includes the pledge to protect 30% of land and sea areas globally, known as the 30x30 initiative.
Financial constraints remain another hurdle; billions of dollars are required annually to restore degraded ecosystems, with estimates falling as low as $700 billion. Consequently, experts express concern over continued reliance on inadequate funding and ineffective reforms governing harmful subsidies, which could significantly delay potential restoration projects.
Nathalie Seddon, professor of biodiversity at Oxford University, stated, "The biodiversity goals’ 2030 deadline exists for a reason: biodiverse, resilient ecosystems are the foundation of our economies and wellbeing." This acknowledges the direct link between biodiversity preservation and the welfare of populations worldwide.
Notably, high-profile participants at COP16 included UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who, during his address, emphasized the importance of addressing the existential crisis posed by biodiversity loss, stating, “Nature is life. And yet we are waging war against it. A war where there can be no winner.” His words served as a poignant reminder of the global urgency surrounding environmental initiatives.
Colombia's Environment Minister Susana Muhamad affirmed her vision for the conference as she called for transformative approaches to tackle pressing issues surrounding sustainability. Underlining the theme of “Peace with Nature,” Muhamad challenged participants to adopt inclusive strategies to address the multifaceted crises harming the planet.
President Gustavo Petro joined the discussion, urging attendees to reevaluate conventional strategies, arguing for innovative solutions to combat the climate crises, pollution, and habitat destruction. He framed COP16 as the “summit of the people,” where universal advocacy for environmental health needed to rise above outdated methods and corporate-driven policies.
On the conference's final day, attendees felt buoyed by the urgency of establishing commitments leading to concrete actions supporting biodiversity preservation. Despite earlier setbacks with global funding and the struggle to meet conservation objectives, seven countries pledged to contribute $163 million to the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, eliciting hope for future initiatives arising from these investments.
A defining characteristic of COP16 was its diverse representation from various stakeholders, including Afro-descendant leaders, Indigenous advocates, and academia. The conference was enriched by the voices of those who have traditionally been marginalized yet are actively engaged as custodians of nature. Many speakers underscored the importance of integrating local knowledge, which can bridge the gap between scientific efforts and indigenous practices, significantly enhancing conservation strategies.
Altogether, COP16 has set the stage to pursue more equitable and inclusive environmental governance, with commitments made reverberate beyond the conference walls. The path forward emphasizes shared responsibility and acknowledges the unique ecosystem services provided by biodiversity, which are indispensable for food security, climate resilience, and public health.
Despite encouraging commitments made during the conference, the urgency for governments and organizations to act decisively has never been clearer. The message is indisputable: securing peace with nature requires swift, collective action. COP16 has not merely been about discussing lofty goals; it has borne witness to grassroots movements clamoring for responsible stewardship over natural resources, urging decision-makers to act on behalf of vulnerable ecosystems.
So, as the echoes of “Peace with Nature” fill the air and the commitments exchanged at COP16 linger, the ultimate success of these pledges will rest on the concrete actions undertaken by governments, international bodies, and local communities alike. The window for reversing the current trend of biodiversity loss is rapidly closing, and the call for action extends to everyone.
From Cali's rich cultural legacy to the collective narratives of the global community, the commitment made during COP16 marks not just another chapter but potentially transformative shifts within the global biodiversity narrative, setting strong foundations for upcoming conferences. The urgency of the moment demands action, solidarity, and shared responsibility, for only together can humanity hope to secure the fragile balance between development and conservation for generations to come.
