🌍 Reflecting on COP16 in Cali: Progress and Challenges in Biodiversity Conservation 🌱
The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) recently concluded in Cali, Colombia, bringing important strides but also underscoring areas where we need to do more. Here are the highlights:
1️⃣ Indigenous Peoples’ Advisory Body: COP16 saw the creation of a subsidiary body that integrates Indigenous perspectives into biodiversity decisions. This will ensure that traditional knowledge is recognised and valued in conservation efforts.
2️⃣ Benefit-Sharing from Genetic Resources: Agreements were reached for corporations to share financial benefits from natural genetic resources, with a 0.1% fee on revenues directed to a new fund—half of which supports Indigenous communities directly.
3️⃣ Recognition of People of African Descent: For the first time, the contributions of African-descended communities in biodiversity were acknowledged, emphasizing inclusive and diverse conservation efforts.
Despite these achievements, COP16 highlighted a critical gap: new financial pledges amounted to $163 million, far below what’s needed to effectively tackle global biodiversity loss. 🌍 This shortfall raises concerns about meeting the ambitious goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including protecting 30% of the planet and restoring ecosystems by 2030.
As we reflect on COP16, it’s clear that inclusiveness, transparency, and more robust financing will be essential to preserve biodiversity for future generations. 🌱
#Biodiversity #COP16 #SustainableDevelopment #IndigenousRights #EnvironmentalJustice #Conservation
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