CIVICUS discusses the upcoming biodiversity summit with Ximena Barrera Rey, Director of Governance and International Relations at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), one of the world’s largest conservation organisations.

The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity will take place in Cali, Colombia from 21 October to 1 November. The first since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the summit is expected to focus on finding ways to accelerate its implementation. It will also provide an opportunity for civil society, academia, the private sector and financiers to offer solutions to halt and reverse habitat loss, protect endangered species, guarantee sustainable use of biodiversity and ensure fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.

Why is it important to protect biodiversity?

The concept of biodiversity refers to the wide variety of living things and ecosystems that make up the Earth. It is the result of millions of years of evolution and natural selection, as well as the influence of human activities.

Protecting biodiversity is crucial for human survival. Our food, medicines and essential materials depend on it. It underpins vital processes such as crop pollination, pest control and air and water purification. Healthy ecosystems act as buffers against natural disasters, help regulate the climate and reduce the impacts of climate change.

Biodiversity also has a deep cultural value for many communities whose identities, traditions and ways of life depend on their natural environment. Biodiversity loss affects not only ecosystems, but also the spiritual and cultural connection people have with their environment.

What is the purpose of the upcoming COP?

The COP, held every two years, is the main decision-making forum for the Convention on Biological Diversity, a binding international legal instrument that aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. It brings together 195 countries and the European Union to review progress towards the convention’s objectives, set priorities and adopt work plans.

COP16 will provide an opportunity to follow up and strengthen the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at COP15 in 2022. This framework aims to provide a roadmap to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. It includes four goals and 23 targets to be achieved between 2025 and 2030. These include conserving 30 per cent of the world’s land and oceans, reducing the impact of invasive species, managing agriculture sustainably and prioritising the involvement of Indigenous peoples and local communities.

What role will civil society play at COP16?

Civil society, together with other non-state participants, will take part in the negotiations and their presence will be crucial in urging states to agree on an ambitious plan to meet their commitments under the Global Framework on a timely basis, including by mobilising significant financial resources to implement conservation strategies at national and international levels.

Civil society is calling for states to recognise the links between biodiversity and climate change and seek solutions to address them together. It also calls for a multilateral mechanism to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of digital information on genetic resource sequences.

What are your expectations for the outcomes?

In a context where biodiversity loss is continuing and the world is approaching dangerous and irreversible tipping points, states must use COP16 to take steps to ensure effective implementation of the Global Framework. Action should include reviewing and implementing national biodiversity strategies and action plans, mobilising financial resources and creating synergies between the biodiversity and climate agendas. It’s also essential to strengthen human rights-based approaches that involve the whole of society, and recognise the links between nature, peace and conflict.

Implementing the Global Framework poses economic, social and political challenges. It requires tangible action at all levels, connecting institutions, mobilising financial resources, strengthening capacities, establishing strong governance, including for measuring indicators of progress, and ensuring monitoring and accountability. It requires the combined efforts of governments, business, ethnic communities, academia, financiers and civil society.

States must work to build trust among all stakeholders and involve communities in decision-making on natural resource management, as their traditional knowledge is essential for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

In terms of mobilising resources, developed countries have already pledged US$200 billion by 2030, but these commitments have yet to materialise.

 

Find out more about WWF’s position for COP16 here.