The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity has commenced in Cali, Colombia, amid significant calls for action against biodiversity loss.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the need for nations to turn their commitments into tangible results and boost investments in the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF).
The fund was established to assist countries in achieving the ambitious goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which aims to halt and reverse the deterioration of nature by 2030.
With around $250 million pledged so far, Guterres urged for greater financial commitments from both public and private sectors.
He stressed that those benefiting from natural resources must actively contribute to their conservation and restoration.
Delegates emphasize the importance of financial commitment to achieve global environmental goals.The broader agreement formed in Montreal mandates that at least $200 billion is mobilized each year for biodiversity efforts, including $20 billion annually from developed nations to support developing countries.
The UN aims to ensure that 30% of land and marine areas are protected by 2030, a goal that carries immense implications for global economic stability.
Despite the urgency of the conference’s mission, security concerns loom large, particularly from the EMC guerrilla group, which has threatened foreign delegations.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has expressed anxiety regarding the safety of the event, while local officials assure that extensive security measures are in place, involving thousands of police officers and military personnel.
As delegates from nearly 200 nations gather to discuss vital strategies for environmental protection, British primate expert Jane Goodall has highlighted the critical need for immediate and decisive action.
“The time for words and false promises is past,” she stated, echoing the sentiments of many attendees.
Colombia is one of the most biodiverse nations, the conference represents a crucial moment in the global fight for biodiversity conservation.