COP16 2024 highlights the past unfulfilled obligations to meet 2030 targets of protecting 30% of the Planet’s Biodiversity.

The 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity is a conference that is currently being held from October 21 to November 1, 2024 in Cali, Colombia. Over 190 countries participated brining together 23,000 pre-egistered delegates, including governments, observer organisations,, indigenous communities, business, youth groups, civil society, academia, and the general public – for advancing global biodiversity goals and implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The world is charging towards tipping points for species extinctions, ecosystem collapse and loss of genetic diversity. Crossing these tipping points will be devastating for nature and human existence alike.

Avoiding this catastrophe of humanity’s making is the purpose of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) in Cali, Colombia. COP16 has been reviewing progress on implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at COP15 in Montreal, Canada, in 2022. Progress has been incremental at best. (Conversations)

Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General- “For humanity to thrive, nature must flourish. ‌ Destroying nature inflames conflict, hunger & disease, fuels poverty, inequality & the climate crisis”.

The role of indigenous peoples and local communities’ knowledge and stewardship are “the world’s great guardians of biodiversity, luminaries of sustainable use”, and a testament to their heart of biodiversity-action at every level.

Ms. Muhamad, who is Colombia’s Environmental Minister stressed that biodiversity conservation is deeply linked to climate action, and that extractive use of natural resources is responsible for 50 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions today, but at the same time, it is also causing 90 per cent of biodiversity loss.

“Powerfully restoring ecosystems and nature can contribute almost 40 percent to the solution of stabilising the climate and the carbon cycle,” Ms. Muhamad emphasized. 

COP16 and ASIA. One of the key initiatives launched at COP16 is the Southeast Asia Ocean Fund, designed to accelerate conservation efforts beyond designated marine protected areas. This collaborative fund, backed by philanthropic organizations, aims to help achieve the global goal of protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.

Although many Southeast Asian countries did not meet the deadline for submitting updated biodiversity pledges at COP16, progress is being made. Challenges such as competing priorities and funding shortages have been highlighted, but there remains a strong commitment to enhance nature conservation efforts.

Enforcing the collaborations and commitments made at COP16 is a major challenge and requires a multi-faceted strategic approach. Currently reporting structures are in place – not mandatory-  are they enough?

For example, before COP16, governments had pledged only US$250 million (A380 million) of the estimated $200 billion per year required by 2030 for the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund. Pledges of another $163 million this week take the total number of contributors to a mere 12.

Only 15% of countries (including Australia) met the deadline to submit their plans to meet the goals set at COP15. These include protecting at least 30% of the world’s land and water and restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.

And plans do not guarantee action. Indeed, the world has never achieved a single global nature target set by such initiatives.

CHINA COP16 BODIVERSITY EFFORTS

Under the global biodiversity framework, wildlife in China is thriving thanks to advanced technology and increased public awareness, as reported by the Chinese delegation at COP16 in Cali, Colombia. The arrival of tens of thousands of migratory birds, such as cormorants, each autumn in Shenzhen highlights this progress, with the city’s improved environment attracting these species.

Organizations like the Mangrove Conservation Foundation (MCF) see the growing bird population as a positive indicator of urban biodiversity. The Futian Mangrove National Nature Reserve has seen a resurgence of species, including the black-faced spoonbill and the Eurasian otter, which had been absent for nearly 20 years. Notably, from 2015 to 2023, insect species in the area increased from 109 to 1,224, while bird species grew from 83 to 220. Chinese environmentalists are leveraging emerging technologies for biodiversity monitoring such as bioacustics and artificial intelligence, to enhance conservation efforts.

Weather radar, for instance, helps predict bird flight paths, aiming to reduce collisions with building.

The conservation foundation’s delegation at COP16 shared insights on these initiatives, emphasing their alignment with the Kumming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework established at COP15. Cities beyond Shenzen, such as those in Zheijang and Fujian Provinces, are also engaged in protecting wetlands for migratory birds.

The shy, harmless pangolin is becoming increasingly well known for one reason: It’s believed to be the world’s most trafficked non-human mammal. Tens of thousands of pangolins are poached every year, killed for their scales for use in traditional Chinese medicine and for their meat, a delicacy among some ultra-wealthy in China and Vietnam. nationalgeographic.com

Li Cheng, founder of the Xizijiang Ecological Conservation Center, noted the growing public commitment to biodiversity conservation since COP15 with infrared cameras have recorded increased pangolin activity, signaling a rise in this critically endangered species. With local villagers now actively participating in conservation efforts, new technologies like a mobile app have been implemented to enhance patrol efficiency and habitat restoration initiatives.

Global Strategies to Achieve Targets: 

Public Awareness and Education: Promote public awareness and education about biodiversity issues. An informed and engaged public can advocate for stronger policies and hold governments accountable.

Transparency and Public Participation: Encouraging transparency by making reports and data publicly available can hold countries accountable. Involving civil society organizations and local communities in the decision-making process can enhance oversight and engagement.

Capacity Building and Technical Assistance: Provide technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives to help countries, especially developing nations, implement their biodiversity strategies effectively. This can include training programs, technology transfer, and sharing best practices.

International Cooperation and Partnerships: Strengthen international cooperation and partnerships to address transboundary biodiversity issues and promote collaborative joint conservation projects, research initiatives, and knowledge exchange.

Financial Mechanisms: The Global Environment Facility (GEF) and other international funding bodies can play a critical role in establishing financial incentives for countries that achieve their biodiversity targets and penalties for those that can’t drive compliance.

Monitoring and Reporting: Implement robust monitoring and reporting systems. Regular progress reports and assessments by independent biodiversity experts can help track adherence to commitments.

Further reading: Conversations HERE+