Biodiversity at the Spotlight

This year’s Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) has just finished in Cali, Columbia. The event, which annually gathers nations to address urgent environmental issues, has increasingly highlighted the biodiversity crisis Earth is facing.

Biodiversity is a foundation for human survival, involving everything from food security to climate resilience. Yet, it faces unprecedented threats: reports show that up to one million species could face extinction in the coming decades due to human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change. Key ecosystems, like the Amazon rainforest and African savannas, are particularly vulnerable, and their degradation impacts global environmental stability and local communities.

COP16’s goal was to build on the achievements of COP15 in Montreal, where the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted as a landmark agreement. With 23 concrete targets and four primary goals, the GBF aims to halt biodiversity loss and promote ecosystem restoration by 2030.

At COP15, a significant addressed challenge was securing financial resources to support the GBF, especially for developing countries, where most of the planet’s biodiversity is located. Wealthier nations agreed to increase financial assistance to at least $200 billion annually, acknowledging that without equitable funding, ambitious conservation targets would be difficult to achieve. However, translating these financial commitments into action remains a key issue. This was a main topic of discussion at COP16 since this target has not been met, and this issue remains one of the most important to be addressed. The aftermath of COP16 relies on transforming these commitments into action, especially regarding the 30 by 30 target, which seeks to protect 30% of the world’s land and marine areas within the next six years.

Another vital issue for COP16 is implementing effective monitoring systems to track progress toward biodiversity goals. While COP15 laid out broad commitments, the lack of standardized, enforceable metrics has created accountability gaps. COP16 failed to decide on that, as the framework has not been fully accepted, and the countries failed to reach a consensus. Along with the financial decisions, this topic will remain up for debate at the post-event.

Indigenous communities, recognized as stewards of biodiversity (they manage lands that encompass over a quarter of global biodiversity), were one of the major discussion points at COP16, with Indigenous participation reaching an all-time high. Building on COP15’s acknowledgment of the importance of Indigenous action towards conserving the environment, COP16 hit a landmark decision with the adoption of a new Programme of Work on Article 8(j). This program sets out specific tasks to ensure the contribution of Indigenous peoples and local communities towards the three objectives of the Convention: a) the conservation of biological diversity, b) the sustainable use of biological diversity, and c) the fair and equitable sharing of benefits), as well as the implementation of the KMGBF.

Another major achievement at COP16 was the agreement on new mechanisms to identify and protect ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs). This adoption establishes a significant framework for identifying and protecting marine areas that are essential for the health of the ocean and the environment.

Beyond conservation, COP16 also explored regenerative approaches that actively restore degraded ecosystems. This shift from conservation to regeneration should prioritize policies like rewilding, reforestation, and the promotion of sustainable agriculture practices. These initiatives not only support biodiversity but also enhance climate resilience by capturing carbon and stabilizing local ecosystems.

At COP 16, the Parties approved a Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health designed to help curb the emergence of zoonotic diseases, prevent non-communicable diseases, and promote sustainable ecosystems. Recognizing that biodiversity loss and poor health often share common drivers—such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change—the Plan emphasizes the urgency of tackling these threats to benefit both ecosystems and humans.

The UN Conference of the Parties has gained increasing attention in recent years as society faces escalating environmental challenges. These conferences serve as crucial moments for reflection, fostering hope and inspiration through multilateral cooperation. Achieving the ambitious goals set during COP15 in Montreal requires unified action, significant investment, and collaboration among governments, Indigenous communities, the private sector, and individuals. Although obstacles persist—from funding gaps to political resistance—there is growing momentum for a global biodiversity preservation movement. COP16 presents an opportunity to build on past commitments, refine objectives, and ensure the protection of biodiversity for future generations, highlighting the essential need for holistic change and collective participation.

Have a great and impactful week!

Natália Cantarino Researcher Center for Responsible Business & Leadership