Come see us at the COP16 in Cali, Colombia!

We are excited to announce that NatureRe Capital AG will have an active presence at the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Conference of the Parties (COP16). We encourage everyone attending to visit us at our dedicated stand (Green Zone - open to public), where we’ll be discussing our Colombian restoration projects, showcasing the success of Assisted Natural Regeneration, and sharing insights into how investment can drive meaningful impact in biodiversity conservation. More details to come on LinkedIn.

Additionally, we will be part of the Business for Nature B Team delegation, joining a powerful coalition of companies committed to integrating nature into business decisions. Business for Nature is a global platform that unites companies and organisations to amplify their voices for strong policy action on nature. The B Team, is a non-profit organisation co-founded by leaders such as Sir Richard Branson, champions responsible business practices that protect both people and the planet.

Through these collaborations, NatureRe Capital AG aims to drive home the message that investing in nature-positive solutions is essential for meeting biodiversity goals while fostering economic growth.

What is the?CBD?COP? Why is it Important?

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Conference of the Parties (COP) is the primary global forum where countries convene to discuss and take action on biodiversity conservation. This year, COP16 will be held in Cali, Colombia, bringing together governments, businesses, non-profits, and environmental advocates from around the world. The urgency for this year’s meeting is paramount, as we are nearing critical global environmental deadlines, such as the 2030 biodiversity targets.

Half of world’s GDP is moderately or highly dependent on nature and nature is at the core of many solutions for climate mitigation, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity preservation (WEF). As highlighted by Susana Muhamad, Colombia’s environmental minister and president of this year’s COP, a singular focus on cutting carbon emissions while failing to restore and protect natural ecosystems would be “dangerous for humanity” and risk societal collapse (The Guardian). The decisions made at COP16 will have a profound impact on future conservation strategies, land-use policies, and funding mechanisms to protect our planet’s biodiversity and restore degraded ecosystems.

At NatureRe Capital AG, we innovate with high integrity carbon removal projects based on nature restoration —and Colombia, home to some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world, is a key geography for us. As an organisation channeling investments into nature-based projects, we understand that increasing financial flows into restoration is crucial to achieving global climate and biodiversity goals.

As nature restoration could provide one-third of the carbon reductions needed by 2030, increasing capital to support reforestation, habitat restoration, and biodiversity conservation is not optional—it is critical. By attending COP16, we are not only showcasing our commitment to Colombia’s ecosystems but also advocating for scalable investment frameworks to ensure that nature-based solutions receive the financial backing they deserve.

The road from COP15 & the Global Biodiversity Framework:

At COP15, held in Kunming and Montreal, world leaders made progress toward drafting a Global Biodiversity Framework, with a commitment to protect 30% of the planet’s land and sea by 2030 (The Nature Conservancy). There were also substantial discussions on funding mechanisms to support biodiversity efforts, though the gap between available funding and the necessary capital for restoration remains vast.

As we approach COP16, the stakes are higher than ever. With the escalating impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss, the need for actionable strategies and sufficient financing cannot be overstated. October’s meeting will serve as a critical moment to solidify the commitments made at COP15 and chart a clear path toward achieving them. One of the main purposes for COP16 in Cali is to make biodiversity and the global biodiversity framework as politically relevant as the climate agenda (The Guardian).

How COP16 is Organised: Zones and Locations

The CBD COP16 will take place from Monday October 21st to Friday November 1st 2024. The event will be divided into two main zones:

• Blue Zone: This is where official negotiations and high-level government meetings will take place. Here, policymakers will set global targets for biodiversity, discuss frameworks for conservation, and create pathways for international cooperation. The Blue Zone will also be hosting events, such as Finance Day, Business and Biodiversity Day, and Trade Day. The Blue Zone will be located at the Valle del Pacífico Convention Center.
• Green Zone: This zone will host non-governmental organisations, businesses, and civil society. It will be a hub of innovation and action, showcasing the contributions of the private sector and grassroots organisations to biodiversity. The Green Zone will be divided into 7 Areas: Peace with Nature, Guardians of Biodiversity, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Financing, Conservation & Restoration, Pacific Culture and Biodiversity, Education & Engagement. The Green Zone will be located Bulevar del Rio de?Cali.

Why It’s Significant That Colombia is Hosting COP16?

It is no coincidence that Colombia, one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, was chosen to host this year’s COP16. As a country rich in natural resources and ecological diversity, Colombia stands at the forefront of global efforts to conserve and restore critical ecosystems. Colombia ranks second in the world for biodiversity and is home to nearly 10% of the planet’s species (CBD). With ecosystems ranging from rainforests and savannas to mountain ranges and coastlines, the Amazon rainforest, the Andean region, and the Chocó-Darién rainforests are just a few of the crucial biodiversity hotspots within the country that are essential to both local and global ecosystems.

Colombia’s biodiversity is increasingly endangered due to deforestation, habitat loss, and climate change, making it even more critical to lead conservation and restoration efforts. 25% of the country’s ecosystems have been characterized as Critically Endangered and 21% as Threatened (WWF). The stakes are high—if biodiversity loss continues, the resilience of ecosystems and the services they provide, including carbon sequestration and food security, will be drastically compromised.

Colombia’s government has shown a strong commitment to protecting its natural heritage. One of the key initiatives that underscores this commitment is the Heritage Colombia program (Herencia Colombia). This long-term, innovative financial mechanism was designed to ensure the sustainable management of 20 million hectares of protected areas. It aims to safeguard biodiversity while generating social and economic benefits for local communities. By creating a sustainable financing model, Heritage Colombia supports efforts to reduce deforestation, promote conservation, and protect indigenous lands.

At NatureRe Capital AG, we are deeply invested in the success of Colombia’s conservation efforts. Our reference nature restoration project is based in Colombia, Antioquia,?where we work hand-in-hand with local communities, governments, and partners to restore degraded lands, conserve biodiversity, and generate sustainable economic benefits. Led by our fantastic team in Colombia, our project not only aligns with Colombia’s ambitious environmental goals but also highlight the vital role that private investment plays in accelerating nature-based solutions. By supporting ecosystem restoration in Colombia, we are contributing to global climate targets and the preservation of one of the planet’s most precious natural resources. Both the European team and the Colombian team will be joining the COP16.

Let’s Connect in Colombia!

As COP16 approaches, we’re eager to connect with fellow investors, corporates, and environmental advocates who share our passion for nature restoration. Let us know if you will be attending the COP. ?We would love to meet with you and explore ways we can collaborate to drive greater investment into nature-based solutions.

Additionally, for investors or corporates who are particularly interested in seeing the impact of our restoration projects firsthand, we are organising a site visit to Antioquia, where we are actively restoring degraded land and working to rebuild critical ecosystems. This visit will offer a unique opportunity to witness how investment in nature is transforming landscapes and supporting both biodiversity and local communities. Come discover the already tangible results of Assisted Natural Regeneration.

Please fill out the form below if you would like to:

• Meet us during COP16 in Cali
• Join the site visit to Antioquia before or after the conference

We look forward to connecting and discussing how we can work together to scale investment into nature restoration!