COP16, the 2024 UN Biodiversity Conference, was a critical gathering focused on accelerating and refining the commitments made at COP15 in 2022, which led to the historic Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The GBF set ambitious targets for halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030, with key objectives. This article will explore how COP16 went and the key outcomes.
The Urgent Need for Biodiversity Action
COP16 took place at a crucial time when biodiversity faces significant threats. Recent UN reports indicate that approximately one million species could become extinct in the coming decades, with vital ecosystems like coral reefs, rainforests, and wetlands experiencing intense pressure.The outcomes of COP16 are anticipated to influence global biodiversity initiatives for the next several years, aiming not only to stop further damage but also to begin reversing some of the already occurring harm.
The conference aims to mobilize resources, unite stakeholders, and create mechanisms to hold governments and corporations accountable for their effects on biodiversity.
The GBF has established ambitious goals to stop and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, with key objectives that include:
- Reduce the extinction rate by tackling the main causes of biodiversity loss, such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.
- Protect the rights of Indigenous peoples and value traditional knowledge, recognizing the vital role that Indigenous communities play in conserving biodiversity.
- Address the importance of sustainable development in biodiversity conservation, which involves cutting environmentally harmful subsidies and encouraging sustainable land use.
Major Discussions and Agreements from COP16 2024
Building on previous commitments, especially the 2022 Global Biodiversity Framework, COP16 seeks to speed up tangible actions to prevent species extinction, restore ecosystems, and encourage sustainable practices worldwide. The notable achievements towards the Goal of “Making Peace with Nature”.
1. Cali Fund for Digital Genetic Information
At COP16, the “Cali Fund” was launched to ensure industries like pharma and biotech share profits from digital sequence information (DSI) with developing nations and Indigenous communities. Contributions are required from larger companies, with 50% of funds aimed at supporting Indigenous groups, especially women and youth. Transparent reporting will track progress and improve the fund’s impact.
2. Biodiversity Funding Goals
A “Resource Mobilization Strategy” was introduced to raise $200 billion annually for biodiversity by 2030. Efforts include redirecting $500 billion in harmful subsidies. Key funding sources include the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) and China’s Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF), with substantial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
3. Indigenous and Local Community Engagement
A new program under Article 8(j) strengthens Indigenous rights and participation in biodiversity initiatives, establishing a permanent body to enhance their involvement. COP16 also recognised contributions from people of African descent, promoting inclusive conservation aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
4. KMGBF Implementation and Monitoring
COP16 reviewed progress on the KMGBF, with 119 countries setting national biodiversity targets and 44 submitting action plans. While significant steps were acknowledged, there’s an urgent call to accelerate implementation.
5. Wildlife and Plant Conservation
Discussions highlighted sustainable wildlife management, emphasizing Indigenous and local community participation. Partnerships with CITIES and FAO were encouraged to explore links between wildlife use, biodiversity loss, and disease. Plant conservation efforts were also aligned with KMGBF, incorporating new indicators for effective monitoring.
Themes and Initiatives From COP16 That Carried Forward Through to COP29
Another important milestone in global environmental governance is COP29 promises. It’s taking place in November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, and will focus on climate finance to set new global targets and explore innovative financing solutions for climate change. The summit will emphasize nature-based solutions such as mangroves, and coral reefs, which mitigate climate change and increase ecosystem resilience.
A key objective is to establish a “new collective measurable target” for climate finance by 2025, essential ecosystems. Additionally, the event will explore carbon markets and how nature-based projects can be used for carbon sequestration and local development. Here’s a concise summary of how the legacy of COP16 will carry forward to COP29 and beyond.
- Climate Goals: COP29 will refine the 1.5°C target and enhance financing, with future COPs revisiting these as science evolves.
- Financing: COP29 will push for better accountability in the $100 billion financing commitment, with future COPs focusing on “loss and damage” funding.
- Paris Agreement: COP29 will update Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), with future COPs strengthening NDC transparency.
- Nature-Based Solutions: COP29 will expand on COP16’s focus to include broader biodiversity protection, with future COPs integrating climate and land use.
- Technology: COP29 will support clean energy tech and innovation, while future COPs focus on new technologies like carbon capture.
- Adaptation: COP29 will enhance community-driven resilience, with future COPs strengthening adaptation efforts.
- Equity: COP29 will prioritize just and inclusive climate action, with future COPs focusing on protections for marginalized communities.
COP29 will build on COP16’s legacy to push for more ambitious, equitable, and integrated climate action. The discussions and decisions at COP16 mark a turning point in global biodiversity conservation. By integrating biodiversity through climate change mitigation, improving financial support, empowering local communities, and promoting technological innovation, the future of biodiversity conservation looks increasingly interconnected, inclusive, and adaptive.
The momentum created at COP16 will inspire transformative changes that will protect biodiversity for generations to come.
