Understanding COP16: Impacts on Our Planet’s Future

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

In October 2024, the vibrant city of Cali, Colombia, became the focal point for global biodiversity discussions as Newcastle University researchers joined key stakeholders at the 16th United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16). This pivotal event aimed to address the urgent need for biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of our planet’s natural resources.

What Was COP16?

The 16th United Nations Biodiversity Conference, or COP16, served as a critical platform for international dialogue, bringing together world leaders, non-governmental organisations, businesses, and experts in biodiversity to navigate the complexities of halting and reversing biodiversity loss. Our dedicated team from Newcastle University, comprising five researchers from the Modelling, Evidence, and Policy team, actively participated in the two-week negotiations. The agenda was packed with discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities that showcased the importance of biodiversity policy in shaping a sustainable future.

The previous conference, COP15, held in Montreal in 2022, laid the groundwork with the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). This landmark agreement aims for a world where humans and nature coexist harmoniously by 2050, outlining four long-term goals and 23 short-term targets aimed at reversing biodiversity loss by 2030.

What Is the CBD?

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a legally binding international treaty that commits governments across the globe to protect biodiversity. Signed in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and coming into force on 29 December 1993, the CBD encompasses all forms of life on Earth, including ecosystems, animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms. Its primary focus is on achieving sustainable development—advancing human progress without jeopardising biodiversity.

What Happened at COP16 and What Was Achieved?

COP16 was a critical opportunity for Parties to establish mechanisms for implementing the ambitious goals outlined in the GBF. The conference covered a diverse array of topics, including resource mobilisation, sustainable wildlife management, the intersection of biodiversity and health, and the multifaceted values of biodiversity. Notably, significant strides were made in adopting an Indigenous Peoples Subsidiary Body, which aims to enhance collaboration with Indigenous communities and integrate traditional knowledge within the implementation of the Framework.

Another landmark achievement was the establishment of the ‘Cali Fund’, which encourages industries benefitting from genetic information to contribute 1% of their profits (or 0.1% of their revenue) to developing countries, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities. This initiative represents a significant step towards equitable benefit-sharing, recognising the contributions of local communities in biodiversity conservation.

However, despite fruitful discussions, many agenda items remain unresolved. Critical topics, such as biodiversity financing and mechanisms for monitoring progress towards the GBF’s targets, continue to pose challenges. The slow progress made during this COP may raise concerns about meeting the ambitious 2030 targets set forth by the GBF, especially as only 44 Parties have submitted their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) thus far. The significant financing gaps—estimated to require $700 billion annually by 2030—further complicate the path ahead.

What Is the Difference Between COP16 and COP29?

While both COP16 and COP29 are vital international conferences addressing environmental challenges, their focus diverges significantly. COP16 centres on biodiversity and is convened by the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), while COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan in November 2024, addresses climate change under the aegis of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). COP29 aims to unite stakeholders to tackle the climate crisis through actions such as limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

It is essential to recognise that biodiversity and climate change are deeply interconnected. The outcomes from each conference will have profound implications for our planet’s future, highlighting the need for a cohesive approach to environmental policy.

What’s Next for Global Diversity Policy?

As COP16 concluded without finalising several critical agenda items, it is apparent that further negotiations are necessary. Parties are scheduled to reconvene in 2025 to address outstanding issues and officially close the meeting. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, as many nations have yet to develop their NBSAPs, and there are still significant funding gaps that need to be bridged.

Moreover, decisions concerning the monitoring and evaluation of progress towards the GBF’s targets remain to be delineated. The resolutions made at COP16 will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of global biodiversity policy, and the urgency for action has never been more pronounced.

As we reflect on the discussions and outcomes from COP16, it is clear that the journey towards preserving our planet’s rich biodiversity is fraught with challenges. However, it is also a journey filled with potential for collaboration, innovation, and transformative change. As champions of net zero, we must continue to advocate for sustainable practices, support biodiversity efforts, and hold our governments accountable to their commitments. Together, we can strive towards a future where humanity thrives in harmony with the natural world.