As the planet approaches a critical threshold of irreversible biodiversity loss, world leaders are convening in Cali, Colombia, on October 21 to advance the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 16), the first since the adoption of the GBF, aims to push forward the landmark biodiversity plan to halt and reverse nature’s decline.
Amid high expectations for countries to deliver on the GBF commitments, the spotlight is on national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs). CBD parties are in the process of updating these critical plans to ensure they effectively reflect the goals and principles of the framework. This alignment is key to driving meaningful action in the fight against biodiversity loss.
Resource mobilization is also set to be a key focus, with the biodiversity funding mechanism and options for monitoring progress at the centre of discussions.
Furthermore, parties are expected to agree on how to operationalize a multilateral mechanism for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources, ensuring the well-being of those who protect them.
https://www.iisd.org/inside-cop-16
Also scheduled is a Conference Event titled “Can we have it all? Approaches to equitable and inclusive nature-based solutions aiming for climate resilience, gender equality and biodiversity net gain”.
This event, as part of the Nature Positive Pavilion, will explore how to design and implement inclusive, equitable and biodiversity-positive nature-based solutions for adaptation.
Climate change, biodiversity loss, and poverty are inter-related crises that require integrated responses at scale. In this session, we will share perspectives from policymakers, experts and practitioners implementing the Government of Canada’s Partnering for Climate Initiative.
The event will include a moderated panel with discussants sharing perspectives on tools and approaches for integrating inclusive nature-based solutions that are centered on gender equality and social inclusion, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation. The session will also include a Q&A period.
The event partners are Global Affairs Canada and its partners in the Partnering for Climate Initiative, including IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature.