200 nations convene at COP16 to discuss 2022 treaty commitments | Environment News

Leaders from nearly 200 countries have convened in Colombia for the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) to evaluate progress on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The goal is to address the alarming rate of nature loss and uphold commitments made in 2022 to protect biodiversity.

Key discussions at the summit include countries pledging to set aside 30% of their territories for conservation, reducing harmful business subsidies, and ensuring companies report their environmental impact. However, as of now, only 31 out of 195 countries have submitted their biodiversity plans.

To meet funding targets, wealthy nations have pledged to donate $20 billion annually starting in 2025, with a target of $30 billion by 2030. Yet, challenges remain with insufficient funding and missed deadlines on action plans.

Additionally, the summit aims to address climate change issues, establish a system to pay for genetic data access, incorporate traditional knowledge into conservation plans, and advocate for Indigenous rights and protection.

Indigenous groups, seeking recognition for their vital role in nature conservation, are a significant presence at COP16, aiming to ensure their voices are heard and ancestral knowledge respected.