COP16 Results Explored:

The conclusion of the 16th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) marks a pivotal moment in the global effort to address biodiversity loss and safeguard the planet’s ecosystems. Building on the commitments made in previous conferences, this year’s outcomes sought to turn ambitious goals into actionable solutions.

Parties to the convention were set to negotiate on key issues for the future of biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and equitable benefit-sharing. Securing funding for biodiversity was poised to be one of the most anticipated outcomes of this year’s COP. In addition, all eyes were set on countries’ National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) submissions, as these documents are critical for assessing global progress toward halting biodiversity loss.

Let’s look at what COP16 delivered.

COP16 highlights

Indigenous people recognition

One of the largest successes of this 16th UN Biodiversity Conference is the historic adoption of a Program of Work and the establishment of a new permanent Subsidiary Body on Article (8)j to formally acknowledge the essential role of Indigenous peoples and local communities in biodiversity conservation efforts. This new body will serve as a platform to collaborate with Parties and other organisations, enabling the application and promotion of their traditional knowledge, innovations, and practices regarding biological diversity.

Additionally, addressing historical exclusions, an agreement was reached to recognise the contribution of Afro-descendant communities, rooted in traditional lifestyles, in implementing the Convention and supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

After more than three decades of persistent advocacy, these decisions marked a significant milestone for better inclusion and justice in decision-making, as it is the first time a UN environmental agreement has taken such a step.

Financial resource mobilisation

Though parties agreed at COP15 to secure $200 billion annually by 2030 from all sources to support biodiversity initiatives worldwide, COP16 ended without much progress on this end. Unfortunately, only $163 million in new contributions were added to the already limited resources of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) Fund.

The establishment of a new biodiversity fund was a major goal of this year’s COP presidency and developing countries. However, as COP16 drew to a close the dissatisfaction and distrust between countries became evident as no agreement was reached on this issue.

It is also concerning to see the prevalence of biodiversity credits at COP16. Despite the lacklustre results of carbon credits, some parties still push for further commodification of biodiversity. We must be very critical of these initiatives so as to not repeat the mistakes made with voluntary carbon credit markets and to mitigate the negative effects of neoliberal conservation policies.

Biodiversity credits must not detract from the commitments from governments to secure biodiversity financing.

Measuring progress

Of the CBD’s 196 Parties, the majority (119) submitted national biodiversity targets, policy measures and actions (NBSAPs) to reach the goals of the GBF. However, many countries have yet to submit their NBSAPs, which is the primary document that supports the implementation of the biodiversity targets. Accelerating action on this front is paramount to meet the GBF’s goal of halting biodiversity decline by 2030.

Need a reminder of what NBSAPs are?

Check out our article: The Road from COP CBD 15 to COP CBD 16

Negotiators reached an agreement (still to be adopted) on finer details related to the global review set to take place at COP17 and 19. This review aims to assess the progress made towards the main goal of the GBF based on NBSAPs and national targets. However, the agreement reached does not specify any action, besides reviewing their NBSAPs, that must be taken by countries after such a review.

Cali fund

This historic agreement actualises the agreement made at COP15 to develop a global mechanism to share the benefits of using Digital Sequence Information on genetic resources (DSI) fairly and equitably.

The Cali fund is designed to return some of the proceeds from the use of biodiversity back to protect and restore nature where these funds are needed most. It specifically targets large corporations and entities that derive commercial benefits from DSI. These enterprises are now bound to contribute a portion of the revenues derived from DSI to the Cali fund.

These resources will support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), with developing countries benefiting from it the most.

Civil society engagement at COP

Branded “COP of the People” by the Colombian government, CBD COP 16 fostered citizen engagement with the creation of a “Green Zone”, a space open to all designed for hosting a large variety of activities including workshops, conferences and exhibitions. During the event, this platform welcomed about 700 000 visitors such as NGOs, business representatives, academics and local communities that were able to connect with peers, engage with other stakeholders, exchange knowledge and share their views on CBDs thematic issues. Youth participation was ensured with the presence of a dedicated Youth Pavilion, led by the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN), within the Green Zone.

However, the separation between this area and the “Blue zone”, room for formal negotiations of the Parties and dialogues with accredited observers, was criticised, as the public was left wishing for greater connection with policy-makers and interconnection between the two main zones.

Recognised as the largest CBD COP in number of participants, COP 16 nonetheless highlighted the need for strengthening the integration of civil society, including youth, in direct discussions with governments.

Conclusion

The outcomes of COP16 show both very encouraging progress and significant remaining challenges in addressing the biodiversity crisis.

With the Cali fund and the official recognition of Indigenous people and local communities, groundbreaking steps were made toward better inclusion and equity in biodiversity governance.

On the other hand, the incapacity of the Parties to reach an agreement on financial commitments and the limited accountability mechanisms signal the immense work still needed to meet the ambitious goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework. “Making Peace with Nature”, the theme chosen by this year’s host country, will require core decisions from Member States in the follow-up meetings that will be held to address unresolved issues.

As youth, we remain committed to intensifying our efforts to hold leaders accountable and ensure that promises translate into tangible actions.