Cali, Colombia, Governments will come together for two weeks of negotiations in Cali to progress upon the historic 2022 global biodiversity framework agreed upon at the previous COP15. The nature deal presents an opportunity for protecting and restoring high integrity ecosystems in a fair and equitable way, over the next decade and into the future.
What Greenpeace expects from COP16 for success:
- Implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Global Framework commitment to provide $20 billion USD by 2025, and every year after, increasing to $30 billion USD by 2030, with direct access to funding for Indigenous Peoples and local communities
- A mandate to act on climate-biodiversity synergies at international and national levels, with protection of ecosystem integrity as a key measure
- Delivery on the ambition and implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Plans (NBSAPs) to implement the Global Biodiversity Framework
- A mechanism for continuing the identification of ecologically and biologically important marine areas
An Lambrechts, Head of the Greenpeace COP16 delegation said: "We're about to see how serious governments really are about solving the biodiversity crisis. It's time for everyone to put their cards on the table: we'll see who's walking the talk and who's hindering progress."
"COP16 is our make or break moment. Our fight against climate change hinges on nature protection. Integrating action between biodiversity and climate conventions will go a long way towards the protection of people and planet, hand in hand with the timely delivery of agreed financial commitments and national plans. Delay is not acceptable. Governments need to come to Cali ready to deliver."
Estefanía Gonzalez, Deputy Campaigns Director, Greenpeace Andino said: "The urgency of taking decisive measures to restore our ecosystems cannot be underestimated. We cannot allow further delay. We need immediate and concrete actions that ensure the preservation of nature and a viable future for all generations. COP16 represents a crucial opportunity for governments to make firm and effective commitments to protect biodiversity and honor the promises made at the last COP. Now more than ever, in Colombia, one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, we have the opportunity to take action for nature, for the oceans, and for ourselves."
Ahead of governments beginning discussions, Greenpeace Andino activists unfurled a banner 70 metres high with the message: "Action for Nature Now," a powerful message to governments for urgent global action to protect biodiversity as earth faces a mass extinction crisis.
