The implementation of treaty pledges takes center stage as environmental leaders from around the world converge in Cali, Colombia, for the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16). This crucial gathering marks the first major assessment of the historic commitments made during the 2022 Montreal meetings, where 196 nations signed the ambitious Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Global Conservation Commitments

The summit faces an immediate challenge with only 31 out of 195 countries submitting their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) ahead of the conference. These plans are fundamental to achieving the framework’s core objectives, including the protection of 30% of territories for conservation, reduction of harmful business subsidies, and mandatory environmental impact reporting by companies. The two-week conference, running until November 1, must address this concerning lack of progress while maintaining momentum for change.

Indigenous Voices and Financial Challenges

The selection of Cali as the host city carries special significance, particularly for Indigenous communities seeking to leverage their proximity to the Amazon to strengthen their role in global conservation efforts. Jose Mendez, secretary of the National Organization of Indigenous Peoples of the Colombian Amazon, views the conference as a crucial opportunity to demonstrate Indigenous peoples’ importance in global conservation efforts. However, these communities often find themselves disappointed by final decisions despite their strong representation at biodiversity COPs.

Funding Goals and Implementation

The financial aspects of the treaty pledges remain a critical concern. Wealthy nations committed to providing $20 billion annually by 2025, increasing to $30 billion by 2030, to support developing countries in meeting their nature goals. Current funding falls short, with only $15.4 billion raised by 2022, according to the OECD. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has emphasized the need for significant investment in the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, which has received approximately $250 million in commitments thus far.

COP16 also aims to establish crucial mechanisms for future conservation efforts, including a global multilateral system for managing digital sequence information from genetic resources and a new program incorporating traditional knowledge into national conservation plans. Colombia’s Environment Minister and COP16 President Susana Muhamad emphasizes the conference’s role in collecting global experience and knowledge to forge sustainable conditions for future societies.

The ongoing destruction of nature through activities such as logging and overfishing underscores the urgency of implementing treaty pledges effectively. The conference must balance ambitious conservation goals with practical implementation strategies while ensuring adequate funding and support for developing nations. As delegates debate these critical issues, the success of COP16 will largely depend on their ability to transform commitments into actionable plans that can halt and reverse biodiversity loss.