Negotiations open with urgency and Indigenous-led solutions
As COP16 wrapped up its first week, the urgency was palpable with a clear message: act on biodiversity now, or we risk losing it forever. The UN warns that a million species could face extinction soon due to climate change, habitat loss, and human activities. [1] This urgent call is shaping COP16 negotiations.
Following the adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in Montreal in 2022, the world’s eyes are on how countries will implement their commitments to protect biodiversity. Our Ecojustice team hit the ground running, diving into side events, connecting with allies, and hosting our own panel to push for on-the-ground change.
A pivotal COP: Indigenous Peoples demand a seat at the table
Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) are demanding real decision-making power and a rights-based conservation approach that respects their knowledge and practices. Indigenous lands, which hold about 80 per cent of the world’s remaining biodiversity, remain vulnerable to exploitation despite their critical role in preserving ecosystems.[2] Many conversations centered on ensuring that National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs) respect traditional ecological knowledge and uplift the role of IPLC groups in biodiversity preservation.
Centering traditional knowledge and the NBSAP
Week one saw extensive negotiations around Article 8(j) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which requires parties to respect and integrate the role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in biodiversity efforts. COP16 delegates are debating how to provide financial and non-financial support for Indigenous communities to carry out National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs).
Only 31 out of 196 countries met the deadline to submit their NBSAPs this year—just 15 per cent of parties. The lack of broader global participation in submitting NBSAPs highlights an alarming gap between commitments and action. Canada, one of the few to meet this target, has a strong blueprint, but its NBSAP doesn’t carry legal weight. To make these targets count, Canada needs accountability. That’s where Bill C-73—the Nature Accountability Act (NAA)—comes in.

Canada’s accountability gaps and the role of provinces
As we track developments here at COP, we’re also closely watching Canada’s Nature Accountability Act (NAA), or Bill-73, back in Parliament. This bill would create a legal framework to hold Canada accountable for its biodiversity commitments and could be a vital tool for ensuring the country meets its 2030 biodiversity targets.
Provincial involvement is also critical for effective biodiversity strategies within Canada. While some provinces, such as Quebec, have pledged to adopt GBF targets, others remain non-committal, underscoring the need for greater collaboration across all levels of government.
Addressing inequity in biodiversity financing
At COP16, much of the conversation centers on the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), which supports biodiversity preservation in the Global South. These regions are home to most of the world’s biodiversity but get little of the funding they need.
In fact, the global south—which holds 70 per cent of global biodiversity—receives only 3 per cent of biodiversity funding.[3] Many countries are clear: without fair funding, they can’t carry the responsibility of global biodiversity protection alone.

Global South’s opposition to biodiversity offsets
This COP is also marked by vocal opposition to biodiversity offsets. Global South nations expressed concerns about the trend of some Global North countries prioritizing international offsets over conservation efforts within their own borders. Ecojustice attended a press conference by the Global Forest Coalition, where Indigenous leaders called market solutions a “false solution.” Many here see this as commodifying nature rather than protecting it, especially since offsets don’t solve the root issues.
Indigenous women lead the way: Ecojustice event highlights solutions
In an inspiring session at the Women’s Pavilion, Ecojustice hosted an event titled “A Rights-Based Approach to Transform the Global Biodiversity Framework into Ground-Level Change.” Panelists included Indigenous leaders Victoria Watson from our delegation, Cleo Reece of the Fort McMurray First Nation, Lauren Turbasket of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, and Coreen Child of the Kwakiutl First Nation. The discussion was powerful, showcasing Indigenous-led efforts to protect biodiversity and the importance of Indigenous legal traditions in meeting GBF targets. This event served as a reminder that many Indigenous communities are already leading the way in conservation and biodiversity protection.
“Indigenous communities have defended biodiversity long before these agreements existed. Now, the world must support us,” said Lauren Turbasket of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band.
These voices illustrate why Indigenous communities must lead. Their lands contain over 80 per cent of the world’s biodiversity, yet they face constant threats from development and exploitation.
Looking ahead: Will Canada meet the challenge?
As Ecojustice heads into the second week of COP16, we’re eager to learn more about Canada’s plans to meet GBF targets and the next steps for the Nature Accountability Act. We hope for discussions that will provide clarity on amendments needed to strengthen the NAA and make it a cornerstone of Canada’s biodiversity strategy. The biodiversity crisis doesn’t allow for half measures. With only eight years left to meet the GBF targets, the world is watching Canada and every COP16 participant to see if they’ll step up and make good on promises made in Montreal. For those on the front lines of this crisis, like the Indigenous leaders in Cali, waiting is not an option.
Stay tuned for updates as COP16 continues, bringing together voices from around the globe to address one of the most pressing issues of our time: the future of biodiversity.
How can you act NOW?
Right now, we have the opportunity to make a real difference for nature and climate. The UN Biodiversity Conference is about committing to protecting 30 per cent of lands and oceans by 2030. Now, we need Prime Minister Trudeau to pass a law with clear timelines and accountability for these targets. Will you be a voice for nature?
Yes, I’ll add my voice
The fight for biodiversity and climate justice needs your support. As Ecojustice continues to advocate for stronger laws at COP16, your donation will help us hold Canada accountable and protect ecosystems for generations to come. Will you help turn promises into action?
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Sources:
1. UN Report: Nature’s Dangerous Decline ‘Unprecedented’; Species Extinction Rates ‘Accelerating’
2. Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy: Halting and Reversing Biodiversity Loss in Canada
3. Biodiversity Finance: Protect the Planet, Strengthen Livelihoods