High hopes amid high stakes for global biodiversity at Cali, Colombia
High-level segment kicks off the final week
In the early morning hours, as COP16 negotiations came to a close, delegates and activists alike were left grappling with a complex mix of hope and urgency. The second week of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, held in Cali, brought political leaders to the forefront in the high-level segment. This crucial period was marked by intense discussions aimed at finalizing agreements that would shape the world’s path forward on biodiversity protection.
The high-level segment began with a compelling address by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, followed by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. Both leaders emphasized the pressing need to confront the ongoing biodiversity crisis.
Calls for urgent action and accountability
President Petro underscored how prioritizing corporate interests — often pushed by influential lobbyists from industries like oil — over environmental and human well-being has accelerated the crisis. He described these industries as ‘giants feeding on the Earth’ consuming resources at unsustainable rates for profit, even as the ecosystem supporting humanity stands on the edge of collapse. Guterres, in turn, likened the biodiversity crisis to a ‘ship heading towards a waterfall,’ cautioning that without decisive change, the destruction of natural habitats will continue at an alarming rate. The Secretary-General warned of ‘a war with no winners,’ stressing the need for leaders to make peace with nature.
Canada announces new funding, but resource mobilization negotiations aren’t over
Shortly before the high-level segment began, Canada’s Global Affairs announced a new commitment of $62 million, dedicated to seven programs supporting biodiversity protection and restoration in the global south. These funds could represent a vital step, especially for regions facing the most severe biodiversity challenges. Yet, as discussions progressed, it became evident that financial commitments were still falling short. Mobilizing the estimated $200 billion required to protect global biodiversity remains an elusive goal. For context, this is roughly the same amount as Canada’s entire 2022 defense budget. [1] Talks around carbon offsets and so-called “greenwashed” solutions continued to spark debate, with many nations, Indigenous groups, and organizations pushing back against these methods as superficial fixes that could dilute real progress.
Converging climate and biodiversity solutions
One of the most debated issues this year was how to create synergy between climate and biodiversity action. Experts increasingly stress that these crises are deeply intertwined, demanding solutions that address both at once. The situation has been compared to fixing leaks in a sinking boat: if biodiversity is one side of the boat and climate change the other, focusing on only one ‘leak’ risks flooding the whole vessel. However, aligning these agendas is easier said than done, and delegates faced substantial challenges finding common ground on how best to integrate these two critical areas.
A historic decision for Indigenous representation
The closing hours of COP16 brought a historic agreement under Article 8(j) of the Convention, which promises to elevate the voices of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. For the first time, COP parties agreed to establish a permanent subsidiary body to ensure Indigenous and community representatives have a formal role in biodiversity negotiations. This milestone agreement recognizes the indispensable role that Indigenous communities play in conservation. Indigenous-managed lands make up nearly 25% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity, while supporting 80% of remaining biodiversity hotspots. [2] Though the framework for this body’s establishment will be hammered out at COP17, this breakthrough has laid a foundation for more inclusive biodiversity governance going forward.
Ecojustice Canada’s role at COP16
Amid these high-stakes negotiations, Ecojustice Canada was on the ground, actively contributing to the discussions. Together with West Coast Environmental Law (WCEL), Ecojustice co-hosted an event titled From Goals to Ground-Level Change: Legal Pathways for Implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Moderated by Ecojustice’s Charlotte Dawe, the panel featured speakers from Australia, Chile, and WCEL’s own Anna Johnston, who shared insights into how their respective countries are translating global biodiversity goals into actionable legal frameworks. This event highlighted both the opportunities and the challenges of implementing the GBF, offering valuable lessons for policymakers worldwide.
In an op-ed published by the National Observer, Charlotte Dawe of Ecojustice argued that Canada must take a lead role in global biodiversity conservation. This, she noted, is critical not only for preserving our rich natural heritage but also for setting a standard other nation can aspire to follow. The call for strong, enforceable policies to protect biodiversity echoed throughout COP16, as countries wrestled with finding the right balance between ambition and feasibility.
Looking ahead to COP17
While COP16 didn’t deliver all the answers, it highlighted the urgency for unified action and underscored the need for genuine commitment. Next year’s COP17 will bring more critical negotiations, but as we leave Colombia, there’s a shared understanding that time is running short. With estimates showing we could lose 1 million species in the next few decades if we don’t act decisively, Guterres’ reminder of a ‘pivotal moment’ could not be clearer. We have reached a moment where making peace with nature is no longer a choice but a necessity.
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?
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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