COP16 Biodiversity Summit: Key Wins and Unresolved Issues
A quick look at what the Cali biodiversity summit achieved—and where it fell short.
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From October 21 to November 1, nearly 200 countries, NGOs, and companies gathered in Cali, Colombia, for COP16, the first biodiversity summit since the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted in 2022.
The stakes were monumental: biodiversity has plummeted by 73% over the last 50 years, ecosystems are on the brink of collapse, and the global community is grappling with how to translate lofty commitments into tangible action.
This summit carried immense significance as it sought to address critical issues: financing conservation efforts, empowering Indigenous communities, and developing mechanisms to track progress toward biodiversity goals.
However, COP16 delivered a mixed legacy—a blend of historic breakthroughs and unresolved challenges—that highlights the urgency of safeguarding the natural world.
If You’re Not Familiar: Quick Info on COP and GBF
COP (Conference of the Parties):
The term "COP" can be confusing, as there are separate conferences for biodiversity and climate change, both under the broader United Nations framework.
COP on Climate Change: These conferences, under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), focus on mitigating and adapting to climate change. The goal is to limit global warming to 1.5°C, achieve net-zero emissions, and address the impacts of climate change.
COP29 (to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11-22)
COP on Biodiversity: Organized under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), these meetings aim to halt biodiversity loss, restore ecosystems, and ensure sustainable use of natural resources.
Today, we’re discussing COP16 on biodiversity, where the focus is on protecting the natural world and implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
GBF (Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework):
Adopted during COP15 after four years of consultations and negotiations.
Aims to achieve the global vision of “a world living in harmony with nature by 2050.
4 Goals for 2050 and 23 Targets for 2030. The GBF, referred to as the “Paris Agreement for nature,” commits countries to halting biodiversity loss by 2030 by protecting 30% of land and sea areas and mobilizing $200 billion annually for conservation.
🔴 However, progress has been slow. Only 31 of 195 countries have submitted detailed National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).
The Wins: What COP16 Achieved
1. Indigenous Leadership Recognition
In what many are calling a watershed moment, COP16 formalized Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) into the global biodiversity decision-making process. The establishment of a permanent Subsidiary Body ensures Indigenous leadership will play an integral role in conserving biodiversity.
Grounded in Article 8j of the Convention on Biological Diversity, COP16's decision emphasizes the importance of respecting, preserving, and maintaining the knowledge, innovations, and practices of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs). These traditional lifestyles are vital for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The framework calls for promoting these practices with the approval and involvement of their holders and ensuring the equitable sharing of benefits derived from them.
2. Global Levy on Genetic Resources
A major milestone at COP16 was the agreement on a global levy for products using Digital Sequence Information (DSI)—genetic data increasingly used in pharmaceuticals and agriculture. Previously accessed for free, this data has generated billions in revenue, frustrating biodiversity-rich countries.
Under the new system, companies meeting certain financial criteria will contribute 1% of their profits or 0.1% of revenue to a DSI fund, potentially raising over £1 billion annually. At least half of the funds will benefit Indigenous communities, with additional support for developing nations. While voluntary, this initiative marks a significant step toward equitable benefit-sharing.
3. Connecting Climate and Biodiversity
COP16 further emphasized the intertwined nature of climate and biodiversity crises. Nature-based solutions, such as restoring mangroves and wetlands, were highlighted as critical tools for building climate resilience and preserving ecosystems.
Colombian Environment Minister Susana Muhamad eloquently described biodiversity and climate as “two sides of the same coin.” Her framing underscores the need for integrated approaches that address both crises simultaneously, a theme gaining traction across global environmental discussions.
“There is a double movement humanity must make. The first one is to decarbonise and have a just energy transition.
The other side of the coin is to restore nature and allow nature to take again its power over planet Earth so that we can really stabilise the climate,”
- Susana Muhamad, Colombia’s environment minister
This integrated approach signals a pivotal shift in global discussions, as seen at COP28 in Dubai, where nations pledged to harmonize climate strategies with biodiversity goals. The critical need for this alignment is highlighted by troubling data showing that forests, oceans, and other natural carbon sinks are rapidly losing their ability to absorb emissions—a trend made more pressing by 2023, the hottest year on record.
Missed Opportunities: What COP16 Left Unresolved
1. Financial Shortfalls
Despite the ambitious financial goals set by the GBF—mobilizing $200 billion annually by 2030—COP16 failed to deliver a concrete strategy for achieving them. In 2022, developed nations contributed just $12.1 billion, far below the $20 billion annual target for 2025.
Loans made up a significant portion of this funding, raising concerns about debt burdens for developing nations. Proposed solutions like biodiversity bonds and funds remain in their infancy, leaving a massive $700 billion funding gap unaddressed.
2. Monitoring Framework Gaps
One of the summit’s key priorities was establishing a framework to monitor progress toward the GBF targets. However, negotiators failed to finalize this mechanism, leaving accountability measures vague and undefined.
This lack of clarity echoes past failures. Historically, no global biodiversity target has ever been fully achieved, and without a robust monitoring system, the risk of repeating this pattern remains high.
3. Disorganized Negotiations
The chaotic conclusion of COP16 further highlighted systemic inefficiencies. Critical discussions, such as those on financing and monitoring, were pushed to the final hours, leading to confusion and unfinished agendas.
Many developing nations, facing tight budgets and inflexible travel arrangements, were unable to stay for the extended negotiations. Delegates from countries like Fiji expressed frustration over the lack of prioritization and fairness in scheduling. Without quorum in the final hours, decisions on several key topics remain unresolved, necessitating follow-up discussions at an interim meeting in Bangkok next year.
Reflections
The Narrative Problem
A recurring issue at COP16 is its framing of biodiversity as secondary to climate action.
While the interconnectedness of these crises was acknowledged, biodiversity is still seen as a tool to mitigate climate change rather than a vital system driving planetary stability.
, in his article COP 16 Biodiversity Summit, highlights this flaw. He reflects on Colombian Environment Minister Susana Muhamad’s comments likening climate and biodiversity to “two sides of the same coin.” Despite this promising view, Lewis notes that the biological role of the biosphere remains underappreciated, with discussions still dominated by carbon-focused narratives.Rob, your insightful reflections on this narrative challenge are a powerful reminder of the urgent need to rethink our approach—thank you for shedding light on this critical issue.
Capitalism and Colonialism
Another critical theme at COP16 was the lingering influence of capitalism and colonialism in biodiversity governance.
While the establishment of the IPLC Subsidiary Body is a step forward, the burden of conservation still falls disproportionately on developing nations, with wealthier countries failing to deliver promised funding.
, in her blog Faith. Climate Crisis. Action., highlighted this imbalance, calling out the “business-as-usual” model that perpetuates inequality. She celebrated the recognition of Indigenous leadership as a vital move toward breaking these systemic barriers.Jessica, your reflections are a powerful reminder of the need for equity and grassroots leadership in biodiversity efforts. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Closing Thoughts
COP16 leaves behind a dual legacy: a milestone for progress yet a stark reminder of the challenges that remain.
As the world grapples with the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, the lessons of COP16 are clear: incremental progress is no longer enough. Transformative action, driven by global solidarity and grassroots leadership, is essential to safeguarding the future of life on Earth.
The road to 2030 will undoubtedly be challenging, but the seeds of hope planted at COP16—particularly through Indigenous empowerment and equitable funding mechanisms—offer a foundation for meaningful change. Let this be a reminder that while the work is far from over, the possibilities for progress remain alive.
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