At the opening of COP16, leaders call on the global community to fund conservation efforts to protect the environment
Leaders are calling on the international community to contribute funding to protect the environment as the COP16 talks commence.
TroibNews 
As nearly 200 countries convene in Colombia for the United Nations COP16 summit, UN leaders and national representatives are stressing the urgent need to mobilize billions of dollars to combat the rapid destruction of nature. The talks began on Monday, and COP16 President Susana Muhamad emphasized the urgency, stating, "The planet doesn't have time to lose." Muhamad, who also serves as Colombia's environment minister, acknowledged that "We all agree that we are underfunded for this mission."
Two years ago, nations adopted the significant Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which outlines 23 goals aimed at halting biodiversity loss by 2030. COP16 is now charged with determining how to implement this agreement, which includes securing $200 billion annually for conservation efforts.
While the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund was established last year, speakers at the summit’s opening expressed disappointment over its current funding status, noting that it has only managed to raise millions rather than the necessary billions.
In a video message on Sunday night, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres criticized delegates for their progress towards the 2030 goals, insisting they must leave the summit with substantial new investments in the framework fund. Andre Correa do Lago, Brazil's chief negotiator, voiced concerns about the insufficient donations to the fund, highlighting that this could jeopardize the achievement of the framework's goals.
Under the biodiversity framework, developed countries committed to providing $20 billion annually to developing nations by 2025, an increase from $15.4 billion in 2022, according to the latest figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Correa do Lago pointed out that the funding gap must be addressed in a manner that does not further burden developing countries with debt.
In terms of the agenda for COP16, Muhamad outlined several critical items necessary for the summit’s success, including reviewing nations' biodiversity commitments, enhancing the involvement of Indigenous peoples in conservation decisions, and establishing a framework for countries to finance the sharing of genetic resources.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
Two years ago, nations adopted the significant Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which outlines 23 goals aimed at halting biodiversity loss by 2030. COP16 is now charged with determining how to implement this agreement, which includes securing $200 billion annually for conservation efforts.
While the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund was established last year, speakers at the summit’s opening expressed disappointment over its current funding status, noting that it has only managed to raise millions rather than the necessary billions.
In a video message on Sunday night, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres criticized delegates for their progress towards the 2030 goals, insisting they must leave the summit with substantial new investments in the framework fund. Andre Correa do Lago, Brazil's chief negotiator, voiced concerns about the insufficient donations to the fund, highlighting that this could jeopardize the achievement of the framework's goals.
Under the biodiversity framework, developed countries committed to providing $20 billion annually to developing nations by 2025, an increase from $15.4 billion in 2022, according to the latest figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Correa do Lago pointed out that the funding gap must be addressed in a manner that does not further burden developing countries with debt.
In terms of the agenda for COP16, Muhamad outlined several critical items necessary for the summit’s success, including reviewing nations' biodiversity commitments, enhancing the involvement of Indigenous peoples in conservation decisions, and establishing a framework for countries to finance the sharing of genetic resources.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
