Herd of Plains Zebras in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.

As the planet approaches a critical threshold of irreversible biodiversity loss, world leaders are convening in Cali, Colombia, to advance the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

October 30, Cali - “History is made today,” participants declared, as an evening plenary adopted the modalities for the modification of descriptions of ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs) and the description of new areas. Over eight years in the making, and touching upon delicate political matters relating to the law of the sea, the modalities are expected to make a crucial contribution to the implementation not only of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) but also of the Agreement on marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).

“After this success, everything will fall into place,” one relieved participant commented, following the late evening adoption of modalities for the modification of descriptions of EBSAs and the description of new ones. Elation and applause was also heard earlier in the day at Working Group II, as those invested in the eight-year process of negotiations celebrated the moment. Less optimistic participants, however, noted that the picture is not so appealing on other fronts, pointing in particular to DSI and resource mobilization. While many welcomed behind-the-scenes work to facilitate consensus at the ministerial level, others pointed to a “more realistic” approach: adopting framework decisions while allowing for further intersessional work. Well after midnight, with a bat flitting above plenary, delegates heard passionate calls to establish both a subsidiary body on Article 8(j) and a dedicated global biodiversity fund.


Want to dig deeper into today's talks? Read our Earth Negotiations Bulletin daily report.

The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 16), the first since the adoption of the GBF, aims to push forward the landmark biodiversity plan to halt and reverse nature’s decline.

Amid high expectations for countries to deliver on the GBF commitments, the spotlight is on national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs). CBD parties are in the process of updating these critical plans to ensure they effectively reflect the goals and principles of the framework. This alignment is key to driving meaningful action in the fight against biodiversity loss.

Resource mobilization is also set to be a key focus, with the biodiversity funding mechanism and options for monitoring progress at the centre of discussions.

Furthermore, parties are expected to agree on how to operationalize a multilateral mechanism for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources, ensuring the well-being of those who protect them.

IISD will be on the ground, tracking negotiations and delivering daily reports on the key discussions and decisions driving global action on nature.

Need to Know: Key Things We Want to See at COP 16

IISD's Earth Negotiations Bulletin Reporting On-Site

For over 30 years, Earth Negotiations Bulletin has provided authoritative, in-depth reporting on United Nations negotiations involving the environment and development. Our reporters will be covering each day of the talks in Cali, explaining what's happening and what it means for climate action.

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