Inside the UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP 16)
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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Our COP 16 Experts
Anne Hammill
Associate Vice-President, Resilience
Lynn Wagner
Senior Director, Tracking Progress
Alec Crawford
Director, Nature for Resilience
Benjamin Simmons
Director, Sustainable Infrastructure
Aia Brnic
Communications Manager
Hans Baumgarten
Strategic Advisor
Liesbeth Casier
Lead, Public Procurement and Sustainable Infrastructure and Coordinator of the NBI Global Resource Centre
Calais Caswell
Policy Advisor II, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
Becca Challis
Communications Officer
Veronica Lo
Senior Policy Advisor
Juliet Perry
Communications Manager
Paulina Resich
Senior Communications Manager
Valentina Romoli
Policy Advisor and Coordinator
Anika Terton
Senior Policy Advisor and Lead
Elsa Tsioumani (PhD)
Writer/Editor Earth Negotiations Bulletin
Farooq Ullah
Senior Policy Advisor and Lead, Energy and Climate Governance