Two years after the landmark biodiversity agreement, countries are set to convene next week to assess their advancements in preserving Earth's plant and animal life. The agreement, signed by 196 nations at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference, aims to safeguard 30% of land and water by 2030, known as the 30 by 30 target. However, current protection levels stand at 17% for terrestrial areas and 10% for marine regions, showing minimal change since the agreement's inception.
At the upcoming COP16 conference, countries will present their progress reports towards the 30 by 30 objectives, with a focus on ensuring effective implementation mechanisms. The gathering in Cali, Colombia will also address the critical need to raise substantial funds, including a $20 billion payment for developing nations due next year.
Despite the requirement for countries to submit national plans outlining their actions towards the 30 by 30 goals, only 46% have done so, with less than 15% providing detailed strategies. Notably, some significant nations like Australia, India, and Brazil are yet to submit their targets or plans.
While some countries are expected to unveil initiatives for expanding protected areas and biodiversity funding allocation, concerns linger over the lack of comprehensive biodiversity goals and necessary support. Conservation groups emphasize the urgency of halting biodiversity loss and securing adequate funding and governmental commitment.
With over half of the countries setting targets to protect at least 30% of their terrestrial areas and a significant portion focusing on marine conservation, the progress is evident. However, the complexity of developing action plans involving various stakeholders and financial aspects poses challenges.
Financial discussions, akin to climate talks, will be a key agenda at the conference, with a focus on raising $200 billion annually by 2030 for biodiversity projects. While there has been an increase in development finance for biodiversity, the funding gap remains a concern, particularly for developing nations.
Aside from the 30 by 30 targets, the conference will deliberate on preventing species extinctions and enhancing native species abundance by 2050. The role of biodiversity in climate mitigation and health, including pandemic prevention, will also be highlighted.
The meeting aims to establish a global framework for equitable benefit-sharing from genetic material, emphasizing fair profit distribution from commercial products derived from natural resources.
