The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on countries to step up efforts to protect global biodiversity at the U.N. biodiversity summit, known as COP16, in Cali, Colombia. Guterres emphasized the urgent need for new pledges and highlighted the crucial role of the private sector in conservation efforts.
Guterres warned that the world is facing an existential crisis as species continue to disappear and plastic waste pollutes oceans, rivers, and lakes. The summit follows the historic 2022 accord in Montreal, which aims to save Earth's plant and animal life through 23 measures.
Despite some progress, talks at the summit stalled over funding conservation efforts. Eight governments pledged $163 million to the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, falling short of the billions required. The fund currently holds $400 million to support countries and communities in conserving and restoring plant and animal species and ecosystems.
The 2022 agreement calls for protecting 30% of land and water by 2030, but current protection levels stand at 17% of terrestrial and 10% of marine areas. A recent report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature revealed that 38% of the world's trees are at risk of extinction.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro stressed the need to transition away from fossil fuels to safeguard the planet. Guterres echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution affect all nations, regardless of wealth.
Guterres urged countries to translate financial commitments into action and accelerate support for developing nations. He emphasized the importance of involving the private sector in conservation efforts, stating that those benefiting from nature must contribute to its preservation.
The U.N. leader also highlighted the vital role of Indigenous peoples, people of African descent, and local communities as guardians of nature. Their traditional knowledge, he noted, is essential for biodiversity conservation and must be protected.
The summit in Cali aims to mobilize global action to address environmental crises and promote sustainable development. Guterres called for renewed commitments and collaboration to ensure the preservation of biodiversity for future generations.
