Colombia is preparing to be the center of international attention by hosting the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) from October 21st to November 1st. This summit, of crucial importance in the global fight for environmental conservation, will take place in the city of Cali, known for its lush biodiversity and its influence in the region of Valle del Cauca.
Situated in a privileged location on the Pacific coast, Cali offers a natural landscape that combines jungles, rivers, and mountains. Colombia stands out worldwide as one of the countries with the highest biodiversity, hosting 311 types of ecosystems both continental and marine per square kilometer. This fact underscores the fundamental role that the country will play in environmental discussions at the international level.
The Minister of Environment and President of COP16, Susana Muhamad González, has emphasized the importance of Colombia as the “epicenter of global climate action.” During the event, attendees will focus on strategies to protect the planet and ensure a sustainable future, highlighting the need for cooperation between leaders and experts from around the world. The event, to be held at the Pacific Events Center, seeks to promote the safeguarding of all forms of life, elevating the ideal of peace with nature.
Within the framework of COP16, representatives from 196 countries will gather to discuss and push forward crucial decisions for environmental protection. Progress in the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a plan with global objectives adopted at COP15 in Canada aimed at stopping and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030, will be reviewed.
Despite shared objectives, the path towards effective action faces significant challenges. Manuel Rodríguez Becerra, former Minister of Environment of Colombia, points out that only 20% of nations have submitted their national plans after COP15. The need to improve monitoring of goals and increase funding will also be addressed. Currently, there is 200 billion dollars available, although it is estimated that 700 billion are required to achieve effective conservation.
Echoing this point, Minister Muhamad emphasized the urgency of placing biodiversity at the same level of priority as the energy transition. COP16 represents an opportunity to attract investments and financial commitments necessary to implement effective strategies against biodiversity loss.
The choice of Colombia as the host of this conference highlights its commitment to environmental conservation and its leadership in the global ecological agenda. The participation of approximately 15,000 attendees is anticipated, including heads of state, environment ministers, and media from around the world, reaffirming the importance of COP16 as one of the most relevant events that the country has organized in recent decades.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
