November 2nd 2024.
In Cali, Colombia, delegates from all over the world gathered at the United Nations conference on biodiversity. After much discussion and negotiation, they reached a crucial decision on Friday. The agreement involves establishing a subsidiary body that will include Indigenous peoples in future talks and decisions regarding nature conservation. This is a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and recognizing the vital role of Indigenous communities in protecting our planet's plant and animal life.
This summit, known as COP16, was a follow-up to the groundbreaking 2022 accord in Montreal. The accord includes 23 measures aimed at saving Earth's biodiversity, such as protecting 30% of the planet and 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030. In addition, a measure was adopted on Friday to acknowledge the importance of people of African descent in preserving nature. This decision is a nod towards the diverse cultures and communities that play a crucial role in safeguarding our planet's precious resources.
The final week of negotiations was not without its challenges, as negotiators struggled to find common ground on some key issues. However, after working tirelessly until late Friday night, they were able to come to a consensus. The news was met with cheers and tears from Indigenous delegations around the globe, as they celebrated this historic moment.
Sushil Raj, the Executive Director of the Rights and Communities Global Program at the Wildlife Conservation Society, highlighted the significance of this decision. He stated that it not only recognizes and protects the traditional knowledge systems of Indigenous peoples and local communities, but also promotes support for their biodiversity management efforts. This decision also aligns with international human rights standards referenced in the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Colombia's Environment Minister and COP16 President, Susana Muhamad, took to social media to share her thoughts on the decision. She expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating that it recognizes the value of traditional knowledge held by Indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, and local communities. She also mentioned that this decision settles a historical debt that has been looming since the Convention on Biological Diversity was established 26 years ago.
Despite the positive outcome of the conference, it is important to note that the pledges made by countries during the two weeks fell far short of the amount needed to address the declining global biodiversity. The fund currently stands at only $400 million, which is a small fraction of the billions that are required. However, in Montreal's summit, wealthy nations pledged to increase conservation financing for developing nations to $20 billion annually by 2025, with the goal of reaching $30 billion annually by 2030.
This news is a reminder of the urgency of the situation, as global wildlife populations have decreased by an alarming 73% in the last 50 years, according to the World Wildlife Fund and the Zoological Society of London. It is vital that we continue to work together and take action to protect our planet's biodiversity before it's too late.
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