COP16 Biodiversity: where are the negotiations in Cali?

The UN summit in Cali, COP16, has been dubbed 'the COP of the people' by the Colombian presidency, due to its emphasis on indigenous peoples, women, minorities and communities. With meetings in the civilian and governmental zones, the negotiations aim to implement the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which is essential to protect the biodiversity worldwide. However, only 34 out of 196 NBSAPs (National Biodiversity Action Plans) have been submitted, indicating an urgent need to accelerate action. The key issue remains finance for nature, with a gap in financial support and only a few countries, such as Canada and Germany, among active funders.

The main unresolved knot of the COP16 concerns the Global Biodiversity Framework fund, managed by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), which envisages $20 billion in support by 2025. However, its governance structure and access to funds remain the subject of criticism, with countries such as Brazil and Indonesia demanding greater representation on the board. This tension reflects the standoff between developed and developing countries: while the former prefer complex financial instruments, the latter require accessible and immediate funds to support biodiversity in the most endangered areas. Want to learn more about the main themes that emerged at COP16, its progress and prospects? Read the full article on Renewable Matter.