CALI, Colombia, November 2, 2024 — The 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16) concluded its latest round of negotiations in Colombia with significant breakthroughs to protect global biodiversity, despite a last-minute suspension due to quorum issues. Nations reached a landmark agreement on enhancing the involvement of Indigenous Peoples in conservation efforts and finalized a groundbreaking new fund to equitably share benefits from digital genetic information (DSI).
The agreements marked substantial progress toward the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), aimed at halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030. The discussions, held over 12 days, underscored the importance of cooperation and compromise in addressing escalating ecological threats.
“Cali Fund” Launched to Share Genetic Benefits
One of the most notable achievements was the establishment of the “Cali Fund,” a global mechanism designed to ensure fair distribution of benefits derived from DSI. Industries that benefit from DSI, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and agriculture, will contribute a percentage of their profits to the fund, which will directly benefit developing countries, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities.
At least half of the Cali Fund is earmarked for Indigenous Peoples, with particular attention to women and youth within these communities. Funds will be allocated based on self-identified priorities and may support projects that enhance capacity-building and technology transfer. Strong monitoring and reporting mechanisms aim to foster transparency and demonstrate the tangible impact of these contributions.
Enhanced Role for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities
In a pivotal decision, COP 16 endorsed a comprehensive Program of Work on Article 8(j), establishing a permanent subsidiary body to support Indigenous involvement in biodiversity conservation. This body will guide the participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, helping them contribute to the Convention’s core objectives of conservation, sustainable use, and fair benefit-sharing.
Parties also acknowledged the role of African-descendant communities in implementing the Convention’s goals. This move broadens the scope of biodiversity efforts to include all traditional and cultural knowledge holders.
Resource Mobilization and the Path to $200 Billion Annually
COP 16 emphasized the critical need for financial resources to achieve KMGBF targets. While formal decisions on a new “Strategy for Resource Mobilization” are pending, COP 16 reaffirmed its commitment to secure $200 billion annually from various sources by 2030. This includes redirecting $500 billion in harmful subsidies. Existing funds, such as the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), have already secured pledges totaling $400 million, bolstered by a $200 million contribution from the Chinese government to the newly established Kunming Biodiversity Fund.
Synthetic Biology and Invasive Species Controls
Delegates addressed synthetic biology’s potential for both innovation and ecological impact. A new action plan aims to support developing countries’ ability to leverage these technologies safely, with particular attention to capacity-building and knowledge sharing. An expert group will monitor developments in synthetic biology, ensuring alignment with biodiversity protection objectives.
COP 16 also advanced strategies for managing invasive species, identifying the need for stronger regulations in e-commerce and cross-border trade. The new guidelines emphasize international cooperation and technical support for developing nations to prevent the spread of invasive alien species, one of the primary drivers of biodiversity loss.
Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs)
Marine biodiversity received a boost with COP 16’s renewed commitment to identifying and protecting ecologically significant marine areas. After years of stalled progress due to legal and political concerns, COP 16 established updated processes for recognizing new and existing EBSAs, providing crucial data to support marine conservation efforts. This work aligns with the global 30×30 conservation target and the newly ratified treaty on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.
Sustainable Wildlife Management and Plant Conservation
To strengthen wildlife conservation, COP 16 emphasized the need for collaboration with international bodies like CITES and the FAO. Parties committed to measures linking wildlife use, biodiversity loss, and zoonotic disease prevention. A renewed commitment to plant conservation aligns with the KMGBF framework, providing measurable indicators to track progress in preserving global plant species.
New Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health
Recognizing the interdependence of human health and ecosystem health, COP 16 adopted a “One Health” strategy. The plan aims to reduce habitat destruction, curb zoonotic disease risks, and promote sustainable ecosystems. The framework invites nations to incorporate biodiversity-health considerations across sectors and collaborate with global health organizations to create assessment metrics.
Biosafety and Gene Drive Technology
Under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, parties introduced voluntary guidelines for assessing the risks associated with engineered gene drives in living modified organisms (LMOs). The guidelines emphasize scientific rigor and transparency in risk assessments, balancing innovation with ecological safety considerations. This flexible framework allows countries to adapt biosafety protocols to their unique ecosystems.
With these agreements, COP 16 has set the stage for a coordinated, global approach to biodiversity protection. The meeting will resume at a later date to address remaining agenda items, continuing the vital work toward the 2030 conservation targets.
