Key Takeaways from COP-16

The Sixteenth Conference of the Parties (COP-16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), held in Cali, Colombia, brought together global stakeholders to advance biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource use, and equitable benefit-sharing, originating from the 1992 Rio Earth Summit’s commitments.

Highlights of COP-16

1. Global Ecosystems Atlas (GEA): The first comprehensive tool for mapping and monitoring ecosystems globally, designed to support informed decision-making to address biodiversity loss and climate change.
2. Indigenous Representation: A subsidiary body was created to ensure Indigenous communities have a voice in biodiversity conservation discussions, recognizing their essential role in ecosystem stewardship.
3. Digital Sequence Information (DSI): While the role of DSI (digital genetic data used in commercial products) was discussed, consensus on a multilateral benefit-sharing mechanism remains unresolved.
4. Integrated Policies: COP-16 emphasized the need for cohesive policies linking climate change and biodiversity conservation to address these interconnected challenges effectively.
5. Invasive Species Control: Enhanced focus was placed on controlling invasive species, aligning with targets under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
6. Technical Support for Implementation: New measures were adopted to strengthen technical capacities for achieving the ambitious KMGBF goals, especially in low-resource areas.

India’s Role and Contributions

1. Updated Biodiversity Plan: India presented a comprehensive plan with an allocated budget of ₹81,664 crore for FY 2025-30, an increase from ₹32,207 crore between 2018-22.
2. Financial Mobilization: India called for greater financial resources, as outlined in KMGBF’s Target 19, to support the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.
3. Achievements:
   • Ramsar Sites Expansion: India expanded its Ramsar sites from 26 to 85 since 2014, aiming to reach 100 soon.
   • Big Cat Conservation: India highlighted its International Big Cat Alliance, dedicated to protecting big cat species.

Persisting Challenges

1. Funding Deficit: Financial commitments to the KMGBF remain significantly below the annual target of $200 billion, with less than 10% of funds secured.
2. Policy Integration: Integrating biodiversity into national policies and planning presents logistical and structural challenges, requiring alignment across sectors.

COP-16 reaffirmed global efforts to combat biodiversity loss with an integrated, inclusive approach, emphasizing collaboration, particularly with Indigenous communities, and underscoring the urgency for enhanced funding and policy integration.