UN Biodiversity Conference in Cali Concludes Without Agreement on Funding for Biodiversity Protection

The 16th United Nations biodiversity conference in Cali, Colombia, concluded on Saturday, extending 12 hours beyond its planned schedule. Despite the extended discussions, no consensus was reached on increasing funding for biodiversity protection. However, a significant agreement was made to form a subsidiary body that will involve indigenous peoples in future biodiversity conservation discussions and decisions.

Global Biodiversity Framework and Funding Challenges

The conference aimed to review progress on the 2022 agreement in Canada to halt biodiversity loss. A key focus was securing more funding for biodiversity protection. Observers noted a divide between wealthier nations and developing countries. The former were reluctant to increase funding, while the latter stressed the need for financial support to enhance their conservation efforts.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), adopted at COP15 in Canada in 2022, set 23 targets for 2030. These include protecting 30% of land and sea areas and restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems. At the Canada summit, countries agreed to allocate USD 200 billion annually for biodiversity protection by 2030, with USD 30 billion per year transferred from developed to developing countries.

Progress and Proposals at COP16

Despite these commitments, only about USD 15 billion was available in 2022, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. Countries have pledged around USD 400 million to the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) created last year to meet UN biodiversity targets. With the GBFF struggling to attract large contributions, some developing countries at COP16 proposed creating a new fund, but this idea was rejected by countries like Canada.

Several mega-diverse countries, including India, Peru, and Thailand, submitted their action plans for biodiversity protection at the conference. However, 150 countries, including Brazil, have yet to publish their plans. "Nature is on life support," said Patricia Zurita from Conservation International. "By not reaching a strong financial compromise here in Cali, the risk of its collapse increases."

Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples

Zurita emphasised that despite the lack of bold actions and swift decisions, the conference did not end without achievements. The decision to elevate indigenous peoples' voices in the Global Biodiversity Framework process is seen as a crucial step forward. This move recognises them as stewards of some of Earth's most biodiverse and carbon-rich ecosystems.

Crystal Davis from the World Resources Institute highlighted that negotiations concluded with cautious progress in safeguarding nature. Developing countries now have access to a new fund encouraging companies to contribute for using digitally-stored genetic resources in medicines and cosmetics. While this is an important breakthrough, contributions are voluntary, placing responsibility on companies to demonstrate impact.

The establishment of a permanent body involving indigenous peoples and local communities in negotiations grants them formal decision-making power. This inclusion acknowledges their role as responsible stewards of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems and largest carbon sinks.