The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity will occur from October 21 to November 1, 2024, in Cali, Colombia. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is advocating for combined efforts to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss at this pivotal meeting. Emphasis is placed on the importance of marine ecosystem protection and wildlife conservation in climate strategies, in anticipation of the upcoming UNFCCC COP30.
As global leaders and environmental experts prepare to convene at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), scheduled from October 21 to November 1, 2024, in Cali, Colombia, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) advocates for robust international collaboration to address the entwined crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. Matt Collis, IFAW’s Senior Director of Policy, emphasized the interdependence of these crises: “We can’t solve either the climate crisis or biodiversity loss without addressing the other. COP16 is a pivotal moment to ensure that national and international efforts to protect biodiversity and combat climate change work in tandem, laying the groundwork for the future.” This conference marks the beginning of the Rio Convention gatherings in 2024 and is seen as an essential precursor to the upcoming UNFCCC COP30, where countries will revise their climate action plans. The recent 2023 COP28 Joint Statement on Climate, Nature, and People has underscored the necessity of a unified strategy. IFAW urges that the commitments made in this statement be reflected in the results of COP16, particularly in the high-level segment and the Cali Declaration. Additionally, the importance of safeguarding marine and coastal biodiversity is crucial as these ecosystems are vital for both wildlife and humanity, contributing significantly to climate regulation by absorbing carbon and stabilizing weather patterns. Collis reiterated, “Healthy oceans are the foundation of a healthy planet. They absorb carbon, mitigate climate impacts, and support rich biodiversity. COP16 must prioritize the protection of marine ecosystems to ensure that they continue to provide these critical services in the face of escalating climate pressures.” IFAW will host a side event titled “Leveraging wildlife conservation and rewilding to supercharge climate mitigation and adaptation” on October 24 at 16:30pm COT, exploring the vital role of wildlife in mitigating climate challenges and unveiling new guidelines to aid governments in integrating wildlife conservation into climate initiatives. For further information or to arrange interviews with IFAW experts during the conference, please contact Stacey Hedman at [email protected] or +1 508 737 2558. Details regarding CBD COP16, including its agenda, can be found on the official CBD website.
The upcoming COP16 is a vital international gathering aimed at addressing the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. Set to take place in Cali, Colombia, from October 21 to November 1, 2024, this conference will provide a platform for global leaders and experts to formulate strategies that align efforts to protect biodiversity with those needed to combat climate change. The interconnected nature of these challenges necessitates an integrated approach, as emphasized by various organizations including the IFAW. The conference will set the tone for future negotiations and actions, particularly in anticipation of the subsequent UNFCCC COP30.
The imminent COP16 in Cali represents a critical opportunity for nations to unify their efforts in addressing the intertwined crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. The necessity for integrated strategies becomes increasingly urgent, as highlighted by the pressing need for the protection of marine ecosystems and the role of wildlife in climate solutions. The outcomes of COP16 could serve as a significant step toward achieving sustainable environmental governance at both national and international levels.
Original Source: www.ifaw.org
