The global call to protect biodiversity and natural resources

Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s opening address highlighted the grave consequences of intertwined environmental crises that erode ecosystems, threaten human health, and compromise sustainable development. He called on developed nations to finance biodiversity initiatives in developing countries and stressed the crucial role of the private sector in preserving biodiversity and natural resources. Echoing this, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, urging collective action to safeguard biodiversity through sustainable resource management, conservation, and fair benefit-sharing of genetic resources.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged collective action to safeguard biodiversity through sustainable resource management, conservation, and fair benefit-sharing of genetic resources

COP16’s thematic focus on “Peace with Nature” reflects a commitment to mobilizing all societal sectors, especially local and indigenous communities, to reverse biodiversity loss, restore degraded ecosystems, and protect endangered species. Leaders at the summit have pledged to accelerate the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), adopted at COP15 in Canada. The KMGBF calls for preserving 30% of the world’s terrestrial, marine, and freshwater areas as protected zones by 2030. The framework also promotes restoring critical ecosystems, including rainforests and wetlands, which serve as vital biodiversity reservoirs and play a crucial role in climate regulation.

The Colombia initiative: A global alliance for ‘Peace with Nature’

As the COP16 host nation, Colombia announced the “Global Alliance for Peace with Nature: A Call for Life” initiative, a significant step toward encouraging comprehensive policies and strategies for biodiversity preservation. This initiative urges nations to adopt bold actions in response to biodiversity challenges and to reinforce sustainable development pathways that align with Colombia’s vision of harmony with nature. Colombia’s initiative also emphasizes energy transition as a fundamental, long-term objective for sustainable growth, despite its slower economic returns.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro highlighted the grave consequences of intertwined environmental crises that erode ecosystems, threaten human health, and compromise sustainable development

A key focus of COP16 discussions has been the importance of financial resources for achieving the ambitious goals of the KMGBF. According to Juan Bello, Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), biodiversity conservation efforts require approximately $700 billion globally, with $200 billion needed annually. Additionally, a reallocation of $500 billion in subsidies from biodiversity-damaging sectors, such as food and energy, toward environmentally sustainable alternatives is critical to successfully financing the KMGBF.

In line with this financial urgency, Colombia’s Minister of Environment, Susana Muhamad, who presides over COP16, announced that member states have agreed to prioritize biodiversity preservation at the same level as climate action, reflecting a growing recognition of biodiversity's crucial role in mitigating climate change.

Vietnam's active role in COP16 and biodiversity financing discussions

Vietnam, represented by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) alongside delegates from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has actively participated in COP16’s ministerial dialogues, especially on the KMGBF implementation, biodiversity financing, biodiversity’s relationship to climate change, and the “Peace with Nature” vision. Headed by Nguyen Van Tai, Director General of the Biodiversity Conservation Agency, the Vietnamese delegation has engaged in discussions on establishing viable financial mechanisms to support biodiversity initiatives in developing nations, including Vietnam.

Headed by Nguyen Van Tai, Director General of the Biodiversity Conservation Agency, the Vietnamese delegation has engaged in discussions on establishing viable financial mechanisms to support biodiversity initiatives in developing nations

Vietnam is poised to contribute significantly to COP16's objectives, aligning its national conservation efforts with KMGBF’s global goals. By committing to robust biodiversity action plans and collaborating with international partners, Vietnam demonstrates its dedication to conserving biodiversity while balancing socioeconomic growth.

The Vietnamese delegation attends the High-Level Segment and related events at the Conference

As COP16 progresses, the world’s attention is on Colombia, where leaders, stakeholders, and conservation advocates hope to secure landmark commitments for biodiversity preservation. This conference marks a critical step in aligning biodiversity and climate action efforts globally, signaling a unified commitment to reversing biodiversity loss and establishing a sustainable future in harmony with nature.

Ngoc Huyen