In the debates of the COP16 One of the biggest obstacles participants face is financing the necessary resources. The few days left before the Summit are essential to achieve this decisions that have a positive impact on global biodiversity.
Four days before the conclusion of the COP16 on biodiversity in Cali, SEO/BirdLife warns of the risk that this summit will repeat the failure of the Aichi Targets fifteen years ago. Despite the importance of the targets adopted two years ago at COP15, which form part of the Global Framework for Biodiversity, the mechanisms being negotiated in Cali to implement and monitor these targets are inadequate. obligations in simple voluntary ambitions, difficult to fulfill and even more difficult to assess.
Texts without power
The integration of biodiversity objectives into sectoral policies, also known as mainstreaming, is essential to tackle the causes of biodiversity loss, as shown in the latest IPBES global assessment, which covers sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, mining and forestry are cited as the main driving forces behind this loss this crisis. The Aichi targets already provided that policies such as agriculture would be sustainable, but No effective measures have ever been taken to achieve this.
At COP15 in Montreal, the parties had an ambitious document proposing to integrate biodiversity into sectoral policies, but this was never discussed and adopted. In the COP16, Not only was the original text less ambitious, but it was further watered down during the negotiation process. Some countries, such as Colombia and New Zealand, have championed a roadmap that guarantees this integration, while others, such as Brazil and Argentina, have strongly opposed it, making it difficult to achieve clear commitments that address the causes of biodiversity loss.
Ineffective tools
The negotiations on monitoring systems for compliance with the objectives of the Global Biodiversity Framework have been one of the most problematic points in this process. COP16. Despite the urgency of robust monitoring mechanisms, most proposed breakdowns have remained optional. which significantly limits the accuracy of the evaluation systemN.
In a framework where most actions are voluntary and targets are global, the lack of rigorous monitoring makes it impossible to know whether obligations are being met or not, repeating the mistakes of the Aichi targets. The final evaluation of these objectives came to light the colossal failure of the international community in meeting their obligations, largely due to the lack of clear and transparent monitoring methods. The current situation poses a worrying scenario of recurrence of this ineffectiveness if mandatory and accurate monitoring measures are not taken.
Move financial resources
Mobilizing financial resources is one of the biggest obstacles for the Global Biodiversity Framework to achieve tangible results. Despite the importance of this issue, available funds and current mechanisms are insufficient, especially for developing countries experiencing economic difficultiesimplement conservation measures.
Although some countries have proposed specific funds or accessible mechanisms for biodiversity, the negotiations have revealed clear divisions. The lack of sustainable resources not only limits the impact of the commitments made but, as was the case with the Aichi Goals, jeopardizes the success of the framework if it is not guaranteed. accessible long-term financing to support actions on the ground.
COP16 socially successful, financially disastrous
On the other hand, SEO/BirdLife recognizes the social success of this COP in the city of Cali, which has managed to focus on the summit with great citizen involvement and local projects that demonstrate Colombia’s commitment to the environment. “However, this social success is not enough: the COPs were created so that governments can reach agreements that solve global problems. Keep the “The status quo is unacceptable if biodiversity remains in free fall”emphasizes the organization.
«At the NGO we believe that COP16 represents a unique opportunity to take decisive and sustainable action to protect biodiversity. These four days are crucial for countries to make commitments in response to the crisis scale of the challenges and ensure a viable future for biodiversity and the weather”, concludes Juan Carlos Atienza, responsible for environmental management and international agreements, and observer in the COP16 from Cali.
It is expected that in the remaining days for the completion of the COP16 world leaders agree and are taking mandatory and accurate monitoring measures, making this possible meet the obligations of the COP15 Global Biodiversity Framework.