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Context: 

The world leaders have gathered in Cali, Colombia, for the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16)

What is COP16?

It is the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) commonly called COP16 or Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, 16. 

It is taking place in Cali, Colombia from October 21 to November 1, 2024. 

It's the first meeting since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity 

Framework (GBF) in COP15 in Montreal.

Its theme for 2024 is “Make Peace with Nature" which calls for decisive governmental action.

Main Agenda of COP 16

The top agenda of COP 16 is to review the progress of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which is now called the Biodiversity Plan. 

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework(GBF) The GBF is often dubbed the "Paris Agreement for Nature," and it aims to protect ecosystems and halt the progress of biodiversity loss. It contains four goals and 23 targets. 4 Global Goals for 2050: Preserve and restore ecosystems, stop human-induced extinction, tenfold reduce the risk of species extinction, and ensure healthy populations of wildlife. Ensure sustainability in biodiversity use and restore ecosystem services for sustainable development. Fair sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources, which are specially derived from indigenous communities, and protect traditional knowledge and resources. Secure financial and technical resources to implement the framework and to fill the $700 billion biodiversity finance gap. 23 Targets for 2030, grouped into: Reducing biodiversity threats Sustainable use and benefit-sharing Tools for implementation 30 x 30 Target: Target 3 of the 23 targets is called 30*30 because It has the following objectives- To conserve 30% of the world’s lands and oceans by 2030 and To restore 30% of degraded land and marine ecosystems by 2030.

Key topics to be discussed at the meeting

Linking biodiversity and climate action

COP16 will primarily focus on the need to protect ecosystems which are potential for capturing carbon and reducing the impacts of climate change

Protecting the ocean

COP16 will confront the challenge of protecting 30% of the world's ocean, which is vital for marine biodiversity and the billions of people who depend on it.

Equitable forest protections

COP16 will advocate for fair forest safeguards around the world, by holding the Global North and nations with tropical forests responsible.

Monitoring and reporting

A thorough structure for planning, tracking, reporting, and reviewing will be finalized during COP16.

Mechanisms of finance

The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), which has drawn criticism for its validity and ability to allocate sufficient capacity, will be one of the financial mechanisms that COP16 will discuss.

Subsidiary bodies to lead the COP16 Two key subsidiary bodies involved in COP 16 lead are the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) and the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI). Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA)  It is one of two permanent subsidiary bodies to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which was established by the COP. It provides scientific and technological advice to support the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, and Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement. It carries out technical work under the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement with a focus on climate observation and research. It acts as a bridge between scientific data sources (e.g., from IPCC) and policy decisions of the COP.  Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI). The SBI is another subsidiary body of UNFCCC that helps the Conference of the Parties (COP) to review and assess the implementation of the Convention, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement. It oversees GHG emission trends, mitigation or adaptation policies, and financial or technical support for climate action. It also monitors programs like National Adaptation Plans for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and helps them to address national adaptation needs. SBSTA and SBI meet twice a year, either during COP sessions or in Bonn, Germany.

Linkages Between Biodiversity and Climate Change

Natural Carbon Sinks

Biodiversity-rich ecosystems such as forests, peatlands, and oceans act as carbon sinks and absorb around 50% of greenhouse gas emissions from human sources. 

These ecosystems provide natural solutions to climate change by reducing the carbon in the atmosphere.

Forests’ Role in Climate Mitigation

Forests cover over 30% of the landmass of the earth and they offer two-thirds of the mitigation potential for CO2 reduction.

Forests continue to store carbon as carbon sinks and prevent global warming.

Peatlands as Carbon Storages

Peatlands are wetlands with the accumulation of layers of peat, an organic matter from decaying plants.

Peatlands cover only 3% of global land but they store twice as much carbon as all forests combined.

Keeping peatlands intact prevents carbon from oxidation, which helps limit climate change.

Ocean and Coastal Ecosystems as Carbon Sequestration Hubs

Seagrasses and mangroves absorb carbon dioxide at rates up to four times higher than terrestrial forests.

These ocean and coastal ecosystems are crucial for capturing and storing carbon to reduce the impact of climate change.

Conservation and Restoration of Ecosystems

Restoring natural resources and spaces both on land and in the water helps to limit carbon emissions.

It will enhance nature's capacity to absorb emissions and could deliver up to one-third of the greenhouse gas reduction.

Protecting the ocean

Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement (BBNS)

Only 1 % of the high seas is legally protected and there is growth of unchecked activities like shipping and mining in high seas which have the potential to affect Ocean ecosystems. 

Climate change has led to ocean acidification and loss of coral reefs. 

To safeguard the oceans there was a need for a treaty.

Established in 2023 BBNS or High Seas Treaty provides a legal framework for ocean and sea activities. It is legally binding for all signatories.

The High Seas Treaty allows states and regional economic integration organizations to become parties to the agreement.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

The United Nations has set a target to protect 10% of the ocean with MPAs by 2020. However, only 3.6% of the ocean falls under MPAs.

Equitable forest protections

At COP26, the World leaders have committed to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030. 

This pledge was supported by $12 billion in public funding and $7.2 billion from private funding. CEOs from over 30 financial institutions have also committed to stopping investing in activities that are responsible for deforestation.

Monitoring and reporting

The monetary framework which was adopted by the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the CBD at its 15th meeting in 2022 is inadequate. 

The Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group (AHTEG) to advise on the operationalization of the COP framework is not sufficient.

The COP16 will address it in detail.

Mechanisms of finance

To mobilise $200 billion per year by 2030 for biodiversity conservation is one of the 23 targets of the Kunming-Montreal Framework:

Of 200 billion dollars, $20 billion annually will be channelled from developed countries to developing nations for their biodiversity efforts.

The financing mechanism of this will be discussed in detail here at COP16.

Overall the COP16 will ensure the full and early implementation of the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) to make peace with nature, which is the theme of the COP16.

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Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY OUTLOOK- TARGET 30X30

Sources:

CIEL

UNFCCC

DOWNTOEARTH

UNORG

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Discuss the significance of COP 16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in addressing global biodiversity loss, with a special reference to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. (250 words)