COP16’s efforts to halt biodiversity loss by 2030

Source: The post COP16’s efforts to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 has been created, based on the article “Will financial roadblocks continue to hinder conservation efforts?” published in “The Hindu” on 12th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3 – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Context: The article discusses COP16’s efforts to halt biodiversity loss by 2030. It highlights achievements like inclusive decision-making, biodiversity funding, and conservation initiatives but notes setbacks in financial commitments and monitoring. India presented its updated biodiversity plan amid global challenges.

For detailed information on COP-16 of Convention on Biological Diversity read this article here

What was the focus of COP16?

COP16 aimed to address biodiversity loss and set measures to reverse it by 2030. A key challenge was funding for these measures, along with slow progress on achieving the “30×30” target to protect 30% of land and oceans.

What were the achievements of COP16?

1. Inclusive Decision-Making:
2. A permanent body of Indigenous peoples and local communities was established to ensure their participation in biodiversity conservation.
3. Traditional knowledge of people of African descent was recognized and integrated into conservation efforts.
4. Biodiversity Funding:
5. The ‘Cali Fund‘ was introduced, requiring corporations like those in the pharmaceutical sector to share 0.1% of revenue or 1% of profits from genetic resources.
6. Half the fund is allocated to Indigenous communities, potentially raising over $1 billion annually.
7. Invasive Species Management: Guidelines were developed to address invasive alien species with improved databases, trade regulations, and e-commerce coordination.
8. Marine Protection: A revived process for identifying ‘Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas’ (EBSAs) was agreed upon to protect vulnerable ocean ecosystems.
9. One Health Approach: A Global Action Plan links ecosystem, human, and animal health to address issues like zoonotic diseases and promote sustainable ecosystems.
10. Synthetic Biology Discussions: Potential uses of bioengineered species for restoration were discussed, along with regulatory frameworks to minimize ecological risks.

What were the challenges of COP16?

1. Financial Commitments
2. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) requires $700 billion annually, but only $163 million was pledged.
3. Disputes over fund governance and structure led to a lack of resolution.
4. Monitoring and Implementation
5. Only 44 of 196 countries updated their biodiversity action plans (NBSAPs).
6. A lack of enforcement mechanisms threatens the success of the GBF.

What was India’s role at COP16?

1. India unveiled an updated National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (NBSAP) with 23 biodiversity targets.
2. It aims to balance conservation and economic growth, focusing on ecosystem restoration, marine area management, and wetland protection.
3. India uses a “Whole-of-Government” and “Whole-of-Society” approach for biodiversity goals.

What lies ahead for biodiversity conservation?

1. COP16 made progress in inclusive frameworks and funding mechanisms but lacked strong financial and monitoring support.
2. To meet the 2030 targets, nations must commit to ambitious, measurable actions.
3. COP17 in Armenia will be crucial for advancing global biodiversity efforts.

Question for practice:

Examine the key achievements and challenges of COP16 in addressing biodiversity loss by 2030.