United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) — COP16

• Theme: “Peace with Nature”
  
• Location: Cali, Colombia
  
• Date: 21 October – 1 November 2024
• The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was established at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.
• Its primary objectives are the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use, and equitable sharing of benefits.
• COP16, the 16th Conference of the Parties, was held in Colombia.
• The conference focused on implementing the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), adopted at COP15 (2022, Montreal).
• The theme “Peace with Nature” emphasized the connection between biodiversity, social stability, and economic well-being.

Key Objectives & Agenda

1. Review of KMGBF Progress – Tracking progress on the 23 targets set for 2030.
2. One Health Approach – Integrated focus on human, animal, and ecosystem health.
3. Digital Sequence Information (DSI) – Framework for equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources.
4. Marine & Coastal Biodiversity – Protection and restoration of marine ecosystems.
5. Resource Mobilisation – Ensuring financial resources for biodiversity conservation.
6. Monitoring, Reporting, and Review (MRR) – Tracking progress towards biodiversity targets.
7. Local & Indigenous Participation – Strengthening the role of indigenous communities, cities, and subnational governments.

Key Achievements

1. Establishment of ‘Cali Fund’ – New financial mechanism for equitable sharing of DSI-derived benefits.
2. Biodiversity and Health Global Action Plan – International action plan linking ecology and health.
3. Recognition of Local Governance – Official inclusion of local governments and cities in biodiversity governance.
4. Strengthening Indigenous Rights – Indigenous knowledge and rights formally integrated into global biodiversity governance.
5. Climate–Biodiversity Linkage – Formal recognition of integrating biodiversity and climate policies.

Challenges

1. Financial Resource Gap – Estimated $200 billion/year needed for biodiversity conservation; firm commitments lacking.
2. NBSAPs (National Biodiversity Strategies & Action Plans) – Most countries have yet to submit updated plans.
3. Implementation Gap – Slow on-ground progress in achieving COP15 targets.
4. Negotiation Deadlocks – Disagreements on resource mobilisation and monitoring frameworks temporarily stalled COP16.
5. DSI Framework – Technical and legal aspects require further clarification.

Relevance for India

1. Megadiverse Country – India is one of the world’s 17 megadiverse nations.
2. National Measures Needed:
   1. Update NBSAPs in line with KMGBF targets.
   2. Develop DSI-related policy frameworks.
   3. Include indigenous communities in biodiversity governance.
   4. Coordinate biodiversity and climate policies.
3. Opportunities in Blue Economy – Emphasis on marine biodiversity aligns with India’s Blue Economy initiatives.
4. One Health Approach – Useful post-pandemic model for balancing health, ecology, and agriculture policies.

Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)

Key Features:

• Non-binding framework adopted at COP15, Montreal, 2022.
• Replaces the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020 and Aichi Targets.
• Objective: Halt biodiversity loss and restore ecosystems by 2030.

Four Main Goals by 2050:

1. Conservation and Restoration
2. Nature-positive Benefits
3. Equitable Sharing of Benefits – Especially DSI-derived benefits.
4. Finance and Collaboration – Closing the annual biodiversity finance gap of $700 billion.

2030 Targets Highlights (23 Targets):

• 30-by-30 Target:
  • Protect 30% of land, sea, and inland waters by 2030.
  • Restore 30% of degraded ecosystems.
• Invasive Alien Species: Reduce spread by 50% by 2030.
• Financial Target: Mobilize $200 billion/year, including $30 billion through international finance.

UPSC-Relevant Points

Conclusion

• COP16 positioned biodiversity conservation as a broad social movement.
• The theme “Peace with Nature” highlights that biodiversity is linked not only to environment but also to human survival, economic stability, and global justice.
• For countries like India, COP16 offers an opportunity to align national targets with global frameworks and advance towards harmonious development with nature.