Colombia Hosts Pivotal UN Biodiversity Summit Aiming for Historic Inclusivity

Colombia aspires for this event to be the most inclusive ever. “One of Colombia’s objectives is that this is recognized globally as the COP of the people,” said Environment Minister Susana Muhamad. “We want citizens, Afro-descendant and campesino communities, Indigenous peoples, scientists, and all sectors to be heard.”

The summit expects delegates from 190 countries and 15,000 attendees, united in the goal of protecting global flora and fauna. Ecologists warn that ecosystems are nearing a tipping point, with species extinctions potentially accelerating.

President Gustavo Petro’s government is advocating for greater Indigenous participation in safeguarding ecosystems. The environment ministry plans to establish Indigenous-led environmental authorities to address Colombia’s “historical debt” with native communities. While some praise this move, others remain skeptical.

Harol Ipuchima, an Indigenous leader from the Amazon’s Maguta people, voiced concerns: “It sounds nice but is superficial. We are the most knowledgeable about Conservation, yet we remain observers without a vote.”

To engage the public, a “green zone” will host over 1,000 events from October 21 to November 1, open to civil society, the private sector, and the general public. Ximena Barrera of WWF Colombia sees potential: “Our surveys show 46% of Colombians worry about natural resources, and seven in ten want to act. This is a chance to mobilize them.”

COP16 is the first biodiversity meeting since the 2022 Kunming-Montreal agreement, where leaders made unprecedented pledges. However, only 10% of the 196 signatories have released the promised action plans, funding falls short of the needed $20 billion annually, and just 2.8% of oceans are effectively protected.

With wildlife near a “point of no return,” according to WWF, activists view COP16 as critical. “Countries need to translate ambition into concrete action,” urged Loreley Picourt of the Ocean and Climate Platform.

Delegates aim to agree on global budgets for nature protection and ensure commitments are upheld. Gavin Edwards of the Nature Positive Initiative remarked, “Colombia is a perfect host with incredible biodiversity.” Yet, he noted that amid global issues, the UN biodiversity conference competes for attention on the world stage.

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• Colombia Leads the Charge for Nature at the Heart of Global Environmental Talks
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