In a historic move for global conservation, countries at the UN COP16 nature summit in Colombia have agreed on a framework requiring industries like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics to pay for using genetic data from plants, animals, and microbes. The deal, finalized Saturday, aims to channel billions into protecting ecosystems while empowering Indigenous communities.
The agreement builds on the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which seeks to reverse nature loss by 2030. 💡 Fun fact: Genetic info fuels everything from nutrient-boosted rice to stone-washed jeans (yes, microbes help make your denim look vintage!).
Half of the generated funds will flow to Indigenous peoples and local communities via a dedicated conservation fund—a win for environmental justice. 🌱 The summit also established a permanent advisory body to amplify Indigenous voices in future UN nature decisions, recognizing Afro-descendant communities’ conservation roles for the first time.
With nearly 200 countries on board, this could reshape how businesses value biodiversity. Move over, crypto—nature credits might be the next big thing! 🚀
