The UN’s COP16 Biodiversity Conference opened in Colombia this week with urgent calls to reverse nature loss – and a spotlight on funding gaps threatening conservation goals. Here’s what you need to know:
Over 190 countries and regions gathered in Cali, Colombia, on October 21 as the South American nation took over the conference presidency from China. Delegates aim to finalize a plan to protect 30% of Earth’s land and oceans by 2030, a key target under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework agreed in 2022.
'We’re racing against time,' said Colombia’s Environment Minister in her opening speech, highlighting that over 1 million species face extinction. The conference comes weeks after a UN report revealed only 7% of biodiversity-related funding needs have been met globally.
🔍 Why it matters: Healthy ecosystems aren’t just about pandas and rainforests – they’re crucial for clean air, food security, and fighting climate change. Young activists at the conference stressed that delayed action risks creating an 'uninhabitable world for Gen Z.'
