CGIAR at COP16: Advancing Global Commitments for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainability

The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16), hosted by Colombia for the first time, marked a significant milestone in the global effort to preserve biodiversity. Held from October 21 to November 1, 2024, the conference convened leaders, policymakers, scientists, and advocates to take forward the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), which was adopted in 2022. Together, stakeholders sought to strengthen the mechanisms, commitments, and collaborations necessary to safeguard biodiversity and promote sustainability in the face of climate change.

COP16 provided an inclusive platform for diverse voices and sectors to converge on key issues that are integral to building a world where people live in harmony with nature. Discussions focused on aligning global agendas to prioritize biodiversity conservation, support ecosystem restoration, and ensure the sustainable use of biodiversity for the benefit of planetary health and human well-being. With this agenda, delegates highlighted the importance of practical frameworks for translating targets into actions, building resilient ecosystems, and securing financial commitments for sustainable development.

Biodiversity, gender and ethnicity

Key Themes at COP16

At COP16, the focus on biodiversity conservation included a strong alignment with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the implementation of the KM-GBF. Delegates explored the progress made since its adoption, emphasizing the importance of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans(NBSAPs) as roadmaps for countries to adapt biodiversity goals to meet their specific environmental and socio-economic needs. This tailored approach highlights the essential role of NBSAPs in driving national action aligned with the global commitment to biodiversity preservation.

Another central theme was resource mobilization. Stakeholders discussed the financial challenges of biodiversity protection and restoration, examining pathways for sustainable investment and partnerships across public and private sectors to mobilize necessary funding. Participants also highlighted the need for a transparent monitoring and reporting system, essential for tracking progress and ensuring accountability.

From commitments to action

A key milestone was the progress made toward fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources. COP16 advanced a multilateral framework for the fair and equitable sharing of benefitsfrom digital sequence information, supporting biodiversity conservation and recognizing the value of genetic resources in innovation. CGIAR, through its active role, emphasized the use of nature-based solutions to support biodiversity and climate resilience, demonstrating how these approaches not only protect ecosystems but also address the urgent need for climate adaptation.

COP16 Highlights and Key Discussions

Throughout the conference, CGIAR experts played a pivotal role, contributing research and insights on sustainable practices to build biodiversity and resilience. In the discussion "From Commitments to Action," participants explored practical steps to implement biodiversity goals, presenting insights from CGIAR's Agroecosystem Living Labs (ALLs) that support biodiversity integration in food, land, and water systems through evidence-based research and collaboration.

At COP16, the Montpellier Processshowcased its distinctive approach to transforming food systems by connecting local, national, and global actors in a coordinated science-policy-society interface. During a high-level event "Pooling collective intelligence for action" at the CBD Pavilion, leaders from various sectors-including environment, health, and agriculture-shared insights on unlocking local-to-global action for greater impact. Building on a convening held in March 2024 that gathered 300 scientists, policymakers, and civil society representatives from 60 countries, the Montpellier Process continues to drive an iterative, community-owned learning platform.

"Cultivating Change" highlighted the contributions of Indigenous communities to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience, showcasing the importance of integrating their knowledge systems in biodiversity policies. This session recognized Indigenous practices as essential resources for sustaining biodiversity, with CGIAR partners advocating for their inclusion in biodiversity action plans and frameworks.

In another dialogue on the intersectionality of biodiversity, gender, and ethnicity, experts explored how gender and ethnic diversity drive sustainable biodiversity outcomes. This discussion, led by Fundación Natura and the Alliance Bioversity-CIAT, shared gender-inclusive approaches and community-led conservation efforts, emphasizing the role of women leaders in advancing biodiversity initiatives. These discussions illuminated the interdependence of gender equity, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development, supporting the CBD's vision of global harmony with nature by 2050.

Further, a focus of COP16 was on operationalizing Target 23 of the KM-GBF, which calls for gender-responsive approaches to biodiversity action. Participants discussed the Gender Plan of Action, sharing case studies from governments, Indigenous organizations, and donors to illustrate how gender-responsive policies improve biodiversity outcomes. The discussions reaffirmed the role of gender equity in successful biodiversity conservation, advancing the shared goal of sustainable development.

An additional highlight was the "Agricultural Innovation to Protect Biodiversity" panel, where CGIAR representatives presented innovative approaches in agricultural biodiversity. This discussion featured CGIAR leaders Juan Lucas Restrepo, Director General of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT,and Cargele Nduwamungu Masso, Director of the Impact Area Platform on Environmental Health and Biodiversity at CGIAR,who emphasized CGIAR's commitment to sustainable agricultural systems that protect biodiversity and promote environmental health.

Agricultural Innovation to Protect Biodiversity

In the "Integrating Soil Health, Livestock and Crop Management, Nutrition, and Biodiversity for Sustainable Agriculture" session, Patrick Caron shared opening remarks, "By integrating sustainable practices into broader climate goals, we can unlock multiple co-benefits, such as increased productivity, more sustainable livelihoods, and improved environmental outcomes."

Outcomes and Future Goals

COP16 concluded with countries and organizations affirming their commitments to biodiversity protection, with pledges to support financial mobilization, policy initiatives, and inclusive conservation frameworks. Strategic goals were set to expand partnerships with Indigenous communities, implement Target 23 with gender-focused biodiversity actions, and establish equitable frameworks for managing genetic resources. These commitments will guide global efforts to achieve the shared goals under the KM-GBF, ensuring that biodiversity conservation remains a priority for sustainable development.

Insights and Reflections

Throughout COP16, speakers emphasized the vital role of partnerships in achieving biodiversity goals. CGIAR's Executive Managing DirectorDr. Ismahane Elouafi called for decisive steps on scaling upfinancing and policy action and strengthening UNCBD and UNFCCC collaboration in her statement for high-level segment. She added, "Climate change and biodiversity loss are deeply interconnected. We call for stronger cooperation between the UNFCCC and the UNCBD to align their frameworks, strategies, and action plans."

Looking Ahead

COP16 has further strengthened the global commitment to biodiversity conservation, setting a collaborative precedent for future efforts. Through its role as world's largest global agricultural innovation network, CGIAR remains dedicated to supporting nature-positive, sustainable change. These shared goals represent a pivotal step toward a sustainable future and affirm a path toward a more biodiverse, resilient world-one where people and nature coexist in balance.

Header photo: Convention on Biological diversity

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