16th COP Outcomes

Syllabus: Environment

Source: TH

Context: The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was held in Cali, Colombia, where 190 countries discussed measures to achieve global biodiversity goals, including the ambitious 30-by-30 target.

About COP-16:

• The COP-16 aims to finalize mechanisms for implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) targets, which were set in 2022.

• The primary focus was on ensuring biodiversity conservation, reducing pollution, and establishing fair benefit-sharing systems, especially for Digital Sequence Information (DSI).

• The conference emphasized integrating biodiversity into national and global policies and aligning climate change actions with biodiversity goals.

About Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

· Origin: Opened for signature in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit; entered into force on December 29, 1993.

· Aim: To promote the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components, and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.

· Features:

o Ratified by 196 countries (excluding the United States).

o Has three primary objectives: conservation, sustainable use, and equitable benefit-sharing.

o Supplementary agreements include the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing

Key Outcomes from COP-16:

• 30-by-30 Commitment: Aiming to conserve 30% of land and ocean areas by 2030 and restore 30% of degraded ecosystems.

• Inclusion of Indigenous Voices: Establishment of a body to include indigenous groups in biodiversity discussions.

• Digital sequence information (DSI): Ongoing debates on fair benefit-sharing from the use of genetic data, with plans for a multilateral mechanism yet unresolved.

• Implementation support: Agreement on technical support for biodiversity mainstreaming, addressing invasive species, and enhancing biodiversity-climate synergy.

India’s Contribution at COP-16:

• Financial commitment: India presented an updated biodiversity plan, projecting an expenditure of ₹81,664 crore for biodiversity and conservation from 2025-30, building on the ₹32,207 crore spent from 2018-22.

• Call for International Funding: India emphasized the need for international finance, as outlined in KMGBF’s Target 19, to support biodiversity goals beyond government funds.

• National biodiversity strategy: India highlighted its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), reinforcing its commitment to biodiversity conservation through targeted actions.

• Initiatives in Conservation: India cited the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance for the conservation of big cats, indicative of its efforts in global wildlife conservation.

• Expansion of Ramsar Sites: India raised its number of Ramsar sites (wetlands of international importance) from 26 in 2014 to 85 and aims to reach 100, underscoring its dedication to wetland conservation.

Drawbacks of COP-16:

• Funding gaps: Only a fraction of the estimated $200 billion required annually for biodiversity goals has been pledged.

• Unresolved issues: No consensus on contributions to the DSI fund or mechanisms for financial and technical resource allocation.

• Non-binding framework: The KMGBF targets remain non-binding, potentially impacting global commitment to these goals.

Way ahead:

• Securing financing: Mobilize international funding, as indicated in KMGBF’s Target 19, to close the biodiversity financing gap.

• Strengthening implementation: Improve frameworks for monitoring progress toward the 30-by-30 targets and ensure nations adhere to biodiversity policies.

• Enhancing collaborative action: Foster partnerships with indigenous communities and local governments to promote sustainable biodiversity practices.

Conclusion

The COP-16 underlined the urgent need for committed global cooperation and robust financial support to address the biodiversity crisis. Aligning efforts with Sustainable Development Goals and models like the NITI Aayog’s focus on sustainability, India and other nations must work collectively to secure a healthy ecosystem for future generations.

Insta Links:

• International-conventions

• “Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by (UPSC-2018)

(a) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

(b) The UNEP Secretariat

(d) The World Meteorological Organisation

Answer: c)

• How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (UPSC-2019)