WWF at COP16: Demanding Urgent Action for Nature

Posted on October, 17 2024


The natural world is in a state of crisis, with biodiversity loss and climate change posing an existential threat to humanity. 


WWF’s Living Planet Report reveals a staggering 73% average decline in wildlife populations over the last 50 years, while extreme weather events grip communities worldwide.

COP16, the UN Biodiversity Conference, presents a critical opportunity for global leaders to unite and take urgent action to halt and reverse this devastating trend.

What is COP16?

The 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) is a major international meeting where countries come together to discuss and make decisions about addressing nature loss.

COP16, the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, is a pivotal international meeting focused on addressing the global biodiversity crisis. 

Taking place in Cali, Colombia, its primary goal is to assess progress made in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), a landmark agreement aimed at halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030. 

The GBF sets ambitious targets for halting and reversing nature loss, reforming subsidies harmful to nature, and increasing conservation funding.

COP16 will be a crucial opportunity for countries to:
  • Share their progress on implementing the GBF.
  • Identify challenges and opportunities for future action.
  • Strengthen collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil society.
  • Mobilize resources to support biodiversity conservation efforts.
The success of COP16 will be instrumental in determining whether the world can achieve the ambitious goals set out in the GBF. It's a critical moment for taking decisive action to protect our planet's biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future for all.

What is the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)?


At the 2022 UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal, Canada, nearly 200 countries made a historic commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. 

This ambitious Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) is similar to the 1.5°C climate target. Some of its aims include:
  • Protecting 30% of land, freshwater, and ocean areas by 2030.
  • Eliminating harmful subsidies that damage biodiversity.
  • Investing at least $200 billion per year in conservation efforts by 2030.

Following COP15, countries were tasked with creating National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) to outline their specific strategies for achieving the GBF goals. 

These NBSAPs will be crucial for translating the global commitment into tangible national actions.

What is an NBSAP?


As part of a first step to actually implement the agreement, countries have to start planning how to turn this agreement into action at home. 

This involves producing a policy document called a National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan or NBSAP. 

Think of NBSAPs as a country's roadmap for nature conservation. Similar to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for climate action, NBSAPs provide a blueprint for implementing the GBF commitments at the national level.

WWF has created a comprehensive guide, NBSAPs We Need, to assist countries in developing effective NBSAPs that address the key elements necessary for achieving biodiversity goals.

Too few countries are on track to meet their GBF commitments which is why WWF has created an NBSAPs tracker to help policymakers, businesses and civil society follow each country’s progress.

At the time of launch, less than a month ahead of the start of COP16, the tracker revealed that the majority of countries were not fully honoring their commitments to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030.

What is WWF’s role at COP16?


WWF will be at COP16 to push for urgent and ambitious action.

We’ll provide technical advice, research, and insights, including on nature-positive finance, and work to connect businesses, civil society, and governments. 

Our goal is to ensure that everyone is working together to recover nature and reach the 2030 targets.

WWF’s Five Key Demands at COP16:
  • More Countries Submitting Plans: We need more countries to submit their action plans for nature recovery.
  • More Funding for Nature: Especially for developing nations, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities.
  • Mainstreaming Biodiversity: All sectors, from agriculture to education, need to make decisions that protect nature.
  • Stronger Links Between Nature and Climate Action: Climate change and nature protection must work together.
  • Fair Sharing of Nature’s Benefits: Ensuring that everyone, especially Indigenous communities, benefits from natural resources.

WWF will be one of many Observer NGOs of the negotiations at COP16, advocating for bolstered ambition and urgency in decisions and political declarations at the COP. 

WWF also provides technical guidance, expertise, research and insights to Parties, and works as a bridge between stakeholders - helping foster collaborations across business, civil society and policymakers alike - to ensure all of society are engaged in helping recover biodiversity. 

COP16: A turning point for nature?


Despite the urgent need for action, a worrying gap persists between the ambitious commitments made at COP15 and the actual progress being made on the ground.

With time running out, COP16 must serve as a catalyst for accelerating nature recovery efforts, and urgently addressing the drivers of nature’s decline. 

Colombia, as a biodiversity-rich nation hosting the conference, has a unique opportunity to drive positive change.

The success of COP16 will be instrumental in determining whether the world can achieve the ambitious goals set out in the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). 

By taking decisive action now, we can create a more sustainable future for both people and nature.