COP 16 of CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity)

The COP 16 of CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity) concluded on Nov 2, 2024, but not before countries agreed on an expanded role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in saving biodiversity and a groundbreaking agreement on the operationalization of a new global mechanism to share benefits from digital genetic information. Read here to learn more.

The 16th edition of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), held in Cali, Colombia, extended negotiations beyond its scheduled conclusion date as representatives from around 190 countries attempted to finalize key agreements.

This convention follows the landmark 2022 CBD meeting in Montreal, where the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) was established with 23 global biodiversity targets aimed at reversing biodiversity loss by 2030.

COP 16 of CBD

The Conference encompasses:

1. The Sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16),
2. The Eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties served as the meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, and
3. The Fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serves as the meeting of the Parties to the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization.

Here are the key highlights from COP 16:

1. Cali Fund for Digital Sequence Information (DSI):

• The Cali Fund was established to manage benefits from the use of DSI on genetic resources, aiming for equitable sharing, especially with Indigenous and local communities.
• At least 50% of the Fund is dedicated to addressing the needs of indigenous peoples, particularly women and youth, who rely on biological resources for their livelihoods.

2. Permanent Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j):

• A new subsidiary body focuses on preserving and integrating the traditional knowledge, innovations, and practices of indigenous peoples and local communities.
• A Programme of Work on Indigenous peoples was adopted, ensuring their active role in biodiversity conservation and fair benefit-sharing.

3. Resource Mobilization Strategy:

• COP-16 aims to secure USD 200 billion per year by 2030 to fund biodiversity initiatives globally.
• The Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) was launched with an initial contribution of USD 200 million from China, supporting global biodiversity efforts.
• Another key goal is to redirect USD 500 billion per year in subsidies harmful to biodiversity, focusing resources on sustainable development.

4. National Biodiversity Targets:

• To advance biodiversity conservation, 119 countries have submitted national targets aligned with the 23 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) targets.
• 44 countries have provided National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans to guide local biodiversity initiatives.

5. Synthetic Biology:

• A new thematic action plan was introduced to address inequities through capacity-building, technology transfer, and knowledge-sharing, especially among developing nations.
• Synthetic biology is highlighted for its potential risks and benefits, focusing on safe and ethical practices in biotechnology.

6. Invasive Alien Species:

• COP 16 developed guidelines to manage invasive species, that threaten local ecosystems, with new databases, cross-border trade regulation improvements, and enhanced coordination with e-commerce to reduce the spread of harmful species.

7. Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs):

• The process to identify and protect EBSAs was updated, focusing on vulnerable marine areas critical to ocean biodiversity and conservation efforts established in 2010.

8. Sustainable Wildlife Management and Plant Conservation:

• Emphasis was placed on sustainable wildlife management through monitoring, capacity-building, and inclusive involvement of indigenous communities and women.
• Plant conservation progress was encouraged to align with global biodiversity targets, ensuring measurable and consistent efforts.

9. Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health:

• A holistic Global Action Plan was adopted, promoting the One Health approach to curb zoonotic diseases, prevent non-communicable diseases, and maintain sustainable ecosystems that connect human, animal, and environmental health.

10. Risk Assessment on Living Modified Organisms (LMOs):

• Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety accepted voluntary guidelines for assessing risks associated with LMOs containing engineered genes, ensuring safety in biodiversity practices.

11. Recognition of People of African Descent:

• A resolution acknowledged the role of people of African descent in biodiversity conservation, affirming their contributions to implementing the CBD.

Key Goals from the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

• 30-by-30 Goal: One of the central aims is the “30-by-30” target, where countries committed to protecting 30% of land and marine areas by 2030. This target responds to the urgent need for conservation, given that only around 17% of land and 10% of marine areas are currently protected.
• Invasive Species: The KMGBF also set a target to reduce the introduction of invasive species by 50% by 2030 and to minimize their ecological impact, a major threat to biodiversity in many regions.
• Pollution Reduction: By 2030, countries aim to reduce pollution levels from all sources to “tolerable levels,” addressing issues like plastic waste, agricultural runoff, and industrial pollution that harm ecosystems.
• Digital Sequence Information (DSI) and Benefit-Sharing: The framework aims to establish fair benefit-sharing from the use of digital sequence information on genetic resources, as well as integrating traditional knowledge into biodiversity policies. This target seeks to ensure that biodiversity data is utilized equitably, particularly for Indigenous communities and nations with rich biodiversity.

Funding Challenges and Implementation Mechanisms

• An estimated $200 billion in annual funding is needed to achieve the KMGBF targets, yet commitments have been insufficient.
• The gap in funding and challenges in establishing effective mechanisms to implement these targets were key issues discussed at COP-16.
• Countries have sought new sources of biodiversity finance, including public and private sector contributions, to fill this financial void.
• Additionally, COP-16 aimed to agree on robust mechanisms to integrate biodiversity into policies, regulations, planning, and development to make these targets actionable and enforceable.

India’s updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)

India’s Updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) reflects a structured approach to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, aligning with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) objectives.

Key Components and Targets:

1. 23 National Biodiversity Targets: These targets align with global KMGBF goals, aiming to address biodiversity threats, ecosystem resilience, sustainable resource use, species conservation, and habitat restoration.
2. Conservation Areas: India targets to effectively conserve 30% of its land and water areas to enhance biodiversity, moving closer to KMGBF’s global 30×30 goal. Protected areas will be managed to reduce habitat degradation, benefiting diverse ecosystems.
3. Invasive Species Management: The plan includes an ambitious goal to reduce the introduction and establishment of invasive alien species by 50%, crucial for protecting native flora and fauna.
4. Sustainable Consumption: Enabling sustainable consumption choices and halving food waste is part of the strategy to reduce resource strain, address waste management, and support sustainable practices.
5. Pollution Reduction: Pollution, particularly from nutrient loss and pesticides, will be curtailed by half, contributing to healthier ecosystems and reduced environmental contamination.
6. Equitable Benefit Sharing: India commits to the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources, digital sequence information, and associated traditional knowledge, ensuring communities benefit from biodiversity resources.

Structural and Financial Framework:

• The NBSAP’s seven chapters cover contextual analysis, capacity-building, financing, and monitoring.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) oversees the strategy, supported by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs), Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs), and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).
• Financial Commitment: The Indian government expects to allocate approximately Rs 81,664 crore from 2025 to 2030 for these initiatives. However, officials emphasize that additional international financing is necessary to meet these ambitious targets.

Conclusion

The outcomes of COP 16 in Cali are expected to guide global biodiversity efforts and enhance cooperation between countries to address environmental degradation.

Although there is substantial international support for the KMGBF goals, achieving effective action will depend on implementing mechanisms that balance environmental priorities with the financial and development needs of participating countries.

India’s updated NBSAP, with its focus on reducing biodiversity threats, building resilience, and fostering sustainable practices, reflects a strong commitment to both national and global biodiversity goals.

Local communities, particularly those dependent on forests, are key stakeholders in the updated NBSAP.

Engaging communities in conservation practices not only boosts biodiversity outcomes but also promotes social and economic resilience.

Previous years questions

Q. How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (Mains 2019)

Q. Consider the following statements: (Prelims 2023) 

1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realisation of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.
2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q. With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (Prelims 2014)

(a) It serves as a financial mechanism for ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and ‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’

(b) It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at the global level

(c) It is an agency under the OECD to facilitates the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with the specific aim of protecting their environment

(d) Both (a) and (b)

Q. “Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by (Prelims 2018)

(a) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

(b) The UNEP Secretariat

(c) The UNFCCC Secretariat

(d) The World Meteorological Organisation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is the Convention of Biological Diversity?

Ans: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is the international legal instrument for “the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources” that has been ratified by 196 nations.

Q. When was the first Convention on Biological Diversity?

Ans: June 5, 1992: The Convention on Biological Diversity, was opened for signature at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on June 5, 1992 and entered into force at the end of 1993.

Related articles:

• Conservation of Biodiversity and Environment
• Environmental conventions and protocols
• Biodiversity protection: steps taken by the Indian government
• Biological Diversity Act: Biological diversity (amendment) bill 2021

-Article by Swathi Satish