Latin America and the Caribbean are preparing for COP16, where they will seek to showcase their potential as a mega-biodiverse powerhouse and a region of environmental solutions. To achieve this, it is imperative to increase policies for the preservation of key ecosystems.
In the months leading up to the event, more than 20 international scientific institutions have joined forces to highlight the importance of science and regional collaboration in biodiversity conservation. The aim is to raise awareness about the use of data and scientific methods to address the loss and restoration of biodiversity in the region.
Latin America and the Caribbean play a crucial role in the preservation of global biodiversity, making it essential to promote their leadership in this area at COP16 in Cali. Discussions at the event are expected to reinforce commitment to equity, inclusion, and climate justice.
A highlighted initiative will be the pavilion 'Biodiversity Unites Us,' driven by CAF to facilitate the exchange of experiences and strengthen regional collaboration in the search for sustainable solutions. Emphasis will be placed on dialogue with scientific institutions to promote science-based solutions.
The region hosts 60% of the planet's biodiversity, making it a key actor in global conservation. Although all countries have ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity, few have presented concrete action plans to protect biodiversity by 2030.
The voice of youth, along with the participation of indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, are aspects that will be sought to be enhanced at COP16. The inclusion of ancestral knowledge in climate and biodiversity policies is shaping up as a crucial point to address in the Cali meeting.
COP16 will also be an opportunity to review progress in implementing measures aimed at halting biodiversity loss by 2030. The mobilization of financial resources, the creation of an equitable framework for access to genetic benefits, and innovation in financial mechanisms will be central topics of discussion.
In this context, collaboration between multilateral banks and development becomes essential to mobilize financial resources and promote long-term sustainable development agendas. Recent examples, such as the debt conversion for watershed conservation in El Salvador, demonstrate the potential of these alliances.
In summary, Latin America and the Caribbean are preparing to showcase their leadership in environmental conservation and biodiversity at COP16. The region has a crucial role in the global preservation of ecosystems and natural resources, and this event is expected to pave the way towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
