The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, urged world governments at the opening of COP16 to translate words into concrete actions in response to the biodiversity crisis. He emphasized that the prosperity of humanity is closely linked to the flourishing of nature, pointing out that its destruction leads to conflicts, poverty, inequality, and climate crisis.
Guterres warned about the serious consequences of a collapse in natural services, such as pollination and the supply of clean water, estimating global economic losses in trillions of dollars per year, with the most disadvantaged being the most harmed. The Global Framework for Biodiversity, agreed upon at COP15, is a crucial tool for restoring bonds with the land and ecosystems.
Financing and compensation are key points discussed at COP16. Guterres called to materialize financial promises and support developing countries, urging investments in the Global Biodiversity Fund and mobilizing additional resources. He also highlighted the responsibility of those who benefit from nature to protect and restore it, as well as to support developing nations.
In this regard, the importance of financing biodiversity protection and establishing fair compensations for the use of natural genetic resources in science is emphasized. Guterres highlighted the relevance of indigenous peoples in conserving biodiversity, advocating for their active participation in all biodiversity-related actions globally.
