As the world gathers in Colombia for the 16th UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16), the stakes have never been higher in our fight against climate change. This summit comes at a critical moment, as the global community reflects on progress—or lack thereof—since the 2015 Paris Agreement and the 2022 COP15, where ambitious goals for biodiversity were set.

The climate crisis, coupled with the rapid decline of ecosystems worldwide, demands urgent, coordinated action. COP16 presents a unique opportunity to address these challenges head-on by updating the Global Biodiversity Framework, driving investment in nature, and fostering inclusive, community-led conservation efforts.

The importance of holding COP16 in Colombia cannot be overstated.

Colombia is home to more biodiversity per square kilometre than any other country in the world, and its recent 35% reduction in deforestation offers a beacon of hope for the planet. This summit is not just another conference—it’s a critical chance to chart a new path toward a nature-positive future.

Why COP16 is Pivotal

At COP15, the world set bold targets for protecting biodiversity, including a commitment to protect 30% of terrestrial, inland water, and marine areas by 2030. While these targets were a step in the right direction, too much focus has historically been placed on mitigating climate change by limiting global temperature rises to 2 degrees Celsius. This approach, while important, has overshadowed the need to protect and restore ecosystems that are vital to human survival. COP16 offers a chance to recalibrate this focus and ensure that biodiversity is seen as a core pillar of climate action.

As we approach a decade since the 2015 Paris Agreement, the world needs to ask: where do we stand on biodiversity, and what more must be done?
COP16 isn’t just about updating targets—it’s about critically analysing where we’ve fallen short and implementing a more holistic approach that addresses the interconnected challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change, and sustainable development.

Investing in Nature: Mobilising Resources and Collaboration

We know already that one of the greatest barriers to achieving global biodiversity targets has been the lack of sufficient financial resources and technical cooperation. The financing gap for biodiversity conservation is staggering, with estimates suggesting that between US$598 billion and US$824 billion is needed annually to reverse biodiversity loss. It’s never been clearer that we need a robust framework to mobilise capital, facilitate public-private partnerships, and drive investment in nature.

Palladium’s work in Colombia through the Partnerships for Forests (P4F) program offers a tangible example of how mobilising resources can drive real, measurable change. By working with local governments, private sector partners, and indigenous communities, we successfully blended conservation efforts with economic opportunities for local populations. This model—where financial resource mobilisation goes hand-in-hand with capacity development and technical cooperation—should be at the forefront of COP16 discussions.

COP16 is poised to introduce enhanced mechanisms for planning, monitoring, reporting, and reviewing implementation, which is critical for transparency and accountability. But these mechanisms won’t succeed without the necessary financial resources and strategic frameworks for capacity development. It’s imperative that the global community commits to securing the funding and partnerships required to meet biodiversity goals and, ultimately, to safeguard the future of our planet.

Centring Indigenous and Local Communities

Another key theme of COP16 will be accelerating progress on access and benefit-sharing. The nature-positive approach emphasises the need for inclusive conservation, which respects and incorporates the knowledge and practices of indigenous peoples and local communities. These communities have long been the stewards of the world’s most biodiverse regions, and any framework that doesn’t centre their involvement is doomed to fail.

In Colombia, the government has placed sustainable development at the top of its agenda, recognising that durable conservation must benefit both nature and people.

We’ve seen this at work in projects in Colombia and beyond; how conservation can drive economic prosperity for local communities, providing them with the tools and resources they need to sustainably manage their natural resources. This model of inclusive conservation should be scaled globally, and COP16 provides the perfect platform to further advocate for this approach.

Indigenous and local communities are not just beneficiaries of conservation efforts—they are key partners. By empowering these communities to lead conservation initiatives, we ensure that biodiversity protection is not only effective but also equitable.

The Road Ahead

COP16 is a watershed moment in the fight to protect the world’s biodiversity.
This month’s discussions will set the tone for the next decade of global conservation efforts, and we cannot afford to let this opportunity slip by. The world must move beyond fragmented approaches to biodiversity and climate action, instead embracing a holistic, nature-positive framework that recognises the interconnectedness of ecosystems, economies, and communities.

The importance of this conference is not just in the agreements signed, but in the action taken afterward. Governments, the private sector, and civil society must come together to ensure that the commitments made at COP16 translate into real-world impact. This means mobilising financial resources, fostering inclusive conservation efforts, and implementing robust mechanisms for monitoring and accountability.

We are at a crossroads, and the decisions made at COP16 will have lasting consequences for generations to come. We must seize this opportunity to create a future where biodiversity thrives, ecosystems are restored, and communities are empowered. By committing to a global biodiversity framework that prioritises investment, collaboration, and inclusivity, we can ensure that our planet remains vibrant and resilient in the face of growing environmental challenges.

Colombia, with its unparalleled biodiversity and demonstrated commitment to sustainable development, is the ideal host for this critical summit. As we look ahead, let COP16 be the moment where the world turns the tide on biodiversity loss, paving the way for a more resilient, nature-positive future for all.