Global economic forum COP-16: Importance of ecosystem preservation

At the COP-16 conference on biological diversity, held from October 21 to November 1, 2024, in Cali, Colombia, the first global ecosystem atlas was presented, a tool aimed at the preservation and sustainable management of the environment. The initiative was supported by numerous international organizations, including the UN and UNESCO, and it is expected to play a key role in the fight against biodiversity loss and climate change, which is also the main theme of this year's conference titled "Peace with Nature" (Mir s prirodom).

Ecosystem atlas: A tool for sustainable planning and monitoring

The global ecosystem atlas, initiated in collaboration with the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), represents the first comprehensive platform for mapping and monitoring all global ecosystems. The goal of the atlas is to provide accurate and up-to-date information that will support the preservation and restoration of critical habitats, enable decision-makers and investors to understand risks, and support local communities in sustainable management of natural resources. This initiative has the potential to drastically improve the way societies manage nature and its resources, ensuring sustainability and reducing ecological footprints.

Focus on implementing the Kunming-Montreal framework

COP-16 is the first global-level gathering since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal global framework for biodiversity in 2022. Aiming to halt biodiversity loss by 2030, the framework sets ambitious goals such as protecting 30% of the world's terrestrial and marine areas and reducing environmentally harmful subsidies by $500 billion per year. During the conference, countries presented updated national strategies and action plans for biodiversity, measuring progress and assessing compliance with global targets. Achieving the goals of this framework represents a crucial step towards global nature conservation and reducing climate change.

Challenges and financing for nature conservation

One of the key objectives of COP-16 is to secure the financial resources necessary for the successful implementation of the global framework. According to estimates, investments of around $200 billion per year are needed to support the preservation and restoration of ecosystems, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support sustainable agriculture and the reduction of plastic pollution. The European Union, one of the main participants in the conference, has doubled its external financial contribution to biodiversity to €7 billion and established centers for technical and scientific cooperation to support global efforts in environmental conservation.

The role of the private sector and local communities

The conference also emphasizes the importance of involving the private sector and local communities in the process of nature conservation. Numerous companies and organizations, including the Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures, have signed commitments to adapt their business practices to reduce negative environmental impacts. Additionally, COP-16 aims to empower local communities, including indigenous peoples, as they are often key guardians of natural resources and holders of traditional knowledge about sustainable ecosystem management. Ensuring fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources is another goal of the conference, enabling fair distribution of resources between developed and developing countries.

Integrating nature-based solutions into broader development agendas

COP-16 has highlighted the need to integrate nature-based solutions into broader development plans, given the growing demand for food, water, and natural resources, which increases the risk of economic and social instabilities. Building resilience through the conservation and restoration of nature is key to reducing these risks, and applying nature-based solutions can mitigate the negative impacts of climate change, reduce waste, and enhance the sustainability of agricultural production. The European Commission is actively financing and providing technical support for 74 nature-based solution projects aimed at ecosystem restoration.

Conclusions of the conference and future steps

The COP-16 conference represents an important milestone for global efforts in biodiversity conservation. The collective efforts of all participants - governments, the private sector, local communities, and international organizations - are essential for successfully achieving the goals set by the Kunming-Montreal framework. The outcomes of the conference are expected to influence global environmental protection policy and shape guidelines for sustainable management of natural resources in the coming years. Initiatives such as the Ecosystem Atlas, along with additional financial resources, represent steps towards achieving the global goal of conserving 30% of the world's ecosystems by 2030, ensuring the long-term sustainability and security of the ecological system.