COP16 Urges Action to Halt Nature Destruction

At COP16, nearly 200 countries gather in Colombia to address urgent funding needs for environmental conservation. The summit seeks $200 billion annually to combat rapid nature destruction as global leaders emphasize immediate action to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Nearly 200 countries have convened at the COP16 summit in Colombia, with leaders emphasizing the urgent need to mobilize billions for nature conservation. On Monday, COP16 President Susana Muhamad highlighted the time-sensitive nature of this environmental mission.

Despite adopting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework agreement two years ago, the challenge now is securing $200 billion annually to halt nature loss by 2030. The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, established last year, has fallen short of its financial targets, raising only millions, not the expected billions.

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged delegates to secure significant new investments, while Brazil's negotiator Andre Correa do Lago warned about the lack of donations. Developed nations have committed to providing developing countries $20 billion annually by 2025. The summit also focuses on biodiversity pledges, Indigenous inclusion in conservation, and equitable sharing of genetic resources.

(With inputs from agencies.)