Global Call to Action: Saving Earth's Biodiversity at COP16

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appeals for new pledges to save global biodiversity at COP16 in Cali, Colombia. He emphasizes the need for both public and private sector involvement, spotlighting the existential crisis posed by biodiversity loss. Despite recent pledges, funding remains insufficient.

In a bold call to action, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries worldwide to make new, concrete commitments to protect global biodiversity. Speaking at the UN biodiversity summit, known as COP16, in Cali, Colombia, Guterres emphasized the urgent need for the private sector to join these efforts.

Guterres' stark warning comes amid a record number of species being lost daily and oceans teeming with plastic waste. 'Nature is life,' he stated, warning that humanity's ongoing war against it can have no victors. The summit builds on the historic 2022 Montreal accord with its 23 critical measures for preserving Earth's flora and fauna.

While eight governments recently pledged $163 million to the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, experts stress this falls short of the billions needed. Guterres called for immediate actions that translate financial promises into tangible support, urging the private sector to treat nature sustainably, while recognizing Indigenous and local communities as key biodiversity stewards.

(With inputs from agencies.)