Colombia is making significant strides in preparing to host the most important biodiversity summit in the world. The National Environmental System, the country’s leading environmental agency, is successfully overseeing the preparation for this global event.
COP16, the Conferences of the Parties established in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, will be held in Santiago de Cali this year. This will be the first time that a COP event will be held in Cali.
Colombia is among the top five countries with the greatest biodiversity on the planet. The event, to be held from October 21st to November 1st, aligns with the country’s recent announcement that its deforestation levels have been reduced by 36%, a historic low.
“Hosting COP16 in Colombia, a nation renowned for its unparalleled biological and cultural diversity, is more than symbolic. It’s a testament to our commitment to global environmental protection. This event should not only inspire us but also serve as a catalyst for worldwide change, both politically and practically. It’s a platform for shaping a sustainable future,” said Susana Muhamad, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development.
Over 211 national protected areas and eleven national parks in Colombia’s Pacific territories constitute 51,388 square kilometers of biodiversity, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development.
This region is also home to more than 14,000 plant species.
The region around Cali is not only a biodiversity hotspot but also a cultural melting pot. Home to a vibrant Afro-Colombian and indigenous population, approximately 30% of the local residents identify with these rich cultural heritage groups.
WWF representative Ximena Barrera emphasized that “hosting COP16 is a significant recognition of Colombia’s global environmental leadership. As the world’s second most megadiverse nation, Colombia’s role in this critical summit is paramount. This meeting takes place at a pivotal moment for our planet.”
As host of the biodiversity summit, Colombia has outlined ambitious goals. Minister Muhamad emphasized the need to link biodiversity conservation with decarbonization, promote a global coalition for peace with nature, and to foster a people’s COP through active engagement and mobilization of stakeholders before, during, and after the event.
Before the COP16 officially begins, 14 forums will be held with experts, academics, government officials and community leaders to discuss biodiversity, culture and society, agriculture, among other topics.
To ensure widespread public participation, the organization will host six in-person sessions and eight virtual events. Attendees can earn a certificate of attendance endorsed by participating universities in the National Environmental Forum. Interested individuals can register here.