The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) concluded on Nov. 2 in Cali, Colombia. The convention, under the theme of “Peace with Nature,” aimed to build off the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and procure commitments from countries to halt the destruction of nature.
“From a water perspective, the theme making peace with nature means ensuring its quality and quantity are good for supporting ecosystems and agriculture,” explained Chris Dickens, a researcher at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). Prior to the event, IWMI as an International Organization Partner of the Ramsar (IOP), released a joint letter with the other IOPs calling on Heads of State and governments to prioritize water and wetlands in efforts to implement the 2022 Framework. Wetlands are crucial for providing a wide range of ecosystem services, including essential habitat for biodiversity, supporting livelihoods and playing a key role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Incorporating ambitious wetland commitments and actions into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans through measurable restoration and conservation targets can significantly accelerate progress toward achieving the Framework targets.
IWMI presentations at COP16
During the event, Dickens and Chaturangi Wickramaratne shared lessons from CGIAR Initiatives such as NEXUS Gains, Digital Innovation, Agroecology and Aquatic Food at several sessions. These presentations emphasized the potential for scaling best practices and facilitating knowledge transfer across diverse regions, ultimately contributing to long-term food and nutritional security, ecological health and social justice.
Dickens discussed the implementation of environmental flows (e-flows) at several sessions as a tool for promoting compromise between diverse demands for water, producing results that can benefit humans and the environment alike. He emphasized that e-flows are key for peace with nature as they ensure that society considers the quantity, quality and timing of water flows needed to sustain freshwater and estuarine ecosystems and the human livelihoods and well-being that depend on these ecosystems. Dickens specifically presented on potential inequalities in resource availability between upstream and downstream areas in a catchment, using a case study from Mali. In this case study, e-flow estimation and implementation was used as a way of weighing and reconciling different sectoral and community demands on water use.
At the CGIAR side event on Addressing Environmental Pollution Threats to Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions in Foodscapes, Wickramaratne spoke about the implications of harmful subsidies in driving pollution that degrades ecosystems. Subsidies, whether in the form of direct or indirect support, tax concessions, reward schemes or conditional assistance, can encourage unsustainable practices. However, when phasing out harmful subsidies, it is crucial to do so gradually, rather than implementing abrupt regulatory changes. A sudden transition, such as attempting to convert an entire agricultural system to organic practices overnight, as seen in Sri Lanka, can lead to significant economic and social challenges. A more measured approach is essential to ensure a socially just shift towards the promotion of eco-friendly production and consumption patterns.
Overarching themes and agreements
Several historic agreements were made at COP16 including creating a subsidiary body that will include Indigenous peoples and local communities in future biodiversity decisions as well as the establishment of the Cali Fund, which will encourage corporations to share financial benefits when using genetic materials that originate from natural ecosystems. However, negotiators failed to reach agreement on a financing model for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which was a major goal for the event. The UN estimates that USD 700 billion would be necessary to fully implement the framework. The negotiators were also unable to set in place a monitoring mechanism to measure the progress of countries in complying with the roadmap set out in the Framework to protect biodiversity.
While water was recognized as a vital, cross-cutting component that requires more enhanced focus and action to achieve all targets, the event did not emphasize the importance of water for achieving food systems goals. Wickramaratne said, “Although there were many sessions and platforms dedicated towards sustainable agriculture and agrobiodiversity, the linkages between food production and water were not explicitly discussed and the accountability on water action remains rather diluted.”
The discussions at COP16 emphasized that there must be enhanced efforts to address long-standing social and financial inequities between the Global North and South and halt biodiversity loss. When considering local action, for National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans to be truly effective, they must integrate biodiversity considerations across all sectors of the economy and society, while aligning with climate change goals and other ecosystem-based actions. Moving forward, IWMI remains committed to working with its partners to develop innovative solutions for halting biodiversity loss and encourage local participatory action to promote sustainable livelihoods.
