At COP16, Guterres called on the world to ‘make wise choices…to make peace with nature’

Speaking at the opening of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16), he emphasized: “Making peace with nature is the defining task of the 21st century.”

“Nature is life. Yet we are waging a war against it – a war in which there can be no winners,” he declared.

“Every year, we see higher temperatures. Every day we lose more species. Every minute, we dump a truckload of plastic waste into oceans, rivers and lakes. Make no mistake – this is an existential crisis.”

The theme of the conference in Cali, Colombia is “la COP de la gente” (COP of the people). It continues until November 1 with discussions focusing on biodiversity conservation, environmental justice and the role of indigenous and local communities in shaping sustainable futures.

This is the first Biodiversity COP since the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted in December 2022 in Montreal, Canada.

Action time

Mr. Guterres emphasized the urgency of the situation with sobering statistics: about 75% of Earth’s land surface and 66% of oceans have been changed by human activity.

“With each passing day, we are moving closer to tipping points that could cause further famine, displacement and armed conflict.”

He called on countries to implement the Kunming-Montreal Framework, which aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

He emphasized the importance of national plans aligned with the framework’s objectives, supported by transparent oversight and strong financial resources, including at least $200 billion annually until 2019. 2030.

Turn promises into action

“We must turn these promises into action in four important ways,” Mr. Guterres said, calling on countries to put forward “clear, ambitious and detailed plans” to align with the Framework’s goals.

In addition, leaders must agree on strengthening supervision and transparency. Financial promises must be kept while increasing support for developing countries.

“And we have to bring the private sector in. Those who profit from nature cannot treat it as a free, limitless resource. They must step up and contribute to protecting and restoring it,” he emphasized.

Protect people who protect the environment

Mr. Guterres also emphasized the important role of indigenous people and local communities. They are “the guardians of our nature,” he said, and their traditional knowledge provides essential insights for biodiversity conservation, yet they are often left out. socially marginalized or threatened.

He also called for the establishment of a permanent body within the Convention on Biological Diversity to ensure indigenous voices are heard throughout the policy-making process.

“Peace with nature means peace for those who protect it,” he said.

Example of progress

Despite the challenges, Mr. Guterres pointed to promising initiatives, such as efforts to reduce deforestation in Brazil, Colombia and Indonesia, as well as the Congo Basin’s focus on expanding areas conserve.

He also praised the European Union’s Law on Nature Recovery and the historic Agreement on Marine Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction.

With another key treaty negotiation on plastic pollution expected later this year, Mr. Guterres expressed hope that similar determination as in previous agreements would inspire action. in California.

A choice for the survival of the Planet

Concluding, Mr. Guterres reminded delegates that humanity is standing at a crossroads.

“The survival of our planet – and ourselves – is at stakehe said.

“Let us choose wisely. Let us choose life. Let us make peace with nature.”