Contributions to CBD COP16
The Cambridge Conservation Initiative (CCI) unites ten of world’s leading biodiversity conservation organisations, alongside their global and UK networks, with the University of Cambridge.
Many of these partners will attend the Convention on Biological Diversity’s 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) independently, with the CCI Directorate working with them to amplify key messages and promote synergies and cross-cutting themes essential for success.
COP16 has the potential to be truly transformative, shaping a future where people and nature thrive, but to realise this vision, decisive action is needed in key areas.
Below, we highlight the core themes for collaborative action that will inspire our collective efforts:
Linking Evidence to Action
Currently, only one-third of countries have submitted their national targets for the Global Biodiversity Framework, highlighting an urgent need for increased global commitment.
It’s essential that countries receive support in developing and implementing their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) to effectively meet biodiversity goals.
Robust evidence, data, and monitoring are key for underpinning these actions. They enable effective tracking of impacts, investments, and the effects on both people and biodiversity, ensuring transparency and accountability in the pursuit of conservation goals.
CCI partners manage some of the world’s most important biodiversity databases and will be launching updates at COP16. At the same time, there are many examples of how multi-disciplinary methods and tools can be adapted to address specific issues and contexts.
Explore how CCI partners are taking action at COP16 on this theme:
Just Transformations for Nature and People
CCI, CISL, and the University of Cambridge Conservation Research Institute will showcase how scaling knowledge, evidence, and action can support just transformations aligned with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
Action for Wetlands
BirdLife International and others will present a new assessment of wetlands in National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and share successful restoration efforts and best practices for integrating wetland action to meet biodiversity and climate goals.
WILDLABS
WILDLABS, co-founded by Fauna & Flora and the Lindbergh Foundation, is a global platform that unites conservationists and tech experts to drive innovation in conservation through open data and technology.
Synergies in Action
UNEP-WCMC and partners will update participants on how the CBD Online Reporting Tool (ORT) has facilitated the alignment of NBSAPs with the GBF while highlighting its role in fostering collaboration and tracking progress.
Equity, Justice, and Inclusion
Evidence shows that conservation and restoration often fail without the involvement of local communities and Indigenous Peoples.
Recognising gender and intergenerational equity, as well as diverse ways of knowing and being with nature, is vital for effective conservation.
With Colombia’s presidency emphasising ‘peace with nature’ and a ‘People’s COP,’ this COP is a key opportunity to reinforce these principles – stated in Targets 22 and 23 – and ensure their integration across the Global Biodiversity Framework.
This focus is particularly important for achieving Target 3, which aims to conserve and manage at least 30% of land, water, and sea areas by 2030.
Explore how CCI partners are taking action at COP16 on this theme:
Inclusive Conversations
UNEP-WCMC and others will discuss the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) for biodiversity and climate action, emphasising its role in tackling social-ecological challenges and enhancing policy effectiveness.
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
This event with UNEP-WCMC seeks to enhance gender equality and social inclusion in implementing the GBF, showcasing the essential roles of women, girls, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities in tackling the biodiversity crisis.
Increasing Financial Support to Indigenous Peoples
This side-event with UNEP-WCMC will highlight the vital role of Indigenous Peoples and community-conserved territories in achieving biodiversity targets, and the need for increased financial support to accomplish this.
Social Implications of Target 3
Results from a global study will be shared at side events, assessing the social conditions of people near areas proposed for expanded protection under Target 3 of the GBF, which aims to conserve 30% of land, waters, and seas by 2030.
Nature Finance and Governance
COP16 is a key time to address the funding gap for nature and biodiversity. Success hinges on creating accessible global funding mechanisms, especially for the Global South, while prioritising equity and inclusion.
Private sector investment in nature is growing, with initiatives like nature-positive strategies, the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), biodiversity credit markets, as well as hot debate on “selling nature to save it.”
To achieve positive results we need open discussions about the risks and opportunities of private sector financing, as well as clear guidelines for inclusive funding schemes.
Often, the conservation and private sector investment sectors speak different languages, making it essential to bridge the language gap through dialogue and collaboration.
Communities like CCI play a vital role in convening such dialogue as well as supporting business efforts with analysis and tools, for instance in the various workstreams in the Collaborative Initiative for Nature Finance.
Explore how CCI partners are taking action at COP16 on this theme:
Sustainable Financing in the Gola Rainforest
This event by RSPB will highlight sustainable financing mechanisms that support transboundary conservation and livelihood programs in the Gola Rainforest, enhancing the implementation of the GBF in Sierra Leone and Liberia.
Leveraging Finance for Climate, Birds, and People
Organised by BirdLife International, participants will discuss how investments from governments, donors, and the private sector can combat habitat loss, address climate change, and protect migratory bird species.
Unlocking Private Finance for NBSAPs
This session, featuring UNEP-WCMC, will explore strategies to enhance the attractiveness of national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs) to private finance, aiming to unlock the necessary funding to meet Target 19.
Climate-Nature Synergies
The connections between climate change and nature are complex and require systems-based approaches. Quick-fix solutions, like poorly planned tree planting schemes, often fail to address the underlying ecological, economic, and social issues.
Instead, we need transformative strategies that promote socially just transitions to address both crises together.
From food and agriculture to energy, water and urban infrastructure, CCI partners are showing how the actions of local communities, businesses and governments can be combined to drive system changes with integrated benefits to people and the rest of nature in a heating world.
Explore how CCI partners are taking action at COP16 on this theme:
The Energy Sector and Indigenous Peoples
IUCN and Fauna & Flora will discuss how the oil, gas, and alternative energy sectors can align with biodiversity conservation targets by effectively engaging Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) to enhance biodiversity conservation and ensure a just transition for impacted communities.
Greening Energy
Fauna & Flora and BirdLife will examine the energy sector's role in advancing a nature-positive transition, highlighting efforts to reduce emissions, boost biodiversity, and support local communities.
Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Change and Biodiversity
IUCN and partners will explore ways to enhance collaboration among climate and biodiversity stakeholders to address challenges like climate change, land degradation, and biodiversity loss through nature-based solutions.
Stories of Hope
While biodiversity loss and climate change present serious challenges worldwide, many inspiring conservation and restoration efforts are making a positive impact.
From large-scale restoration projects in Europe, like CCI’s Endangered Landscapes and Seascapes Programme, to community-driven forest regeneration and citizen science initiatives that track and protect wildlife, hopeful stories are emerging across the globe, including in the UK.
These examples not only highlight successful efforts but also motivate action and commitment. COP16 is a great opportunity to share these stories and learn from one another.
Explore how CCI partners are taking action at COP16 on this theme:
Making Targets 5 and 9 Real
TRAFFIC International has produced a series of videos highlighting solutions to the urgent issues surrounding the trade of wild species.
Messages of Hope
BirdLife is urging people to take action by sending a message of hope to show decision-makers at COP16 that we are united in protecting all life on our planet.
Restoring Landscapes and Seascapes
The CCI's Endangered Landscapes and Seascapes Programme will highlight the impacts of its landscape and seascape restoration projects, demonstrating their contributions to achieving biodiversity conservation targets.
Cambridge Conservation Leadership Alumni Network
Alumni members will be represented at COP16, advocating for biodiversity through parties, NGOs, and interest groups, supported by the network's own policy documents and delegation.