At the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) on Biological Diversity held in Cali, Colombia, from 21 October to 1 November 2024, GCAP Latin America and the Caribbean, in collaboration with Associacion Generaciones De Paz (ASDEPAZ) and other organisations, hosted two side events on 31 October. These events spotlighted pressing issues linking human rights, environmental protection and the future of biodiversity.

Read the COP16 Declaration on Biodiversity here.

Peace with Nature: Protecting Human Rights and Future Generations

The first side event, titled “Peace with Nature: Human Rights and Future Generations,” delved into the Maastricht Principles, emphasizing the necessity of safeguarding the rights of future generations. The discussions highlighted the importance of including their perspectives in decision-making processes. Participants reaffirmed the obligations of states and international organizations to uphold human rights for all, underscoring the intrinsic connection between human rights and environmental stewardship.

Regional Action Plan Under the Escazú Agreement

The second event focused on the Regional Action Plan approved by the Escazú Agreement. This plan marks a significant step forward in implementing Article 9 of the agreement, which aims to protect human rights defenders working on environmental issues. Participants emphacised that the plan needs to be implemented properly in order to ensure the safety and rights of those advocating for sustainable environmental practices in Latin America and the Caribbean.

A call to action amid a biodiversity crisis

GCAP members highlighted the dire state of the planet, marked by the Sixth Mass Extinction of Biodiversity driven by unsustainable human production and consumption patterns. This loss poses severe risks to millions of species, including bacteria, fungi, plants, mammals and birds, threatening the delicate balance of ecosystems and the life cycle of the planet.

While COP16 aimed to establish agendas and action frameworks for biodiversity conservation, its outcomes were mixed. Only 44 countries presented concrete action plans to reduce biodiversity loss by 2030. Critical issues such as the lack of a robust financing model to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Framework remain unresolved.

Key Demands from GCAP to Address Biodiversity Loss:

• Transition beyond economic and anthropocentric approaches in biodiversity management.
• Develop a regulatory framework for sustainable adaptation and address systemic non-compliance with environmental regulations.
• Implement holistic conservation strategies, prioritizing protected natural areas, conservation zones and biosphere reserves.
• Promote responsible resource use, renewable energy and ecosystem restoration.
• Strengthen protected area management and encourage sustainable practices like agro-ecology and organic production.
• Enhance environmental education policies and combat deforestation.
• Ensure equitable involvement of local communities and indigenous peoples in restoration efforts.
• Guarantee adequate funding for community-led conservation initiatives.

A united effort for a just future

GCAP and its partners reiterated their commitment to building a just, equitable, and peaceful society. They called on governments, international organizations, and civil society to act with urgency and coherence to address these challenges.

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