As the world gears up for the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Cali, Colombia, the stakes have never been higher for our planet’s biodiversity.
The Nature COPs, as these Convention on Biological Diversity Conferences of the Parties are often called, centre around negotiations on commitments and reporting on actions by countries who have signed the Convention on Biological Diversity and have now committed to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
But why is it so important for Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (ENGOs), who are not signatories to the convention, nor representatives of a state party, to be present at COP16? Nature COPs play a pivotal role in shaping the future of conservation – what influence do ENGOs have?
Environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) like CPAWS Northern Alberta, play a crucial role in these global discussions, advocating for meaningful change and ensuring that biodiversity protection remains at the forefront of the global agenda. We also play an important accountability role in making sure conversations, promises, and ideas from the events actually get implemented in our home jurisdictions.
Why COP16 Matters
Seemingly, we are reaching a tipping point and COP16 is the latest in a series of high-stakes global conferences where nations, subnational governments, Indigenous leaders, and conservation organizations come together to negotiate and advance biodiversity goals. Many topics will be covered at COP16 but the centerpiece of this year’s discussions will be the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which was adopted at COP15 in 2022. The GBF has 23 nature targets, including the ambitious 30×30 target, which aims to protect 30% of the world’s lands, waters, and oceans by 2030.
This framework represents a critical turning point in the fight to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Biodiversity underpins the health of ecosystems, supports food security, and is essential for the livelihoods of billions of people worldwide. Yet, it is under constant threat from unsustainable land use, climate change, and industrial development.
The key to making the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) successful lies in the commitment and action of national and subnational governments. However, national governments alone cannot implement these targets effectively: there are limits to their jurisdiction. This is where ENGOs like CPAWS step in, playing a vital role in driving local, national, and global progress toward these shared biodiversity goals to protect nature.
After the signing of the GBF, countries and subnational governments (subnational governments in Canada’s case would be provinces and territories) were tasked with the creation of Biodiversity Strategies. These strategies are the outline for countries to meet the targets and goals of the GBF.
Canada released the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, outlining concrete steps to tackle biodiversity loss across the country in areas of federal control. However, provinces and territories across Canada have much more jurisdiction and control over land management practices. Without provincial and territorial commitments to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, we will not see the recovery of nature. Yukon, Quebec, British Columbia, and Manitoba have already made commitments to protect 30% by 2030, and other provinces and territories are developing their own nature strategies.
CPAWS Northern Alberta is going to COP16 to encourage the Government of Alberta to create a strong nature strategy with concrete action for the protection of nature. Recent inaction from the Government of Alberta in advancing nature protection is cause for concern. This is evident in the continued delays in species at risk protection plans such as the lack of progress on caribou recovery plans, no indication of expanding protected area in the recent engagement on their Plan for Parks, and continued approvals of industrial activity in species at risk habitat.
The Role of ENGOs at COP16
1. Advocating for Strong Biodiversity Policies
ENGOs are powerful advocates for stronger biodiversity policies as subject-matter experts and as representatives of the public interest. At COP16, CPAWS Northern Alberta and other ENGOs have the rare opportunity to engage with a wide range of decision-makers that have the power to ensure the Government stays committed to the targets set out in the GBF. Events like COP16 are unique in that it an environment that fosters commitment to change and hope. Advocating and creating pressure for these strong biodiversity policies is crucial, as it holds governments accountable to their promises and pushes them to take concrete actions at the national and subnational levels.
CPAWS is advocating for Alberta, and other provinces, to develop and implement a nature strategy that aligns with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Such an aligned strategy would focus on halting biodiversity loss, using tools such as protecting 30% of lands by 2030 and integrating Indigenous-led conservation into policy frameworks.
2. Bringing Local Voices to Global Forums
COP16 offers a unique platform for local and regional perspectives to be heard on the global stage. ENGOs are deeply connected to local communities and ecosystems, bringing invaluable insights to international negotiations. Local perspectives are essential in crafting biodiversity strategies that are both effective and equitable.
Alberta’s vast boreal forests, wetlands, and grasslands are home to rich biodiversity that is critical not only for local ecosystems but also to global conservation efforts. Our participation at COP16 ensures that the importance of protecting these areas is recognized as a worthwhile effort with global significant and their inclusion in international discussions.
3. Strengthening Subnational and International Collaboration
Another critical role of ENGOs at COP16 is facilitating collaboration Biodiversity challenges are often transboundary, requiring coordinated efforts across regions and countries. Partnerships can be fostered that lead to innovative and collaborative solutions to biodiversity loss when ENGOs like CPAWS attend COP16.
In Canada, for instance, provinces and territories have unique conservation responsibilities from the wide range of ecosystems, land use, agriculture and community needs that exist within them. CPAWS, through its advocacy at COP16 and knowledge of transboundary conservation issues, can help align Alberta’s conservation efforts with national and global biodiversity goals, ensuring that Canada as a whole contributes meaningfully to the 30×30 target.
4. Elevating Indigenous Leadership in Conservation
Indigenous Peoples have long been the stewards of biodiversity-rich lands and have developed knowledge systems that are integral to maintaining healthy ecosystems. Many conservation issues that are experienced globally, are from a deep-rooted history of dispossessing Indigenous Peoples from their ancestral lands. ENGOs can play a critical role as allies when advocating for Indigenous-led efforts. At COP16, CPAWS will work to highlight the importance of Indigenous leadership in conservation and advocate for stronger partnerships between governments and Indigenous communities in protecting biodiversity.
This is particularly important in Alberta, where existing Indigenous-led conservation initiatives can contribute significantly to achieving the 30×30 target while ensuring that conservation policies respect Indigenous rights and knowledge and acting in the spirit of reconciliation. Some existing initiatives include the Dene Tha’ First Nation’s proposal to protect the area around Bistcho Lake.
The Involvement of ENGOs could help Shape a Sustainable Future
The presence of ENGOs at COP16 is not just important—it is essential. With biodiversity loss threatening the stability of ecosystems and the well-being of future generations, now is the time for bold, coordinated action. ENGOs bring a depth of expertise, local knowledge, and advocacy power that is crucial for turning international agreements into on-the-ground conservation successes.
By attending COP16, We (CPAWS and other ENGOs) can ensure that the voices of local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and conservation advocates are heard and that governments are held accountable for their commitments. Through collaboration, advocacy, and the sharing of innovative conservation strategies, ENGOs can help pave the way toward a sustainable future where nature thrives, ecosystems are restored, and climate and biodiversity crises are addressed together.
A Call to Action
As COP16 approaches, the urgency of the biodiversity crisis becomes ever more apparent. The role of ENGOs in these discussions is to ensure that global commitments like the 30×30 target are not just empty promises but are translated into real, measurable progress. CPAWS Northern Alberta, alongside its partners, is committed to ensuring that subnational governments like Alberta rise to the challenge and take meaningful action to halt biodiversity loss rather than remain laggards in their approach. One such way would be for the Government of Alberta to incorporate the pathways and actions outlined in A Collaborative Vision for Alberta’s Nature Strategy – a plan for Alberta’s nature developed and endorsed by ENGOs.
Attending COP16 is an immense honour and privilege that we do not take lightly. We can’t wait to share with you what we take away from COP16 and bring home a renewed, affirmed, commitment from governments to urgently protect nature.
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