Stand.earth at the Biodiversity Convention in Cali, Colombia

What is CBD COP?

Have you heard of the Conference of the Parties, also known as COP, the big climate conference that takes place every year? Chances are you have, but did you know there’s another meeting that’s focused on biodiversity?

The Biodiversity Convention, also known as CBD COP, was created in 1992 during the Rio Earth Summit, and since then, more than 190 countries have become members. These countries work together to address issues like habitat loss, endangered species, and the effects of climate change on biodiversity. The main goals of the CBD are to conserve biodiversity, use resources sustainably, and ensure that the benefits from using genetic resources (like medicines from plants) are shared fairly.

At the COP meetings, countries set new targets, create global action plans, and share ideas for protecting the planet’s natural heritage. It’s a big effort to make sure that future generations can enjoy the same rich diversity of life that exists today. CBD COP and the policies that emerge from it are more important than ever as we face significant threats to the world’s biodiversity. From Europe to Australia to Palestine to the Amazon, protecting the biodiversity of those regions is critical in our fight against climate change.

CBD COP16

This year, the CBD COP16 will be held in Cali, Colombia. It will focus on the implementation progress of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework signed at COP 15.

At COP 16, governments will review the state of implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Parties to the Convention are expected to show that their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) align with the Framework. COP16 will further develop the monitoring framework and advance resource mobilization for the Global Biodiversity Framework.

COP16 is a critical launch point—it will set the groundwork for next year’s Belem Agreement, the “Paris Agreement” for Amazonia. It’s also the first time the biodiversity and climate conferences are taking place in Amazonian countries—Colombia and Brazil. This is a rare moment when the Indigenous Peoples from Amazonia can lead the global conversation on climate and biodiversity on their lands.

Our team plans to be there, making sure their voices aren’t just heard but placed at the heart of every conversation.

What happened last COP CBD 15?

CBD COP15 was monumental in many ways, especially because the Global Biodiversity Framework was agreed upon — Stand.Earth campaigners were in the rooms and hallways as the agreement’s language was finalized.

The Stand team was in Montreal, representing the Amazonia for Life initiative: Protect 80% of the Amazon by 2030. The coalition pushed for Indigenous Territories to be included in the Framework as a step towards recognizing Indigenous sovereignty and providing financial support for them to protect their territories.

Indigenous communities from around the world, alongside their partners, successfully negotiated crucial target areas into the final language of the framework. Areas like nature-based solutions, Indigenous Governance, Ensuring protection for Indigenous Defenders, and prioritizing financial support for Indigenous and frontline communities were all negotiated into the framework.

Here’s what we need to do:

Ensure Indigenous Rights and Territories Are Central: At COP16, governments will negotiate the Global Biodiversity Framework. We must guarantee legal protection for Indigenous Territories. These lands are vital ecosystems safeguarded for generations, and their protection is key to the Amazon’s future.

Advocate for Direct Funding to Indigenous Peoples: Resources must reach Indigenous communities quickly and independently. This funding enables them to manage their lands, protect the Amazon, and address long-standing inequalities in climate finance, all while supporting global climate goals.

This huge moment is an opportunity that may not come again. The success of COP16 is crucial – it will set the foundation for the road map to protect Amazonia.

This isn’t just about attending a conference—it’s about showing up for the Indigenous communities fighting for the survival of their people, the Amazonia, and the planet.

We’ve done this before. At COP15 in 2022, our Amazonia Against the Clock report helped secure critical recognition of Indigenous Territories. That victory proved what we can accomplish together – but we can’t stop now. This is only the beginning.

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