Fight for biodiversity protection advances at COP16, and marches on toward COP30

The second part of the UN Biodiversity Conference COP16.2, held in Rome in late February, made great progress toward the protection of biodiversity. While the challenge of translating commitments into concrete actions remains, this follow-up session was crucial for the establishment of a financial architecture for biodiversity conservation. It is an opportunity to ensure that Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and developing nations have the resources they need to protect the planet’s most vital ecosystems.

Stand Senior Amazonia Campaigner Gisela Hurtado was on the ground at both sessions of COP16, and published a blog reflecting on the progress that’s been secured and the work that’s still yet to come. As we move toward the 30th session of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil this November, Stand.earth is collaborating with a network of organizations, Indigenous federations, and civil society allies to bring a unified advocacy agenda that ensures this event helps advance a just transition for the region.

Calling on one of the world’s largest financier of Amazon oil and gas to end financing of rainforest destruction

On International Women’s Day earlier this month, Stand joined partners WeMove and Eko to call on Santander Global Head of Responsible Banking Lara de Mesa to use her leadership at the largest European financier of Amazon oil and gas — and fourth largest worldwide — to ensure the bank stops financing the destruction of the world’s largest rainforest.

In recent years, global banks like HSBC, Barclays and BNP Paribas have made commitments to exclude oil and gas financing from the Amazon. Santander has the opportunity to follow suit by ending its financing of destructive oil and gas projects in Amazonia.

Raising pressure on Canadian government to protect endangered caribou

Stand and other environmental organizations are criticizing Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) for missing yet another deadline to finish mapping critical habitat for endangered Southern Mountain Caribou herds in British Columbia.

The groups had given ECCC until March 19 to produce a proposed updated recovery strategy under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) that includes full habitat maps.

Given the federal election, the groups will look to the incoming Minister to address ECCC’s lengthy and unlawful delays, and the resulting harm to several critically-endangered caribou herds. They will consider turning to the courts for relief if ECCC fails to complete the habitat mapping and release an updated strategy soon after the election.

Divesting from Tesla and donating to values-aligned causes

Where we invest our money is more than just a financial decision, it’s a reflection of our values. Right now, a growing movement of people are taking a hard look at where their dollars are going and making bold choices to realign their investments with their vision for the future. The ‘Tesla Takedown’ is just the latest example of how divestment can send a powerful message and create real change.

One Stand.earth donor, Sandra, made that choice. Her story is a powerful reminder that we all have options. And when we use them wisely, we can shape the future we want to see.