Over the next two weeks, representatives from around the world will meet to follow up on the international biodiversity goals.
Every year, the UN’s annual climate conference receives significant media attention, and it will undoubtedly do so again this November. However, there is another equally as important UN conference that has just begun: the UN Conference on Biodiversity (COP16).
The sixth mass extinction and an ongoing nature crisis are present in our reality. It is therefore crucial that biodiversity is prioritized by the world’s leaders. Forests are being cut down or burned, oceans are suffering, and a million species are threatened with extinction. These crises are also closely linked to the climate crisis.
“The situation for biodiversity and nature worldwide is truly critical, and it is incredibly important that action is taken. We obviously have a strong focus on this, as we work in Indonesia, which is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world,” says Marie Sigvardt, director of Save the Orangutan.
Nature conservation and indigenous peoples in focus
The UN Biodiversity Conference is the most important international agreement for the conservation of biodiversity. In 2022, after several years of pandemic-related delays, a new agreement was finally negotiated for the biodiversity and nature goals that 196 countries commit to achieving by 2030. This included protecting 30% of land and marine areas by 2023, as well as restoring 30% of all partially destroyed nature by 2023.
At the same time, it was considered historic by many that indigenous peoples, their rights, and their significance for preserving biodiversity were mentioned several times in the agreement. Recognition of indigenous peoples is crucial for biodiversity conservation, and this is also an important part of Save the Orangutan’s efforts in Borneo.
Related article: World leaders negotiate new goals for biodiversity
Implementation is the challenge
During this year’s conference, each country will report on its progress toward achieving the set goals. While the agreement itself holds enormous significance, the implementation aspect is often a challenge. At the conclusion of the previous agreement—the Aichi Targets—it was concluded that none of the goals had been fully achieved.
“At Save the Orangutan, we are following the conference closely, with a particular focus on the biodiversity strategies and action plans that are crucial for the conservation of orangutans and their habitats,” says Marie Sigvardt.
