The COP16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), held in Cali, Colombia, from October 21 to November 1, was undoubtedly a historic event. However, it also highlighted challenges that, if left unresolved, could undermine the ambitious goals of conservation and socio-environmental justice it promotes. Dubbed the “People’s COP” for its inclusive focus and record-breaking participation, the path toward the effective implementation of these commitments remains steep—particularly for the communities that should be at the heart of climate action.
Inclusive progress, but uneven outcomes
One of the most significant achievements of COP16 was the establishment of a permanent subsidiary body under Article 8 of the CBD, giving Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) a direct voice in negotiations. This marks a long-overdue acknowledgment of the crucial role these groups play in biodiversity conservation. However, as highlighted by Periodistas por el Planeta, promises of inclusion are often hindered by insufficient funding and the reluctance of developed countries to fulfill their financial commitments.
Additionally, the recognition of Afro-descendant communities as key actors represents another significant milestone. Yet, doubts remain as to whether these decisions will translate into concrete actions or be trapped in the bureaucracy of multilateral commitments. For many community leaders present in Cali, symbolic inclusion is insufficient without resources and clear mechanisms for implementation.
Grassroots voices: Movilizatorio and Casa Pa’ Voz
Initiatives such as Casa Pa’ Voz, led by the citizen participation lab Movilizatorio with support from the regional Alianza Potencia Energética, provided a model for inclusive participation and a space for dialogue, creativity, and collaboration during COP16.
This hub hosted 75 events, attracting over 3,000 participants, and was instrumental in articulating the demands of Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and local communities. From debates on Indigenous governance to cultural exhibitions, Casa Pa’ Voz underscored the transformative impact of artistic and community activism.
Activities included exhibitions such as Chagra: un cultivo de historias and Paz con la Naturaleza, showcasing compelling visual narratives on environmental and social justice, as well as a bike rally with the project Métele Pedal. Artistic interventions in Cali’s streets, such as the Inside Out Project, which featured portraits of over 250 socio-environmental defenders, exemplified how art can catalyze narrative shifts on socio-environmental justice. These efforts also extended into the digital realm, highlighting the potential of platforms like TikTok for environmental activism.
The Alianza Potencia Energética led a digital campaign garnering over 15,000 signatures in support of a letter addressed to Presidents Gustavo Petro and Lula da Silva. This letter called for halting deforestation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and restoring ecosystems while fully respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
Despite these grassroots successes, the contrast with the formal negotiations in the Blue Zone—a space managed by the UN for official talks, world leaders, and accredited participants—was striking. In the official summit, a lack of significant progress on resource mobilization left the most vulnerable communities in a limited position. While international leaders debated the allocation of biodiversity funds, local and popular representatives continued their fight to be heard.
This disconnect raises urgent questions about how to genuinely integrate grassroots voices into international processes to ensure that global decisions reflect the needs of those on the frontlines of the climate and biodiversity crises.
An ambitious agenda with operational gaps
COP16 also highlighted persistent challenges. While the establishment of a permanent subsidiary body is a promising development, its structure and operations remain undefined, leaving critical questions unanswered.
Additionally, the approval of a work plan through 2030 to ensure IPLCs’ access to resources is an ambitious goal but lacks clear details on implementation. These operational gaps partly reflect the political and economic tensions that continue to hinder progress on international agreements. Compounding these challenges is the unresolved issue of indicators for monitoring traditional knowledge—a critical topic left pending in Cali.
For future conferences, maintaining focus on grassroots voices will be essential. Strengthening funding mechanisms, defining clear monitoring frameworks, and fostering collaborations between local movements and international bodies will be key to achieving the CBD’s ambitious goals.
COP16: The “People’s COP” paving the way to COP30
While COP16 marked a milestone in terms of participation and inclusion, much remains to be done to ensure that local and vulnerable communities are not mere symbolic participants but empowered agents with real resources and influence. The outcomes of this summit must not remain on paper. If wealthier nations fail to deliver on their funding promises and operational structures remain vague, the commitments made in Cali risk becoming empty gestures.
COP16 was historic, but now is the time to turn rhetoric into tangible results. As demonstrated by grassroots voices, real change begins by empowering those who have been safeguarding biodiversity long before international forums even existed. It is time to fulfill these promises, and there is no time to lose.
Amid the biodiversity and climate crises, COP16 also emphasized the importance of integrating these issues. This approach not only reflects the interconnectedness of ecosystems and climate but also lays the foundation for more robust synergies ahead of COP30.
However, challenges persist. Resource mobilization remains a significant obstacle, discussions on a broader biodiversity fund were postponed, and the monitoring framework for traditional knowledge indicators still needs refinement. Addressing these issues will be critical to ensuring the success of the goals set out in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The promises of inclusion and sustainability made at COP16 must not remain mere words. Implementation levels and commitments to action will ultimately determine whether we are truly advancing toward a more just and sustainable future for all. COP16 marked the beginning, but the real test will be delivering on its promises before COP30, set to take place in Belem, Brazil, in 2025.
*Machine translated and proofread by the author.
Autor
Economist. Deputy Director of research of markets and sustainable investments at Dow Jones. Post-graduate degree in Economics and International Business from the Faculty of Economics of the Hochschule Schmalkalden (Germany).
