Peace with nature

Written by Helene Svendsen and Paige Hellebaum

The interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable resource use present one of the most pressing challenges of our era. Findings from key scientific reports, such as those from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and the International Resource Panel (IRP), highlight the urgency for cohesive and transformative policy responses. These insights underscore the need to move beyond business as usual and towards a sustainability framework that integrates society, economy, and nature. 

In November 2024, delegates departed from the Sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 16) in Cali, Colombia, after two weeks of intense negotiations. This conference, the largest biodiversity COP to date, focused significantly on the implementation and financing of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) adopted two years ago, and on establishing ways to measure progress. There were notable achievements, such as the elevation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities’ roles through the adoption of a new work programme and the creation of a permanent body within the CBD to represent their interests. Additionally, the operationalization of the multilateral benefit-sharing mechanism for the use of digital sequence information (DSI) marked a historic step toward equitable sharing of resources. 

A key outcome was the establishment of the Cali Fund, designed to facilitate benefit-sharing from industries that profit from DSI. Large companies, particularly those in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and plant and animal breeding sectors, are expected to contribute a portion of their profits or revenues to this fund. The fund aims to channel at least half of its resources toward the self-identified needs of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, including women and youth, either through government support or direct payments to designated institutions. This approach underscores the vital role these communities play in biodiversity conservation. 

Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain. While 119 countries submitted national targets aligned with the GBF, only 44 updated their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). The lack of comprehensive, updated NBSAPs reflects a critical gap in the global effort to protect biodiversity effectively.  

Moreover, the conference highlighted persistent shortfalls in financial commitments. The estimated annual requirement to address the biodiversity crisis stands at USD 200 billion, but current pledges remain well below this figure. Although the Cali Fund represents an important step forward, its voluntary nature raises questions about its long-term viability and capacity to generate sufficient resources.

A comprehensive response requires recognizing that policies impacting biodiversity, climate, and resource use are often treated as separate aspects – a perspective that Indigenous communities inherently reject. Indigenous worldviews and traditional knowledge provide valuable insights that recognize the interconnectedness of ecosystems, emphasizing that any meaningful solution must integrate these holistic perspectives. 

Subnational and local levels play a crucial role in fostering capacity development and bridging the science-policy gap. To achieve effective implementation, policies must be harmonized, and practice must be embedded into the science-policy interface. Donors and international support should focus on promoting the alignment of national adaptation plans to ensure that these efforts share a common vision and cohesive targets. 

The stark reality of worsening wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters demonstrates that reactive responses are insufficient. Transformative change calls for brave leadership willing to prioritize nature and community well-being over entrenched economic interests. Policymakers must champion reforms that align economic incentives with ecological health, fostering systems that promote regeneration and sustainability. 

To counter the triple planetary crises, we need an economy that not only halts environmental degradation but actively promotes healing. The agreement to channel significant portions of the Cali Fund toward capacity building and technology transfer for developing countries is a positive step. Strong monitoring and transparent reporting mechanisms will help ensure that industries contributing to the fund can see the tangible impacts of their involvement, enhancing trust and accountability.

The evidence is clear, and nature is speaking to us through the escalating consequences we witness. The outcomes of COP 16, while promising in several respects, also underscore the need for continued and increased action. It is time for bold, unified efforts that transcend traditional boundaries and center around an economy in harmony with the environment. Listening to the science and incorporating these findings into unified, actionable policies is not just necessary; it is the only viable path forward for a sustainable future.