The 16th UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) opens on Monday in Cali, Colombia, marking the first international meeting since the adoption in 2022 of an unprecedented roadmap to safeguard nature. However, the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Agreement is not progressing fast enough to halt the destruction of lands, oceans, and living species by 2030. COP16 aims to ensure that states achieve the 23 goals of the “Global Biodiversity Framework,” mobilize the billions of dollars needed, and guarantee the rights of indigenous peoples. Among the goals humanity set for 2020—such as creating protected areas, restoring degraded soils, reducing pesticide use, and increasing … Continue reading COP16 in Columbia Scrutinizes Global Failure: Only 8% of Oceans and 17% of Lands Protected So Far—What’s Next?