COP16: countries under pressure to fork out for nature at UN conference • FRANCE 24 English

Summary

Colombia, one of the most biodiverse countries, is facing significant ecological threats, including a 69% decline in wildlife populations since 1970. The upcoming COP 16 biodiversity summit is critical for establishing mechanisms to halt species destruction and promote conservation. Major challenges include rampant tourism, cocaine production, and gold mining, exacerbated by security threats from local rebel groups. In response, Colombia has mobilized 11,000 police and soldiers for the summit's security, aiming to showcase the country's natural beauty amidst these challenges. The summit aligns with broader climate discussions, emphasizing the urgent need for international cooperation in biodiversity protection.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Colombia is one of the world's most ecologically diverse countries, hosting nearly 10% of the planet's biodiversity.
• 📉 Wildlife populations globally have declined by 69% since 1970, primarily due to climate change, deforestation, pollution, and habitat destruction.
• 💔 The importance of recognizing our vital connection to nature and viewing it as an ally is emphasized amidst discussions of climate change.
• 🔍 The COP 16 Summit in Colombia aims to create mechanisms for monitoring and funding agreements to halt biodiversity loss.
• 🏞️ Main threats to Colombia's biodiversity include rampant tourism, cocaine production, and gold mining operations.
• ⚠️ Local rebel groups pose threats to the COP 16 conference due to government military actions against drug trafficking and illegal mining.
• 🚔 Approximately 11,000 Colombian police and soldiers, supported by UN and US personnel, are deployed to secure the event.
• 🌿 COP 16 is intended to align with COP 29, the UN climate change conference in Azerbaijan, and a separate COP 16 on desertification in Saudi Arabia.
• 📈 There is a need for greater emphasis on protecting nature alongside efforts to decarbonize and address climate change.
• 💪 The COP 16 Summit aims to showcase Colombia's beauty rather than the violence and death associated with its ongoing challenges.

Q & A

What percentage of the planet's biodiversity is found in Colombia?

Colombia hosts close to 10% of the planet's biodiversity.

What are some of the main threats to biodiversity in Colombia?

The main threats include rampant tourism, cocaine production, and gold mining operations.

What significant environmental decline has been reported since 1970?

There has been a 69% decline in global wildlife populations since 1970.

What is the urgent task of the COP 16 Summit in Colombia?

The COP 16 Summit aims to establish monitoring and funding mechanisms to implement agreements to halt and reverse species destruction.

How has climate change impacted discussions about nature protection?

While there has been considerable discussion about climate change and the need to decarbonize, there hasn't been the same emphasis on the need to protect nature.

What has caused Colombia to be on high alert during the COP 16 Summit?

Colombia is on high alert due to threats from a local rebel group related to government military raids on drug trafficking and illegal mining.

How many police and soldiers have been deployed to secure the COP 16 Summit?

Approximately 11,000 Colombian police and soldiers, aided by UN and US security personnel, have been deployed.

What is the significance of the COP 16 biodiversity Summit in relation to other conferences?

The COP 16 biodiversity Summit is intended to complement the COP 29 UN climate change conference in Azerbaijan and another COP 16 on desertification in Saudi Arabia.

What dual narrative is present regarding the upcoming COP 16 Summit?

There are contrasting views, with some wanting it to be a showcase of violence and death, while others want it to highlight Colombia's natural beauty.

What role does nature play in the context of the discussions at COP 16?

Nature is seen as a vital ally that needs protection, and there is a call for recognizing the connection between humans and nature.