CPAWS Heads to Colombia for COP 16
Photo: United Nations
Calling for Bold Action to Protect Nature
This week, a strong delegation from CPAWS is heading to Cali, Colombia, to participate in the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP 16) of the Convention on Biological Diversity, also known as “Nature COP.” As the world gathers to discuss the urgent need for biodiversity protection, CPAWS is urging all levels of Canadian government to take bold, decisive actions to safeguard nature.
A Critical Moment for Nature Protection
At COP 16, countries will discuss how to implement and fund the new Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which was adopted by 196 nations in December 2022. Canada has committed to implementing all the GBF targets in its new 2030 Nature Strategy, including protecting at least 30 per cent of its land, freshwater, and ocean by 2030 (30×30) and supporting Indigenous-led conservation initiatives. CPAWS is calling for long-term investments and collaboration across federal, provincial, and territorial governments to deliver on these promises and ensure the future well-being of nature, which is critical to our own well-being.
The Urgency of the Biodiversity Crisis – it isn’t just an environmental issue — it’s an economic and social crisis.
Failing to address biodiversity loss will result in severe consequences according to a Government of Canada report published earlier this year. It warned of risks to clean air, water, and food supplies, as well as threats to industries like farming, fishing, and logging.
The completion by the federal government of the new 2030 Nature Strategy is a positive step. However, implementing this strategy, including the 30X30 land and ocean protection target, will require a renewed commitment of funding in the upcoming federal budget. Furthermore, as CPAWS prepares to release a report in early 2025 on Canada’s progress towards the 2030 conservation targets, it’s clear that while progress has been made in some areas, much more needs to be done. CPAWS aims to hold all governments accountable.
Sandra Schwartz, National Executive Director of CPAWS, emphasized the importance of this moment, saying, “Canada cannot wait any longer to solidify and finance its plan to protect land, freshwater, and ocean. Now is the time for bold action.”
Indigenous Leadership and Local Initiatives
CPAWS recognizes the vital role that Indigenous communities play in conservation. Several provinces have nature agreements already in place and have committed to working with Indigenous partners to achieve their conservation goals. At COP 16, CPAWS is advocating for increased investments in Indigenous-led conservation efforts, which are crucial for meeting the 30×30 targets.
CPAWS’s Quebec chapter (SNAP-Quebec) is hosting a side event at COP 16, focusing on the underlying causes of biodiversity loss and the transformative changes needed in economic and value systems to address these crises. Similarly, CPAWS chapters from Alberta and Manitoba are hosting discussions on how resource-dependent economies can effectively protect nature while maintaining livelihoods.
Katie Morrison, Executive Director of CPAWS’s Southern Alberta chapter, stressed the importance of concrete action: “We want to see the Government of Alberta make decisive commitments to nature—accompanied by specific, tangible actions—that protect communities, livelihoods, and our invaluable ecosystems.”
Moving Forward: Turning Promises into Protection on Land and Water
COP 16 is a pivotal moment for Canada and the world. The commitments made in the Global Biodiversity Framework must now be translated into quality actions. CPAWS is calling on all levels of Canadian government to not only renew their commitment to nature protection but also ensure sufficient long-term funding to make these commitments a reality.
As Canadians, we depend on our governments to protect the natural environments that support our health, well-being, and economic stability. The urgency of the biodiversity crisis can no longer be sidelined, and COP 16 offers an opportunity to take meaningful action for the future of our planet. As CPAWS donors and supporters, your contributions ensure that CPAWS is present and showcasing its leadership in conservation on the world stage at events like COP 16. We are all in this together, and our collective actions are making a difference.
Stay Informed on COP 16
Keep your eyes on our channels – CPAWS will be publishing a newsletter with on-the-ground updates from COP 16 next week.
In the meantime, if you want to learn more about COP 16 and CPAWS’s work leading up to the event, check out the following resources:
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