EcoCitizen was present in Rome as an Observer at the resumed session of UN CBD COP16 Cali (16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity) where Parties made a significant progress in global efforts to protect biodiversity. One of the important agreements was the creation of the Cali Fund, designed to provide financial compensation to Indigenous communities and biodiversity-rich nations, mostly in the Global South. The fund will target companies that have used digital sequence information (DSI) from native species without consent, requiring them to contribute a percentage of their profits or revenues. A substantial proportion of the funds raised will be directed to supporting Indigenous groups working to preserve vital ecosystems.
A major outcome of the “COP16.2” was the adoption of a plan to mobilise $200 billion USD annually by 2030 to support the conservation goals outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The plan sets an ambitious goal of raising $20 billion annually by 2025, with the intention of reaching $30 billion per year by 2030. This funding initiative highlights the global commitment to reversing the alarming decline in biodiversity and ensures that sufficient resources are available for meaningful conservation actions.
Governance and monitoring systems were also in focus at COP16. Delegates agreed on a set of new indicators to track progress towards the KMGBF goals, particularly regarding land use and tenure in areas in hands of Indigenous and local communities. These new frameworks are intended to enhance transparency and accountability, ensuring that biodiversity targets are met with measurable results and that conservation efforts are both effective and inclusive.
EcoCitizen was again present as a Academia & Research accredited observer, this time represented by our Founder and CEO, Adriana González, who has 10 years of experience in international negotiations. “It was a great opportunity for us to be there during this historic moment, and to witness the achievements of COP16 in Cali and then in Rome. This COP under the brilliant leadership of Minister Susana Muhamad, a Latin-American woman, showed us how it is possible to bring different perspectives together, and ensure a very inclusive participation, especially women and indigenous voices. I am committed that EcoCitizen will continue to be an active participant in these international settings, contributing and sharing with a holistic perspective from the science and technology pillar.” commented Ms González.
DEUTSCH 
ENGLISH 
FRANCAIS 
ESPANOL 
ITALIANO