At the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, UN Secretary-General António Guterres made a powerful plea: the world must choose to make peace with nature. As he addressed delegates in Cali, Colombia, he underscored that humanity’s current path could lead to irreversible environmental tipping points. With biodiversity at risk and environmental crises growing, Guterres emphasized that sustainable action must be at the core of global efforts.
“Nature is life, yet we are at war with it,” he stated. Each year sees rising temperatures, declining species, and growing pollution. The theme “la COP de la gente” reflects the focus on community-centered environmental justice, prioritizing conservation with active participation from Indigenous and local groups. This conference marks a turning point since the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted, aiming to halt biodiversity loss by 2030.
Highlighting sobering statistics, Guterres warned that 75% of Earth’s land and 66% of its oceans have been altered by human activity, nudging us closer to potential crises in food security and conflict. He urged nations to align their biodiversity plans with the Kunming-Montreal Framework, advocating for robust financing—up to $200 billion annually—to support the 2030 targets.
Furthermore, Guterres called on world leaders to turn pledges into concrete actions. From clear plans and transparency to stronger financial commitments, he stressed that both governments and private sectors must contribute actively. Indigenous Peoples and local communities are critical to this effort, serving as “guardians of nature.” He called for better inclusion of their voices in policy-making, proposing a permanent body under the Convention to protect their rights and insights.
With examples of hope, like deforestation reduction in Latin America and the European Union’s Nature Restoration Law, Guterres urged continued commitment. As he concluded, he reminded everyone of the gravity of this moment: humanity stands at a crossroads. The choice is ours—to protect our planet and ensure a sustainable future for all.
Source: UN News / Written by Vibhu Mishra
