Inspiration, Peace and Action for Biodiversity: Reflections from CBD COP16

Scholar Aiita at COP 16

The 16th UN CBD COP16 (Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity) was held from 21st October to 1st November at Cali, Colombia. Two years after the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the conference set the agenda for conservation of biodiversity for this decade and beyond.

Governments, indigenous peoples and local community groups, youth organisations, academic and research institutions, private sector actors, and non-governmental organisations convened to steer a common goal and agenda for conservation of biological diversity through bilateral engagements, negotiation sessions, contact group meetings and side events around the 23 targets of Biodiversity Framework. 

Scholar Aiita speaking at a panel on nature-based solutions at COP16

At the conference, I had the opportunity to speak at two panels. On the first panel, I shared my experiences of working with young and early career professionals and advocated for an inclusive approach to Nature-based Solutions policy. My deliberation was in reference to the first ever Global Youth position on Nature-based Solutions co-developed by the Youth4Nature, Global Youth Biodiversity Network, and YOUNGO.

The position advocates a rights based approach to Nature-based Solutions policy and practice, and provides key messages and guiding tools for policy makers and practitioners to equitably implement NbS policy. The panel featured speakers including Audrey Wagner- Nature Based Solutions Initiative, University of Oxford, Kevin Lunzalu- Global Youth Biodiversity Network and Peter Bulimo- Youth4Nature.

I believe that enhancing (co)leadership for youth and young professionals goes a long way in addressing systemic barriers to intergenerational knowledge transfer and exchange. Speaking and presenting at my second panel, organised by Selvitas, I shared my experiences of supporting early career professionals as a way to promote stewardship and building a community of practice for conservation. We explored pathways for amplifying youth involvement in conservation initiatives, showcasing how young leaders across the globe are already pioneering solutions for biodiversity and climate resilience. These are continuous dialogues that underscore the transformative potential of equipping young people with the tools to drive sustainable change in their communities. 

Scholar Aiita (in the centre of the photo) visiting a local primary school while attending COP16 in Colombia

I visited a local primary school, Institucion Educativa Republica De Israel to speak about the importance of protecting wild places. Here, I encouraged vision dreaming, and boarding and drawing exercises.

I also had the opportunity to attend the Global Landscapes Forum, a parallel event at COP16, on sustainable financing mechanisms for biodiversity. I connected and met with fellow scholars from the University of Oxford, sharing and discussing academic prospects, key takeaways, and programming that each of us had followed throughout the Conference. Among the delegates from the University of Oxford present was Melissa Felipe, a WHT Alumna who was keen on following negotiations, discussions and engagements on galvanising and building support for women in Conservation through the CBD Women’s caucus. 

Overall, the conference strengthened my position that informed conservation policy is the key to delivering the ambitious (and rightly so) agenda of Conservation of Biological Diversity and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. 

Scholar Aiita at the Global Landscapes Forum