Government representatives, international organizations, scientists, NGOs and many more are meeting in Cali, Colombia, until 1 November to develop strategies to protect biodiversity and negotiate concrete measures and their implementation.
Discussions and negotiations will focus, for example, on
- the conservation of biodiversity: strategies to protect endangered species and ecosystems.
- the sustainable use of resources: approaches to achieving a balance between the use and protection of natural resources.
- financing for nature conservation projects: Support for countries to fund important conservation initiatives.
- climate change and biodiversity: Interactions between climate change and biodiversity loss.
The role of science at the conference
Dr Ute Jacob from the HIFMB Transfer Office has an official observer status from the Eurpoean Commission and is on site in Cali. The observer status allows scientists and research institutions to participate in the negotiations and contribute valuable scientific knowledge, but without the right to vote on decisions. This input is crucial as sound scientific data helps to make informed decisions and better understand the impact of biodiversity policy.
Ute is involved in various so-called “side events” as a moderator and panelist, for example on the conservation of the Southern Ocean.
Side events are often organized by governments, NGOs, scientific institutions or other organizations and provide a platform for deeper discussions on specific topics related to the main conference program.
#makingpeacewithnature
The official slogan of this year’s Biodiversity Conference is: Making Peace with Nature.
“Nature is our greatest ally in mitigating climate change and therefore we need to make peace with nature and stop destroying it and this will require all hands on deck.”
Ute Jacob
For the latest insights into the COP and Ute’s activities, take a look at our Instagram channel and also visit the official COP website.