Rome: Governments have reached an agreement to mobilise an additional $200 billion annually to enhance the protection of the world's flora and fauna by 2030. Delegates reconvened in Rome for the UN Biodiversity Conference to finalize an agreement at COP16.2, following unsuccessful attempts at COP16 in Cali, Colombia, last November.
According to Emirates News Agency, the decisions made by the parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity aim to strengthen biodiversity and fragile ecosystems. These ecosystems are currently threatened by increased conflict, deforestation, mining, toxic waste dumping, and other environmental impacts globally.
UN Secretary-General's Spokesperson St©phane Dujarric expressed support for the announcement, emphasizing the need to mobilise at least $200 billion annually by 2030 to close the global biodiversity finance gap.
COP16 president Susana Muhamad highlighted the commitment demonstrated in Rome, referencing the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. She noted the collective effort to resolve key issues left pending in Cali, aiming to address biodiversity loss, restore ecosystems, and protect Indigenous Peoples' rights.
The framework includes measures to halt and reverse nature loss, intending to protect 30% of the planet and 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030. Currently, only 17% of land and around eight per cent of marine areas are protected.
Muhamad concluded by stating that collaboration is essential to making peace with nature a reality.