Experts to unite at COP16 to tackle the biodiversity crisis

The global rate of biodiversity loss is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, far outstripping the natural extinction rate and surpassing any previous point in human history. This rapid decline threatens to trigger a domino effect, with ecosystems, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods, health, and prosperity at risk of severe disruption, potentially leading to collapse.

The 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) is one of the most critical global events focused on addressing the biodiversity crisis. COP16 will be held from 21 October – 1 November in Cali, Colombia.

COP16 provides a crucial platform for governments, NGOs, academics, researchers, and communities to come together, collaborate, and develop policies that promote transformative change to combat biodiversity loss.

The Sydney Environment Institute is proud to acknowledge the University of Sydney delegates participating at COP16 in Colombia: Associate Professor Jaime Gongora, Associate Professor Catherine Grueber, and PhD candidate Ana Maria Ulloa, each of whom will contribute their expertise to key discussions and events.

A/Prof Gongora’s expertise in wildlife genomics, biodiversity conservation, community development and environmental peacebuilding will form the basis for his participation in COP16, including:

• A roundtable on the outcomes and impact of the "Peace with Nature" project, which he founded in 2017.
• A forum assisting the Colombian government in developing a national environmental education and protection strategy for reconciliation in conflict-affected areas.
• A display showcasing videos on the biodiversity of northern Amazon sites.
• A forum exploring biodiversity-based products for ecotourism and their role in conservation.

“COP16 to is an opportunity to show our commitment to the protection of biodiversity and implementation of positive and global strategies to address issues related to nature conservation,” Professor Gongora said.  

“At COP16, I am looking to advocate for biodiversity-based solutions as a pathway for biodiversity conservation and peace-building in armed conflict zones, and further develop my international network to contribute to global initiatives.”

A/Prof Catherine Grueber (School of Life and Environmental Sciences) will engage with governments and observer organisations, discussing technical methods and protocols to support the preservation of genetic diversity using a variety of data types and techniques. Catherine is a co-founder of the Coalition for Conservation Genetics, a group that brings together conservation genetics expertise and field-leading international conservation agencies.

PhD candidate Ana Maria Ulloa (the Department of Government and International Relations) will track global progress in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) adopted in 2022. She will assess the challenges governments face in advancing domestic biodiversity agendas and explore how NGOs are supporting these efforts. Ana is interested in exploring how global environmental agreements, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, can move from commitments to action and reverse biodiversity loss and the planetary environmental crisis in general.

This gathering at COP16 offers a unique opportunity to foster collaboration and drive forward the collective mission to protect biodiversity for the future.

Header image by Juan Camilo Guarin P on Unsplash