Montreal and Cali, Colombia —Today, October 21, 2024, governments gathered in Cali, Colombia for two weeks of negotiations to advance a historic agreement. Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework It was agreed upon at COP15 in Montreal in December 2022. Trade for nature provides an opportunity to protect and restore high integrity ecosystems in a fair and equitable way over the next decade and into the future.
By defending and signing this agreement, Canada and the world committed to protecting 30% (30×30) of our land and marine resources by 2030, while upholding the rights of Indigenous peoples. However, currently Canada not even close 2030 is just around the corner to achieve our goal. Although the federal government recently introduction that natural liability law (C-73), this bill does not go far enough to ensure that international obligations to halt and reverse nature loss around Canada are met at this time.
Salome Sane, Nature, Oceans and Plastics ActivistGreenpeace Canada said:
“Holding previous Nature COPs provided Canada with an opportunity for a fresh start. But two years later, we are still waiting for the federal government to follow through on its promises and stop putting corporate interests ahead of people’s well-being and their right to a healthy environment. We cannot afford to waste time as natural destruction unfolds before our eyes. A strong Nature Accountability Act that sets measurable goals, ensures accountability and prioritizes Indigenous rights has already garnered the support of more than 87,000 people across Canada. “Passing such a law at home will be the ultimate litmus test of the federal government’s leadership and commitment to protecting nature on the world stage.”
Here’s what Greenpeace hopes for success at COP16:
- Fulfills the Kunming-Montreal Global Framework for Biodiversity commitments to provide $20 billion by 2025, increasing to $30 billion annually thereafter by 2030, to provide funding directly to indigenous peoples and local communities.
- A mandate to take action on climate-biodiversity synergies at international and national levels, with protecting ecosystem integrity as a key action.
- Deliver on the ambition and implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Plan (NBSAP) to implement the Global Biodiversity Framework.
- A mechanism for the continuous identification of ecologically and biologically important marine areas.
Lambrechts, head of the Greenpeace COP16 delegation, said: “We will soon find out how serious the government is about solving the biodiversity crisis. Now is the time for everyone to put their cards on the table. We will find out who is making the case and who is blocking progress.”
“COP16 is a make-or-break moment for us. Our fight against climate change depends on protecting nature. Integrating action between biodiversity and climate agreements will go a long way to protecting people and the planet, and will help ensure timely delivery of agreed financial commitments and national plans. Delays are not permitted. The government must come to Cali ready to deliver.”
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Notes to editors:
Ahead of the government’s start of the debate, Greenpeace Andino activists unfurled a 70-metre-high banner with the message “Act now for nature.” This is a powerful message to governments to take urgent global action to protect biodiversity as the planet faces the threat of mass extinction. Photos and videos of banner activities are establish It’s in the Greenpeace media library.
A Greenpeace delegation will be in Cali from October 21 to hear their opinions.
Greenpeace Canada media background on the Nature Accountability Act can be found here.
The full Greenpeace policy briefing can be found here:
For media inquiries, please contact:
Dina Ni, Communications Campaigner, Greenpeace Canada
[email protected]; +1 416 820-2148
Gabi Flores, Greenpeace International; [email protected]
August Rick, Greenpeace East Asia; [email protected]
Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours a day); [email protected]
