In the heart of the city of Cali, Colombia, an event of crucial magnitude for the future of our planet is currently taking place: COP16, the 16th United Nations Conference on Biodiversity. In the midst of this international gathering, a particular scene attracts attention: nearly 2,000 indigenous people from southwestern Colombia have arrived to take part in the parallel protests.
Their messages and demands were clearly displayed on traditional ‘chivas’, colorful open-top vehicles that symbolize their cultural identity. These indigenous communities expressed their support and commitment to the government’s COP16 agenda, emphasizing the paramount importance of indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples in the fight against biodiversity loss.
The presence of these indigenous groups at COP16 reflects a significant shift in the way policymakers and international organizations view the knowledge and solutions provided by local populations. In her opening speech, COP16 President and Colombian Minister of Environment Susana Muhamad highlighted the political power of Indigenous peoples and local communities, capable of driving concrete solutions to the biodiversity crisis.
This active participation of indigenous peoples at COP16 demonstrates a major shift in perspective, highlighting the importance of their contribution to finding sustainable solutions to preserve our planet’s biodiversity. The Colombian government, by including these communities in the development of the ‘Biodiversity Action Plan’ for 2030, recognizes the need for their collaboration and leadership in this essential fight.
This demonstration in Cali, usually associated with protests against government decisions, is taking a different turn this time, marking collective support for the environmental agenda led by the government of Gustavo Petro. Beyond political divisions, Indigenous Peoples and international actors gathered at COP16 have a common goal: to take concrete action to preserve our planet’s biodiversity.
The importance of COP16 lies in its ambition to follow up on a historic treaty on biodiversity signed at the Montreal meeting in 2022, committing countries to protect 30% of the planet and restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030. With the participation of delegations from 196 countries, this international conference will extend until November 1, providing a platform for exchanges and crucial decisions to shape a more sustainable future for our entire planet.
In conclusion, the presence and commitment of indigenous peoples at COP16 in Cali illustrate the urgent need to recognize their essential role in preserving global biodiversity. Their voice, carrying age-old traditions and ancestral knowledge, actively contributes to building a viable future for generations to come. This alliance between indigenous communities and international decision-makers represents a significant step towards a better understanding and promotion of sustainable lifestyles and practices that respect our environment.