Fatshimetrie, October 25, 2024 – The crucial issue of nature conservation in the Democratic Republic of Congo was at the heart of discussions at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) currently taking place in Cali, Colombia. The event, which runs from October 21 to November 1, 2024, brought together stakeholders from around the world committed to protecting biodiversity.
During his participation in COP16, Yves Milan Ngangay, Director General of the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), highlighted the challenges facing the DRC and Colombia in terms of nature conservation. These challenges include poaching and other illegal activities that threaten wildlife, as well as the need to strengthen international cooperation to protect biodiversity.
Beyond the specific issues facing each country, COP16 marks an important step in the implementation of the historic agreement signed in 2022, setting ambitious targets for the protection of biodiversity. Governments are thus called upon to assess the progress made in achieving these targets and to strengthen their commitment to preserving the environment.
During her speech at COP16, the Vice-President of Colombia, Francia Márquez, called for increased collaboration between countries to preserve the Congo and Amazon basins, two ecosystems that are essential for global biodiversity. This approach to international cooperation is crucial to meeting the environmental challenges we face.
As a major international meeting dedicated to the protection of biological diversity, COP16 provides a platform for exchanges and sharing of experiences between the signatory countries of the Convention on Biological Diversity. At a time when environmental issues are increasingly worrying, this conference is of paramount importance in defining concrete actions to preserve nature and ecosystems.
In conclusion, COP16 in Cali is a unique opportunity to strengthen international mobilization in favor of nature conservation. By joining forces and multiplying initiatives, we can contribute to preserving biodiversity for future generations. It is our collective responsibility to protect our planet and act together for a sustainable and harmonious future for all.