Fatshimetrie, November 3, 2024 – The historic meeting of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) held in Cali, Colombia, marked a crucial turning point in the recognition of the rights of communities in Latin America and the Caribbean. Under the presidency of Susana Muhamad and in the presence of Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo, this event established itself as a true “COP of the peoples”.
Within this COP16, a historic achievement was achieved with the official recognition of the vital role of indigenous and Afro-descendant communities in the preservation of biodiversity. The approval of a work plan to permanently integrate these communities into the Convention on Biological Diversity represents a concrete step towards the protection of the environment and the traditional knowledge held by these communities.
Camila Paz Romero, a prominent indigenous leader, hailed the decision as “unprecedented in the history of global biodiversity agreements.” With its focus on peace with nature, COP16 achieved significant progress, including a global agreement to preserve critical marine areas in international waters and the creation of a global fund for digital genetic resources.
Colombia will continue to chair COP16 until Armenia takes over in 2026, in a renewed commitment to protecting biodiversity and community rights. This historic meeting marks an important step toward a more inclusive global collaboration that respects the traditional knowledge of indigenous and local peoples.
Together, these advances underscore the commitment of nations to work together with communities to build a more sustainable and harmonious future for our planet. COP16 will be remembered as a decisive event in the fight to preserve our biological and cultural diversity, and a starting point towards a more inclusive future that respects our environment and its natural guardians.