COP16 CBD: Seychelles Advocates for Digital Sequence Information in Biodiversity Conservation

COP16 of the CBD, held in Cali, Colombia, reached key agreements on protecting biodiversity via digital sequence information sharing before being suspended. Seychelles Minister Flavien Joubert highlighted the need for urgent action against biodiversity loss. The Cali Fund was established to support equitable benefit-sharing for developing countries, but many organizations expressed disappointment over inadequate funding and lack of consensus.

The 16th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP16) for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) convened in Cali, Colombia, culminating in significant talks before its abrupt suspension on November 2 due to the loss of quorum. During the conference, agreements were reached to implement a new global framework for sharing benefits derived from digital genetic information and enhancing the involvement of local communities and Indigenous Peoples in biodiversity conservation efforts. Minister Flavien Joubert spearheaded the Seychelles delegation, emphasizing the critical need to halt biodiversity loss by acting on the global biodiversity framework propelled by the Kunming-Montreal initiatives. One of the landmark advancements during COP16 was the establishment of the Cali Fund, designed to facilitate the equitable sharing of benefits from digital sequence information on genetic resources. This fund aims to bolster developing countries’ efforts to enact the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, with particular focus on supporting Indigenous communities. Minister Joubert underscored the importance of this fund, expressing that it represents a crucial financial resource to advance biodiversity protection in Seychelles and beyond. However, the conclusion of COP16 was met with disappointment, particularly among non-governmental organizations. Dr. Nirmal Shah, CEO of Nature Seychelles, lamented the minimal progress made by countries to present new Biodiversity Strategies, stressing the deficit in pledged funding for biodiversity initiatives. He expressed concern about the urgent need to secure alternative financing to address the pressing threats to critical species and habitats within the nation.

The 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity serves as a pivotal platform for addressing international biodiversity challenges. This conference brought together multiple stakeholders—including governments, Indigenous groups, and civil societies—to collectively seek solutions to halt biodiversity loss. The advancement of digital sequence information has emerged as a crucial element in ensuring equitable benefit-sharing from genetic resources, particularly benefiting developing nations and indigenous communities. The dialogue at COP16 also highlighted the need for multilateral cooperation to mobilize resources effectively for biodiversity conservation initiatives.

In conclusion, while COP16 yielded important agreements regarding the sharing of digital sequence information benefits and the establishment of the Cali Fund, significant concerns regarding resource mobilization and the implementation of national strategies remain. The urgency to address biodiversity loss continues to grow, necessitating a united global effort to deploy effective financial mechanisms and foster local community involvement in conservation practices. Moving forward, it is imperative for governments, civil society, and businesses to collaborate and secure sufficient funding for meaningful progress in biodiversity protection.

Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com