OPINION: The nature target shortfalls of COP16
COP16 in Colombia provided the first major review of progress toward the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Countries advanced Indigenous participation, marine area identification and a new fund for sharing digital genetic benefits. However, major gaps remain: insufficient financial pledges, no agreement on monitoring, and an abrupt end without key decisions. With global protection far below 30×30 targets, accelerated policy and funding efforts—especially from countries like Australia—are urgently needed.
Subject Tags
- Biodiversity
- Indigenous Peoples
- Policy
Abstract
In 2022, Australia joined 195 nations in adopting the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, committing to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 through targets such as protecting 30% of land and sea and restoring degraded ecosystems. COP16 in Cali, Colombia, provided the first major stocktake of global progress. Australia and 43 other countries submitted updated national biodiversity strategies, and parties advanced several key elements of the framework, including establishing a new body to strengthen Indigenous and local community participation, launching the Cali Fund for sharing benefits from digital genetic data and progressing scientific processes for identifying ecologically significant marine areas. However, major gaps remain: Australia did not join new financial pledges, overall funding commitments fall far short of global needs, and the conference ended abruptly without agreement on monitoring or finance frameworks. With only 17.6% of terrestrial and inland waters and 8.4% of marine areas protected globally, substantial acceleration is required to meet the 30×30 target. The outcomes underscore the need for stronger policy, sustained financing and national leadership—areas where Australia has both responsibility and opportunity to drive global biodiversity recovery.
Citation
Fitzsimons, J. (2024, December 4). OPINION: The nature target shortfalls of COP16. Australian Geographic. https://www.australiangeographic.com.au
TNC Authors
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James A. Fitzsimons
Senior Advisor, Global Protection Strategies
The Nature Conservancy
Email: jfitzsimons@tnc.org