2024 UN Biodiversity Conference — COP16

Thriving forests and oceans support people’s livelihoods, build resilience to climate impacts and store carbon, helping to safeguard our future. Conservation and climate action must go hand-in-hand.

At the U.N. Biodiversity Conference in Cali, Colombia, Environmental Defense Fund worked with partners to drive meaningful progress on protecting nature and its many benefits to people and the planet. The conference, which took place Oct. 21 to Nov. 1, was among key global events leading up to the 2024 U.N. climate summit, COP29.

Important events

EDF experts attended a variety of events at the U.N. Biodiversity Conference, also known as COP16, or the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Sessions hosted by EDF are highlighted below.

Thursday, Oct. 24

  • Protecting places of hope: Cuba’s coral reefs

    Co-hosted by EDF
    1:30-2:30 p.m. GMT-5
    #ForCoral Pavilion, Centro de Eventos Valle Del Pacífico (CEVP) in the Blue Zone
    Open to all Blue Zone badge holders

    See full event details

    Cuba’s waters are home to four of the world’s most climate-resilient reefs and provide ideal conditions to explore conservation strategies that can offer hope worldwide. This event will showcase current efforts to study and protect Cuba’s coral reefs, and examine the importance of this work to global coral reef conservation.

Saturday, Oct. 26

  • Valuing the treasures of the twilight zone

    Co-hosted by EDF
    5-6:30 p.m. GMT-5
    Chile Pavilion in the Blue Zone

    See full event details

    The ocean twilight zone, or mesopelagic, is a crucial ecosystem supporting 90% of Earth’s fish biomass. Its species are vital for food webs and carbon sequestration. Despite its importance, this area is largely unprotected and faces threats like fishing, mining and climate change. To safeguard it, we need scientific research, international cooperation and sustainable management, including Indigenous knowledge. This discussion will explore these issues and advocate for the protection of this critical ocean region.

Thursday, Oct. 31

  • Financial innovation and Indigenous peoples & local communities’ effective participation

    Co-hosted by EDF
    Start time: 1:30 p.m. GMT-5 (it is recommended to arrive by 1 p.m. to ensure timely entry)
    Cámara de Comercio de Cali (Cali Chamber of Commerce): 3-14 Calle 8 Multipurpose Room 1 Cali, Valle del Cauca 760044 Colombia, in the Green Zone

    See full event details

    This side event at COP16 will bring together representatives from the governments of Costa Rica and Ecuador, Indigenous leaders and conservation experts to explore innovative financial mechanisms for biodiversity conservation. The event focuses on aligning the goal to increase financial resources for biodiversity to $200 billion by 2030, with the target to conserve 30% of lands, waters and seas. Discussions will highlight the potential of recognizing Indigenous territories and linking them with carbon markets and biodiversity financing. The event aims to strengthen governance, stakeholder engagement and Indigenous participation in biodiversity strategies.

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Sommer Yesenofski

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