{"id":24640,"date":"2025-03-03T16:52:57","date_gmt":"2025-03-03T21:52:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/climate411\/?p=24640"},"modified":"2025-03-03T17:02:36","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T22:02:36","slug":"building-trust-and-consensus-at-cbd-cop16-a-breakthrough-for-biodiversity-finance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/climate411\/2025\/03\/03\/building-trust-and-consensus-at-cbd-cop16-a-breakthrough-for-biodiversity-finance\/","title":{"rendered":"Building Trust and Consensus at CBD COP16: A Breakthrough for Biodiversity Finance"},"content":{"rendered":"
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COP16.2 plenary in Rome<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This blog was authored by\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/em>Milloni Doshi<\/span><\/span><\/a>, Project Manager, Global Engagement and Partnerships and\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/em>Annie Mark<\/span><\/span><\/a>, Senior Director, Global Partnerships.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The 16<\/span>th<\/span> Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) concluded in Rome with what is being hailed as a historic global finance plan to support the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, agreed at COP15 in 2022.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The first of its kind in the biodiversity space, this financial plan was the subject of tense discussion and remained unresolved after the first session of COP16 in Cali, Colombia. Parties diverged on the funding mechanisms needed to mobilize at least 200 billion USD a year by 2030. Colombia\u2019s COP President Susana Muhamad reconvened the Parties in Rome for a three-day sprint \u2013 referred to as COP16.2 \u2013 to resolve the outstanding issues from Cali. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Amid the nuances of the text, EDF sees three key reasons for optimism, and three opportunities to strengthen this endeavor as we look ahead to COP17 and the 2030 targets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Environmental Cooperation is possible<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Negotiators bridged differences, securing full consensus on all three agenda items \u2013 resource mobilization, finance mechanisms, and the monitoring framework. In the context of global geopolitical tensions spilling over into UN forums, consensus cannot be taken for granted. COP16 is now a model for achieving multilateral progress in this fast-changing world.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a02. <\/strong>Leadership and Integrity in dealmaking<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

In a year marred by intense geopolitical conflict, the Colombian COP16 Presidency rose to the occasion. COP16 President Susana Muhamad consistently advocated for an inclusive approach, creating the \u201cpeople\u2019s COP.\u201d The results speak for themselves, with landmark achievements including the new permanent subsidiary body for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPs and LCs) and the establishment of the <\/span>Cali Fund<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 Ahead of Rome, the Presidency crafted a reflection note that balanced ambition with diverse viewpoints, setting the stage for constructive discussions and ultimately, successful outcomes.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a03. <\/strong>Ro<\/strong>le of Trust<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Building on seemingly unanimous trust in the COP President, Parties also appeared to trust each other\u2019s good (enough) intentions. Delegates appeared to negotiate in good faith, repeatedly invoking the need for collaboration and compromise \u2013 a noted departure from many of the tensions that marred the climate COP29 in Baku only months prior. Even in moments where disagreement was palpable \u2013 most notably between developed and developing countries on the issue of a new finance mechanism – Parties remained largely conciliatory. For example, Senegal, on behalf of the African Group, expressed appreciation for the resources that were provided for capacity building and enhancing of the bloc\u2019s coordination.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Opportunities ahead<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n