On October 22, reporters from China News Service learned that the sixteenth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16), the eleventh Conference of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, and the fifth Conference of the Parties to the Nagoya Protocol officially kicked off in Cali, Colombia on October 21.
During the opening ceremony, Huang Runqiu, Chair of COP15 and Minister of Ecology and Environment of China, emphasized that China is committed to supporting Colombia in hosting a successful COP16, aiming to jointly promote the recovery and prosperity of global biodiversity.
Huang highlighted that biodiversity is foundational for human survival and development, serving as the lifeblood and foundation of the Earth’s life community. Given the severe challenges posed by biodiversity loss, COP15 achieved significant milestones with the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, marking a new chapter in global biodiversity conservation. As COP16 is the first Conference of the Parties following the establishment of this framework, participants will review its implementation progress, identify potential issues and challenges, and propose forward-looking solutions to create a clearer and more actionable roadmap for achieving future targets.
Huang expressed hope that COP16 will showcase unity and flexibility, mobilize more effective resources, and initiate practical actions that will contribute to the conference’s success. He aims to promote the comprehensive and effective implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Framework on a global scale, thereby contributing to the creation of a more prosperous, cleaner, and beautiful planet.
In his remarks during the high-level ceremonial opening of COP16, Huang noted that the theme of COP16, “Living in Harmony with Nature,” is closely aligned with the theme of COP15 and is directly related to the goals and vision set by the Kunming-Montreal Framework. This theme also resonates with China’s continuous advocacy for harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature and the concept of a shared future for all.
The event is being attended by thousands of representatives from parties and stakeholders, including Xiaomeike, Executive Secretary of the Convention’s Secretariat.
