Safe and Just action in the spotlight at COP16
05/11/2024
During two events at COP16, Commissioners emphasized the need to address nature loss head on as well as for collaboration between Indigenous knowledge and Western scientific approaches to biodiversity challenges.
The Earth Commission further spotlighted action in Latin America, discussing how Earth System Boundaries can be integrated into policy to support the Global Biodiversity Framework, an adopted plan that sets targets for conserving biodiversity and restoring nature by 2030.
These boundaries, set and quantified by the Commission, illustrate how a safe and just transition is the only viable transition for an equitable future for all in harmony with nature. On top of that, they are designed to help city and business leaders and policy-makers access the opportunities offered by better managing the planet’s finite resources.
Panelists for the events, including Earth Commissioners David Obura, Juan Camilo Cardenas and Laura Pereira, examined key questions such as how can positive system transformation enable us to thrive with safe and just boundaries and how do we meaningfully include local community voices in debates and solutions.
GCA at COP16
Beside the Earth Commission, other components of the Global Commons Alliance (GCA) were present in Cali. For example, the Accountability Accelerator hosted a panel discussion showcasing innovative accountability tools and technologies advancing corporate nature and climate action in Africa, Indonesia, and Latin America. At it, organizations like Southern Africa Resource Watch, Auriga Nusantara, and Fundación Avina highlighted the importance of transparency and corporate responsibility.
At a special evening reception, the GCA launched its 2025-2030 strategy, introducing four bold goals for systems change to safeguard the global commons. GCA Chair Margarita Astralaga emphasized the success of COP16 in strengthening partnerships and forging new ones, reinforcing the importance of a collaborative, inclusive approach to global sustainability.
On October 30, the Science Base Targets Network presented results from its year-long corporate target validation pilot. This milestone marked the first time companies publicly adopted science-based targets for nature, starting with freshwater and land. The Accountability Accelerator, now hosting target validation, also unveiled plans for expanding these services.
Looking Ahead
While the summit fell short in key areas—no new finance mechanism was agreed upon, and most countries did not submit their biodiversity plans—there were still important steps forward. COP16 made history as ‘the people’s COP,’ with nearly 1 million local visitors to the Green Zone and a strong presence from Indigenous Peoples, private sector leaders, and government representatives. A voluntary fee on Digital Sequencing Information (DSI) was introduced, requiring pharmaceutical, agricultural, and other companies to contribute to the ‘Cali Fund’ in recognition of the natural resources they use.
Another major milestone from the summit was the establishment of a formal subsidiary body for Indigenous Peoples, ensuring their voices are central in future biodiversity negotiations. The essential role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in protecting the global commons was more visible than ever, including at events such as the Accountability Accelerator’s session on Indigenous rights and biodiversity loss.
