Biodiversity COP 16 in brief

1 UK government perspective
2 Relevance for the construction industry
3 Meeting suspended after two agreements
4 Cali Fund to sharing the benefits from Digital Genetic Information (DGI) launched
5 Strengthened role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in Biodiversity Efforts
6 Funding biodiversity via strategic resource mobilisation
7 Implementing and Monitoring the KMGBF
8 Synthetic Biology
9 Invasive Alien Species
10 Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs)
11 Wildlife Management and Plant Conservation
12 Biodiversity and Health
13 Risk Assessment of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs)
14 Related articles on Designing Buildings

[edit] UK government perspective

In 2024, Ruth Davis has been appointed by the UK government as the first Special Representative for Nature, alongside Rachel Kyte as Special Representative for Climate, a role abolished by the previous conservative government. As Special Representative for Nature Ruth Davis will drive coordinated international action on nature.

The UK Government also set out the path to protect 30% of land by 2030, known as 30by30, although the criteria for 30by30 on land in England is still being developed. A 30by30 pilot is planned for later in 2024, and the government will work with partners to develop a 30by30 delivery strategy in 2025.

See the article Britain on global stage to support nature recovery at COP16 for further details.

[edit] Relevance for the construction industry

The Environment Act, received royal assent on November 9, 2021 and followed UN reports and increased government awareness, including studies showing the UK has lost more biodiversity than any other G7 country. The Environment Act replaced many aspects of UK legislation that were covered by European law prior to Brexit and were no longer applicable after the UK left the European Union.

The general aims of the Act remain focused on reducing landfill, improving air and water quality, and protecting biodiversity and wildlife, all of which the construction industry has a direct impact on in the UK. The act sets out a number of components relating to biodiversity net gain (BNG), including amending the Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA), requiring a minimum 10% biodiversity gain, significant on- and off-site habitat to be secured for at least 30 years, an on-and off-site delivery approach with a biodiversity credit scheme, and a national register for net-gain delivery sites.

For further information see Designing Buildings article Biodiversity net gain with related updates and terms explained.

[edit] Meeting suspended after two agreements

The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16) was suspended in the morning of Nov. 2 2024 after agreement on an expanded role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in saving biodiversity and an agreement on the operationalisation of a new global mechanism to share benefits from digital genetic information.

[edit] Cali Fund to sharing the benefits from Digital Genetic Information (DGI) launched

Multilateral mechanism are intended to share the benefits from the use of digital sequence information on genetic resources (DSI) more fairly and equitably. It addresses how pharmaceutical, biotechnology, animal and plant breeding and other industries benefiting from DSI, should share with developing countries and indigenous peoples and local communities. The agreed guidelines, indicate that large companies and major entities benefiting commercially from DSI uses should contribute to the Cali Fund, as a percentage of profits or revenues. It targets larger companies reliant on DSI, and exempts academic, public research institutions and other entities using DSI but not directly benefiting from it.

Developing world countries will benefit from a large part of this fund, to support implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) according to the priorities and at least half the funding is expected to support the self-identified needs of indigenous peoples and local communities. Monitoring and reporting will ensure industries see the impact of their contributions in a transparent and open way, with regular reviews to build efficiency and efficacy over time.

[edit] Strengthened role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in Biodiversity Efforts

New Programme of Work related to indigenous peoples and local communities, sets out specific tasks to ensure their meaningful contribution towards the three objectives of the Convention:

the conservation of biological diversity
the sustainable use of biological diversity
the fair and equitable sharing of benefits

Parties agreed to establish a new permanent subsidiary body, with its modus operandi to be developed over the next two years. The new Subsidiary Body is expected to elevate issues related to the implementation of Article 8j, enhancing engagement and participation of indigenous peoples and local communities in all convention processes. A further decision was taken to recognise the role of people of African descent, comprising collectives embodying traditional lifestyles, in implementing the Convention and in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

[edit] Funding biodiversity via strategic resource mobilisation

Discussions will be resumed later to approve a new “Strategy for Resource Mobilisation” to help secure $200 billion annually by 2030 to support biodiversity initiatives worldwide, representing one of the KMGBF’s goals. Another is the redirection by 2030 of $500 billion per year in subsidies that harm biodiversity. The possibility of creating a new dedicated global financing instrument for biodiversity to receive, disburse, mobilise and articulate funding needs will be investigated.

Other frameworks include: The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), agreed at COP 15 in 2022 and established in less than a year by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) supporting countries with fragile ecosystems, such as small island states and economies in transition. The Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF), supports accelerated action to deliver 2030 Agenda, SDG targets and 2050 goals of the KB Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly in developing countries.

COP 16 also considered an evaluation of the effectiveness of the GEF, serving as the financial mechanism of the Convention, this noted that the GEF has made significant progress in its role in resource mobilisation and implementation.

[edit] Implementing and Monitoring the KMGBF

There was a stock take of progress in implementing the KMGBF since its creation in 2022. 119 countries submitted national biodiversity targets, 44 countries submitted National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans as policy documents which to support the implementing national targets.

[edit] Synthetic Biology

Other developments include:

Considering the potential benefits and risks of synthetic biology, addressing inequity in the participation of developing countries in the field, a new thematic action plan to help address the capacity-building, technology transfer and knowledge-sharing needs of Parties, and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.
An expert group to guide identification of synthetic biology’s potential benefits and review the potential impacts of recent technological developments in relation to the CBD’s three fundamental objectives and in implementing the KMGBF.

[edit] Invasive Alien Species

Guidelines were proposed for managing invasive alien species, touching on issues such as e-commerce, multi-criteria analysis methodologies and others. Addressing one of the top five direct drivers of biodiversity loss, highlighting the need for international cooperation, capacity-building, and technical support for developing countries. New databases, improved cross-border trade regulations, and enhanced coordination with e-commerce platforms aim to address gaps in managing risks and align with the goals of KMGBF, as cross-sectoral collaboration is central to biodiversity protection.

[edit] Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs)

COP 16 revitalised efforts to identify and protect EBSAs, key areas in the ocean that are critical for biodiversity. New mechanisms were agreed upon to update existing EBSAs and identify new ones, aiding in the protection of marine biodiversity, particularly in light of the global 30x30 protected areas target and the upcoming marine biodiversity agreement for areas beyond national jurisdiction.

[edit] Wildlife Management and Plant Conservation

Discussions also focused on sustainable wildlife management and plant conservation, with calls for improved monitoring, capacity building, and inclusive participation from Indigenous communities and women. The framework encourages the development of research on the interconnectedness of wildlife use, biodiversity loss, and zoonotic diseases, highlighting the public health implications of biodiversity degradation.

[edit] Biodiversity and Health

A key decision at COP 16 was the approval of a Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health. This strategy emphasizes the "One Health" approach, recognizing the interconnections between human, animal, and ecosystem health. The plan aims to curb zoonotic diseases, prevent non-communicable diseases, and promote sustainable ecosystems. It also calls for greater collaboration between health professionals, conservationists, and policymakers to integrate biodiversity considerations into public health policies.

[edit] Risk Assessment of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs)

COP 16 approved new voluntary guidelines for assessing the risks associated with living modified organisms (LMOs) containing engineered gene drives. These technologies have the potential to rapidly spread genetic modifications through wild populations, posing both opportunities and risks for biodiversity. The new guidelines prioritise scientific transparency and ensure that risk assessments are tailored to the specific ecological contexts of each country.