Farmers play a crucial role in global biodiversity efforts, a point strongly emphasized during the latest round of UN biodiversity talks in Rome. Without their direct involvement, commitments to conservation risk remaining mere policy statements with little practical impact.
From February 25 to 27, over 150 countries are gathering to discuss biodiversity finance, accountability, and the integration of agrifood systems into global conservation strategies. These discussions build upon key agreements reached at the first round of COP16, held last year, which recognized the critical role of Indigenous communities and genetic data in conservation. Now, the focus shifts to closing implementation gaps that stand in the way of achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) goals aimed at halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030.
Farmers at the Core of Biodiversity Action
The urgency of transforming agrifood systems was underscored at the conference, with a call for biodiversity to be fully embedded in farming policies. A key initiative supporting this effort is the Agri-NBSAPs Support Initiative, launched at COP16 in Colombia. The initiative seeks to help governments incorporate agrifood systems into their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, ensuring agricultural policies align with biodiversity goals rather than working against them.
Colombia’s representatives stressed the need for full implementation of these commitments, highlighting the interconnectedness of biodiversity and food security. More than half of the 23 targets in the Kunming-Montreal Framework are directly linked to agriculture, demonstrating the sector’s critical role in protecting ecosystems. Experts at the conference emphasized that biodiversity exists not just in forests and wildlife but also in soil and water requiring a holistic approach to conservation.
The Challenge of Financing Biodiversity
Despite past commitments, funding remains a significant barrier. The global biodiversity crisis continues to escalate, with many ecosystems under threat. While financial pledges have been made, only a fraction of the required $200 billion per year has been mobilized. This funding gap is a major concern for developing nations, which are urging wealthier countries to meet their financial obligations to support conservation efforts.
A major point of discussion in Rome is the creation of accountability frameworks to track biodiversity-related spending and ensure that financial resources reach the communities most affected by environmental degradation. Without clear tracking mechanisms, commitments risk being ineffective or misallocated.
The Path Forward
Over the next few days, negotiators will focus on finalizing agreements on biodiversity finance, implementation strategies, and monitoring frameworks. There is an increasing push for governments to adopt an integrated approach across different sectors to ensure a sustainable future. Experts stress the need for policies that promote better production, better nutrition, a healthier environment, and improved livelihoods ensuring that no one is left behind.
With just five years remaining to meet the 2030 biodiversity targets, COP16.2 is a critical moment in global conservation efforts. Whether countries take decisive action or fall short will determine the future of the planet’s ecosystems.
