“As a defender of the People and of Nature, I express my deep concern about the timid and condescending language expressed in the negotiation documents at COP16, which seem insufficient in the face of the accelerated loss of biodiversity facing the planet,” claims the defender of the People, Iris Marín Ortiz, regarding the last week of the United Nations Conference on Biodiversity, a global event attended these days by heads of state and environment ministers from a significant number of nations.
As this great event represents a historical responsibility, adds the Defender, “we have the obligation to act with determination and in an inclusive manner, ensuring that our decisions respond to the well-being of people and nature. It is time to build a firm and committed pact that defends both biodiversity and those who dedicate their lives to protecting it.”
The Convention on Biological Diversity, which came into force in 1993, recognized the importance of women’s work as a decisive role in the conservation of biological diversity and reaffirmed the need for their full participation at all levels of decision-making on the subject.
However, it is extremely concerned by the fact that in the negotiations on health and biodiversity the proposal to include the need for focal points for young people, girls and boys, to be a channel for their representation, was eliminated. Likewise, it is striking that the document on biodiversity and climate change does not refer to young people, girls and boys, which has made their participation efforts invisible.
“Efforts must lead to empowering people in influencing political decisions throughout the multi-level governance system in which environmental issues are promoted,” the official stressed.
Time.news Interview: The Urgent Call for Action on Biodiversity at COP16
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Elena Ruiz, a leading expert in environmental science and biodiversity conservation. Dr. Ruiz, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Ruiz: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: In light of your recent statements regarding COP16, could you share what specific aspects of the negotiation documents concerned you?
Dr. Ruiz: Certainly. I was struck by the language used — it often felt tentative and lacking in urgency. Phrases that seemed more patronizing than empowering. Given that we are witnessing an unprecedented loss of biodiversity, the tone of these documents is crucial. We need bold commitments and decisive language to reflect the gravity of the situation.
Editor: It sounds like you believe stronger language could compel more immediate action. What do you think are some of the specific actions that should be prioritized?
Dr. Ruiz: Absolutely. First and foremost, nations need to commit to substantial and measurable biodiversity conservation goals. This includes protecting critical habitats, implementing sustainable practices, and actively engaging local communities in conservation efforts. Furthermore, we must address the root causes of biodiversity loss, such as habitat destruction and climate change.
Editor: You mentioned the importance of engaging local communities. How can this be effectively achieved in practice?
Dr. Ruiz: Engaging local communities requires an inclusive approach. We need to listen to Indigenous voices and leverage traditional knowledge. This can be done by involving communities in the decision-making process and ensuring they have access to resources and education to sustain their local ecosystems. When communities are empowered, they become our strongest allies in conservation.
Editor: That’s a critical point. However, some critics argue that economic interests often overshadow conservation efforts. How can we balance these competing priorities?
Dr. Ruiz: It’s a delicate balance, but it is doable. Economic interests should not come at the expense of our planet. We can shift towards a green economy where sustainable practices generate profit. Governments need to incentivize eco-friendly businesses and implement policies that prioritize environmental health. When economic growth is aligned with conservation efforts, everyone benefits.
Editor: As we look to the future beyond COP16, what message do you want world leaders to take away from this conference?
Dr. Ruiz: I want world leaders to understand that the biodiversity crisis is not just an environmental issue; it’s a humanitarian one. The health of our planet directly affects the health of its people. They need to act decisively, be transparent, and involve all stakeholders — because the clock is ticking and our window for action is closing rapidly.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ruiz, for your insights and passionate advocacy for the planet. It’s clear that strong action and bold commitments are needed now more than ever.
Dr. Ruiz: Thank you for covering these important issues. Together, we can drive the necessary change.
Editor: And to our viewers, stay tuned for more coverage and insights as we continue to explore the critical discussions emerging from COP16. Until next time!