Nearly 200 nations will gather at COP16 in Cali, Colombia, to take decisive steps to protect and restore global biodiversity.
COP16 marks the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Taking place from October 21 to November 1 in Cali, Colombia, this landmark event will bring together key stakeholders, including governments, corporations, and NGOs, to drive forward global biodiversity goals. A central theme of the conference will be assessing progress toward crucial targets, such as conserving 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030 (the 30×30 goal).
This year’s gathering is a critical checkpoint for the global community to evaluate achievements under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, established at COP15. With 2030 targets and 2050 milestones fast approaching, COP16 will focus on defining actionable steps to meet these transformative goals.
While our iconic museums are well-known, the Smithsonian also powers a global scientific research, outreach, and education infrastructure. Our world-renowned scientists collaborate across research disciplines, tackling big questions. We’re committed to action. Through our “Life on a Sustainable Planet” initiative, we actively restore ecosystems, protect endangered species, and develop nature-based solutions to combat climate change. COP16 offers a crucial opportunity for us to expand our efforts, form new partnerships, and drive tangible outcomes in biodiversity conservation.
Our team has been leading these efforts globally, and at COP16, we’ll continue advocating for the full implementation of the GBF’s targets. Our focus will be on:
Our delegation of leading scientists and experts will be on the ground at COP16 to share cutting-edge research, cement new commitments, and build transformative partnerships. Stay updated with real-time insights and announcements by following us on our social media channels.
This year’s COP16 is about taking measurable steps to protect our planet’s biodiversity. Read More:
The Climate Crunch – Why Every Fall Feels Like a Race to Save the Planet (Ellen Stofan, October 2024)