FAO Feature Story

Transforming global biodiversity commitments into action: FAO’s role at CBD COP16 - Q&A with Julian Fox

18/10/2024

As the world faces an unprecedented biodiversity crisis, the importance of international cooperation has never been greater. The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16), set to take place in Cali, Colombia, from October 21 to November 1, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in global efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. COP16 will be where the ambitious commitments of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), agreed upon at COP15 in 2022, are translated into real, actionable plans.

The GBF outlines an urgent roadmap with four long-term goals for 2050 and 23 targets to be achieved by 2030. These targets are designed to protect, restore, and sustainably manage nature, reversing decades of damage caused by human activity. A key focus of COP16 will be establishing a transparent monitoring framework to ensure countries can track progress toward these goals, making this meeting a critical juncture in the global fight to safeguard biodiversity.

FAO Forestry Division, represented by Julian Fox, FAO Senior Forestry Officer, will be supporting FAO’s contributions to COP16. Let’s hear more about FAO’s upcoming engagement in Cali:

Q: Julian, how will FAO contribute to COP16?

Julian Fox: FAO’s agrifood sectors — spanning crop and livestock production, forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture — are directly linked to over half of the GBF’s targets, and they indirectly influence the rest. FAO’s role is critical in supporting countries as they plan, implement, and monitor the necessary actions to meet these targets. We bring technical expertise and solutions to help nations manage their natural resources more sustainably and track their progress effectively.

Q: From the perspective of the Forestry Division, what outcomes are you hoping to see?

Julian Fox: One of the most important outcomes we expect is the finalization of the monitoring framework for the GBF. FAO is heavily involved in this, as we are the custodian organization for several targets and indicators.

A particularly high-stakes target is Target 2, which aims to have 30% of degraded ecosystems under restoration by 2030 — about 1 billion hectares. This target could contribute around one-third of the total climate mitigation needed to keep global warming below 2°C by 2030, while also supporting food security and livelihoods. FAO is the custodian of Indicator 2.1, which tracks the “Area under restoration.” We’ve been working hard on developing a sound methodology for country reporting, and our work is closely aligned with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

This restoration work is not only vital for biodiversity but also for transforming agrifood systems to be more sustainable and productive. An agreed monitoring framework will initiate the first submissions of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), which turn global commitments into national actions.

Q: What are some key moments you’re looking forward to at COP16?

Julian Fox: FAO is involved in many exciting events and initiatives at COP16. A few highlights include:

Forest and Water Day on October 25th: We will launch a new forest monitoring solution designed to help smallholder farmers and Indigenous Peoples generate data to comply with regulated commodity markets. This is essential for ensuring their livelihoods are protected.
Launch of three Communities of Practice: These will be led by regional Indigenous Peoples and community organizations across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The Communities of Practice will promote peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange, focusing on forest monitoring and territorial mapping.
eLearning Course Launch: Developed by the United Nations Development Programme with technical support from FAO through the AIM4Forests programme, this course will help Indigenous Peoples and other frontline communities use forest mapping and monitoring tools to better manage their lands and resources.
Highlighting Indigenous knowledge: One of FAO’s priorities is integrating Indigenous knowledge into biodiversity strategies. We’re working across FAO’s technical units to elevate and recognize the vital role of Indigenous Peoples in protecting and restoring biodiversity. FAO and partners have proposed a new traditional knowledge headline indicator, Indicator 22, and have offered to be its custodian if accepted by CBD parties.
Restoration Day on October 30th: FAO and partners will launch the Target 2 Resource Guide: Delivering Restoration Outcomes for Biodiversity and Human Well-being. This guide will help countries translate restoration commitments into large-scale, actionable programs that also contribute to transforming agrifood systems. To complement this, FAO is proposing a Target 2 support package, which will help countries fully implement their commitments over the next six years.

Q: Are there any unique initiatives FAO is promoting at COP16?

Julian Fox: Absolutely, one of the most exciting initiatives FAO will promote is an Indigenous-led approach to restoration called "biocentric restoration." This approach, rooted in traditional knowledge systems, places nature at the heart of restoration efforts. It recognizes that Indigenous Peoples have been stewards of biodiversity for generations, and their practices can play a vital role in modern restoration efforts.

In summary, FAO is fully committed to supporting the CBD and its parties in achieving the 23 targets of the GBF. We are dedicated to helping the world "make peace with nature" by working toward a future where biodiversity thrives and supports the well-being of all people.

Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring

Transforming global biodiversity commitments into action: FAO’s role at CBD COP16 - Q&A with Julian Fox

18/10/2024

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