Headquarters plays host to the second part of the Sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) this week. Hosting the meeting at FAO is also recognition of the critical role of agrifood systems in achieving global biodiversity goals and targets.

Delegates from 196 countries will consider key decisions left on the table after COP16 in Cali, Colombia. These focus on mobilising sufficient financial resources to achieve the goals set in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), as well as adopting a monitoring framework to measure progress in implementing the KMGBF targets. Most of the 23 targets of the KMGBF for 2030 relate to agrifood systems.

Kaveh Zahedi, OCB Director, says the decision to continue the so-called “COP 16.2” talks at headquarters also adds weight to the Organization’s advocacy on the importance of agrifood transformation.

“Sustainable, efficient, and inclusive agrifood systems provide solutions for biodiversity loss, climate change and food security”, Kaveh says. “The clock is ticking. 2030 will be here before we know it. Rapidly scaling up investing in sustainable and resilient agriculture and food systems provides one of the best pathways for countries to achieve their ambitious biodiversity goals.”

Key decisions

Before COP16 was suspended last year, countries adopted several key decisions, many promoting the sustainable use of biodiversity and sustainable agriculture – a fundamental part of KMGBF. These included measures enhancing the role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in protecting biodiversity. Parties recognised the contributions of people of African descent as well, particularly those maintaining traditional lifestyles.

Governments also agreed on the establishment of the pioneering “Cali Fund” for the sharing of benefits related to digital sequencing information on genetic resources (including for research and development related to food and agriculture), something of direct relevance to the work of both the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources and the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture both hosted by FAO.  

The road ahead

At COP 16.2 in Rome, Parties will consider a new strategy for resource mobilisation to help secure the necessary resources for biodiversity initiatives worldwide. Another focus for discussion will be the reduction of harmful incentives. The strategy will cover all sources of funding, to guarantee the implementation of the KMGBF.

Parties are also expected to finalise tools to measure progress on the monitoring framework for the 23 targets of the KMGBF. Countries will for example discuss headline indicators for Target 7 on how to measure progress on pesticide risk reduction.

Pre-COP FAO events

While only registered delegates will be permitted to enter the Plenary Hall as COP16.2 gets underway, an event, co-organized by FAO the day before talks begin, will be open to all colleagues.

At 17:30 on Monday, 24 February FAO, in collaboration with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat and the Government of Colombia, will host the high-level event: ‘Meeting people’s Needs through the Sustainable Use of Biodiversity within Agrifood Systems’.

The Director-General, the Colombian Ministers for the Environment and Agriculture, and the CBD Executive Secretary, are among those delivering opening statements. No registration is required to attend. The event will also be streamed live on UN Web TV.

There will also be a colourful digital exhibit entitled “Biodiversity for food security” to mark the occasion. A large circular structure in the Atrium will feature LED screens displaying videos on FAO projects mainstreaming biodiversity across agrifood systems, as well as key messages on biodiversity for food and agriculture. It is a visual manifestation of the implementation of FAO’s Strategy and Action Plan on Mainstreaming Biodiversity across Agricultural Sectors. The organizers are keen for all at headquarters to attend, promising they will experience a sensory extravaganza!

Follow negotiations on UN Web TV.

Read more here and here.