COP15: Why it matters

Nations of the world have once again converged, this time in Montreal, Canada, to participate in COP15, with the goal of setting new targets to guide global action through 2030 to combat and reverse nature loss. The event follows closely on the heels of COP27. During a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Alain-Richard Donwah, the President of the UNCCD, highlighted the importance of global alignment and collaboration in addressing critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. Donwah emphasized the need for the three COP's, specifically focusing on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification, droughts, and land degradation, to work together in unison towards a shared goal. He stressed that it is essential for these conferences to speak the same language and cooperate to find comprehensive solutions to the interconnected challenges facing the planet. While acknowledging progress in the conversation surrounding these issues, Donwah expressed concerns about the inadequate level of real change on the ground. He called for tangible projects that would positively impact communities and contribute significantly to the global fight against climate change, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. Donwah reflected on the outcomes of COP27 in Abijan, noting that the agreements reached during the conference needed to translate into concrete actions implemented on the field to produce meaningful results. The President of the UNCCD pointed out that the main barriers to achieving set targets include a lack of will, insufficient financial support, and inadequate planning. He underscored the necessity of prioritizing climate change, biodiversity preservation, and land management in national policies and development plans to address these pressing issues effectively. Donwah also addressed the issue of fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from biodiversity, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation and solidarity. He called for a collective effort among nations to support one another in tackling environmental challenges, emphasizing that the responsibility lies not only with governments but with individuals and communities worldwide. The interview also highlighted the critical role of young people in driving positive change and fostering a sustainable future. Donwah expressed optimism regarding COP15, believing that increased involvement of civil society and youth would drive progress towards achieving the set targets. He called for innovative financing solutions to incentivize private sector investments in combating biodiversity loss and land degradation. In closing, Donwah encouraged a proactive approach to address global challenges, stressing the importance of collective action and individual responsibility in shaping a better world for future generations.