Africa calls for global biodiversity fund at COP16

As the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) kicks off in Cali, Colombia, African leaders have converged to advocate for greater financial mobilization through the Global Biodiversity Fund. With Africa boasting 33 per cent of the world's biodiversity, the continent's efforts in biodiversity conservation are crucial. However, questions have been raised about Africa's progress and commitment to conservation initiatives. In a recent interview with Muhtari Aminu-Kano, Director of Policy and Government Relations at The Nature Conservancy, key issues surrounding biodiversity funding and Africa's challenges were explored. During the interview, Muhtari highlighted the significance of the Global Biodiversity Fund, which was agreed upon at the previous COP meeting in Montreal in 2022. African leaders are advocating for the proper operationalization, housing, and funding of the fund from various sources. The goal is to populate the fund with $20 billion by 2025, a milestone that will require substantial cooperation and financial commitments. Despite the push for increased funding, Muhtari acknowledged the challenges faced by African nations in honoring their commitments to biodiversity conservation. He mentioned capacity and technological limitations as factors contributing to the delay in revising national biodiversity strategies and action plans. While progress has been made, with more than half of African countries submitting national targets to the Convention on Biological Diversity, less than half have revised their plans as required. The link between national commitments and financial mobilization was emphasized, with Muhtari underscoring the importance of having a comprehensive biodiversity strategy and financing plan. Countries that have not developed these plans may face obstacles in securing external funding for conservation projects. The lack of a coordinated approach to financing biodiversity strategies is a common challenge worldwide, not limited to Africa. Another critical issue discussed during the interview was the push for a binding international framework on benefit sharing from genetic resources. Muhtari explained the complexity of benefit sharing from digital sequence information, highlighting the need for equitable distribution of benefits, especially for resource-rich regions like Africa. The ongoing discussions at COP16 aim to address this issue and establish a global multilateral benefit sharing mechanism. When asked about direct benefits for Africa in the proposed framework, Muhtari noted that while there is no operational mechanism currently in place, the discussions at COP16 could pave the way for equitable benefit sharing in the future. The negotiations over the next 10 days will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of benefit sharing mechanisms for genetic resources. In conclusion, Africa's call for increased biodiversity funding at COP16 underscores the continent's commitment to conservation efforts. While challenges exist in meeting national commitments and establishing benefit sharing frameworks, the ongoing discussions provide an opportunity for African nations to rally for greater financial support and sustainable conservation practices.