Ph.D. candidate Zohra Zahir reflects on moderating the panel “Biodiversity Beyond the Classroom: Students’ Perspectives from COP16” in Colombia. Joined by fellow emerging scientists, she shares insights on bridging the gap between academia and policy, advocating for student voices, and making science accessible and actionable to influence global biodiversity policy.

Zohra Zahir, David Baldwin, and Jeannine Cavender-Bares share an early-morning hike up Cali’s Hill of the Three Crosses, detailing the steep climb through lush vegetation and revealing rock formations. At the summit, they enjoy sweeping views, refreshing juices, and a profound connection to Colombia’s rich natural and historical landscape.

Pilar Pedrinelli shares with us that COP16 in Cali, Colombia, achieved significant milestones, notably the creation of the Cali Fund for equitable benefit-sharing from digital sequence information. This fund supports Indigenous communities and highlights their role in biodiversity stewardship. However, challenges remain in funding, geopolitical divides, and implementation of conservation commitments for the future.

At COP16, Astrid Caldas stressed the need for stronger alignment between biodiversity and climate efforts, urging an ecosystem-based approach to conservation. She highlighted the value of indigenous knowledge and called for collaboration between the CBD and UNFCCC to address climate impacts, biodiversity loss, and achieve equitable environmental outcomes.

Over 20 ESA members attended COP16 in Cali, Colombia, as official UN observers. Delegates Astrid Caldas, Jeannine Cavender-Bares, and Stephanie Hampton discussed integrated ecosystem management, highlighting the roles of biodiversity, conservation, and technology in fostering adaptive strategies. They emphasized science-society connections, Indigenous knowledge, and biodiversity monitoring innovations for informed policymaking.

As COP16 in Cali, Colombia, unfolds, Pilar Pedrinelli shares her insights on urgent themes in biodiversity, from nature-positive goals to innovative financial models. Countries like Colombia are embedding conservation metrics into policies, while finance mechanisms such as stewardship credits could mobilize investments. Key themes discussed also include the role of Indigenous communities, resource mobilization, and localizing global biodiversity targets.

At COP16, David Baldwin and Zohra Zahir reported on their activities from the second day, focusing on the rapid growth of synthetic biology and debates over access to Digital Sequence Information (DSI). Developing countries emphasized the need for local expertise, while other parties supported existing risk assessment methods. Indigenous leaders and scientists advocated for fair benefit-sharing policies, highlighting ethical considerations and policy gaps.

PhD student Zohra Zahir shares her experience attending COP16, describing it as surreal. As a first-time UN conference participant, she’s struck by the unity of global voices. Advocating for microbial communities, Zohra engages with biodiversity leaders, highlighting the essential role microbes play, especially in preserving wetlands and global ecosystems.

COP16 is a soup of people, from organizations, students, communicators and country representatives.

Earlier this year, Vanuatu, Fiji, and Samoa introduced “ecocide” as a crime for consideration by the International Criminal Court. The COP16 panel explored the legal framework of ecocide, highlighting its potential to deter environmental destruction by holding powerful individuals accountable. Panelists included Jojo Mehta, Aresio Valiente Lopez, and Sophie Demenski.

ESA’s Executive Director expresses excitement as COP16 kicks off in Cali, a city known for its rich food and culture. Global delegates, welcomed by volunteers, quickly connect to tackle crucial biodiveristy issues.

Learn all about biodiversity credits, a market-based tool to fund conservation and restoration.