The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), part of the UN Biodiversity Conference 2024, will be held in Cali, Colombia, from 21 October to 1 November.
Discover more about this significant event and how SEI is contributing.
COP 16 will focus on implementation: how can the world deliver on the bold Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (or Global Biodiversity Framework) adopted at COP 15? Countries are expected to present their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), and negotiations will cover both resource mobilization and technical cooperation. Regulations on access and benefit-sharing will be another key topic.
SEI will be present with a delegation of experts, while additional researchers will support the process from other locations. Through side events, presentations, discussions and guidance to delegations, we will share insights on how best to advance biodiversity action. Three areas will be at the centre of SEI’s focus:
Addressing the impacts of consumption
Unlocking the potential of the bioeconomy
Protecting both the ocean and coastal communities
With a regional centre in Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, SEI will draw on our extensive work in the biodiverse Latin American region, but the delegation will also include experts from the SEI Headquarters and the centres SEI Africa, SEI US and SEI York (UK).
The COP presidency, Colombia, has adopted the theme “Peace with Nature” and promised this will be a “people’s COP.” SEI will contribute by sharing insights on locally driven implementation with community engagement, Indigenous knowledge and resilience at the heart.
Explore the tabs above to learn more about SEI’s participation at CBD COP16, register for events and gain expert insights into the conference’s key priorities and why they matter for advancing global biodiversity action.
Media briefing
On 10 October, journalists are invited to an online media briefing about the UN Biodiversity conference COP16 and the UN Climate Conference COP29.
SEI York will co-organize a COP16 side event in the Blue Zone to explore strategies for reducing overconsumption in an equitable way. Drawing on research and practice from SEI and other experts, the session will focus on how to achieve the Global Biodiversity Framework’s Target 16, which addresses the global consumption footprint. Experts from various sectors will discuss challenges, solutions and actionable steps for governments and businesses to lead the way in sustainable consumption.
Date and time: 28 October 2024, 11:40-13:00 COL
Where: Centro de Eventos Valle del Pacífico, Marie Khan Women’s Caucus meeting room, Plaza One, Cali, Colombia
Organizers: SEI York, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, Consumers International, Ernst & Young, European Environmental Bureau, Global Youth Biodiversity Network, Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), OLN SFS, S Group (Finland) and WWF.
Event on 28 October in Cali /
Join SEI at COP16 to explore strategies for reducing the global footprint of consumption equitably, supporting the Global Biodiversity Framework's Target 16.
11:40 COL
Bioeconomy for biodiversity
SEI, with support from Focali and in collaboration with FAO, Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia, Biointropic y Corporación Biotec, is hosting a COP16 Green Zone event where experts will discuss the role of biodiversity in driving the bioeconomy in tropical countries and the challenges facing non-timber forest products (NTFP) value chains. This event will focus on targets 5, 9, 14 and 15 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, highlighting sustainable use, trade and the promotion of sustainable business practices.
Date and time: 29 October 2024, 13:00–15:00 COL
Where: Universidad ECCI, Av. 4 Nte. #13N-03, Granada, Cali, Colombia
Organizers: SEI, Focali, FAO, Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia, Biointropic y Corporación Biotec
Event on 29 October in Cali /
At CBD COP16, experts will analyze the challenges of value chains in the tropics and their potential for the bioeconomy.
13:00 COL
Principles for a biodiversity-driven bioeconomy
SEI and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) will launch the guiding principles for the bioeconomy, developed by the Latin American Bioeconomy Network, at this COP16 Blue Zone event. Experts will discuss how these principles can support biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of resources, with a focus on high-biodiversity regions such as Latin America, Southeast Asia and Africa.
Date and time: 31 October 2024, 16:30–18:00 COL
Where: Centro de Eventos Valle del Pacífico, Marie Khan Women’s Caucus meeting room, Plaza One, Cali, Colombia
Event on 31 October in Cali /
At CBD COP16, the Latin American Bioeconomy Network will launch the guiding principles for implementing bioeconomy strategies.
Feature /
Jonathan Green explains why the conference is crucial for tackling the global biodiversity crisis and what to expect from this landmark event.
Feature /
A record number of businesses will engage with biodiversity at COP16, driven by trends highlighting nature’s crucial role in the economy and sustainability.
Event on 31 October in Cali /
At CBD COP16, the Latin American Bioeconomy Network will launch the guiding principles for implementing bioeconomy strategies.