COP16 on Biodiversity: A Source of National Pride and a Security Challenge for Colombia

Colombia, a nation that emerged from decades of conflict with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), is now championing a global call to “make peace with nature.” This theme is at the heart of the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) on Biological Diversity. The event, scheduled from October 21 to November 1, will be held in Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city. The nation aims to take a definitive stance on a global stage regarding biodiversity conservation, even in the face of a challenging security situation.

The city is ready to welcome over 190 delegations along with 14 heads of state, making it a pivotal moment for biodiversity discussions. Local authorities have officially made provisions for 12,000 attendees. However, concerns linger. An organizing official mentioned the challenges if numbers swell to 20,000, though this source insisted on anonymity. Despite these concerns, Cali’s Mayor, Alejandro Eder, remains optimistic. “From a security standpoint, Cali is unassailable,” he assures. With the reinforcement of 3,300 police officers and the deployment of 1,600 soldiers, a robust security arrangement backs the event.

In a concerning message, the EMC armed group, which claims ties to the former FARC militants, recommended delegates against attending COP16, predicting a “fiasco.” Earlier, in July, the EMC had threatened to disrupt the event but later declared a truce in August. President Gustavo Petro admitted on October 18 that the nation anticipates this international spectacle with bated breath, given its unprecedented scale. Yet, he emphasized that security measures have been meticulously planned and will be “guaranteed.”

The Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Susana Muhamad, expressed her enthusiasm: “Never before have so many heads of state attended a COP on biodiversity.” COP16 will center on the execution of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a strategic plan adopted during COP15 in Montreal in 2022. Delegates will deliberate on firming up their commitments, particularly regarding the establishment of protected areas to counteract the rapid decline of biodiversity.

Colombia’s diverse geographical features, ranging from three towering mountain ranges exceeding 6,000 meters, dual oceanic boundaries, extensive sections of the Amazon rainforest, to its myriad of ecosystems like glaciers, rivers, marshes, mangroves, deserts, and varied plains, position it as one of the leading countries globally in terms of biodiversity. Other ecosystems like humid plains situated at higher altitudes and warm eastern plains further showcase Colombia’s wealth of natural habitats.

Amid Colombia’s elaborate preparations for the COP16 event, the nation stands at the convergence of national pride and complex security dynamics. This conference offers Colombia a golden opportunity to underscore its ecological significance and leadership while navigating enduring challenges.

The world watches with anticipation as Colombia steps into the limelight, poised to host a gathering of unprecedented importance for biodiversity preservation, reaffirming its commitment to the global ecological movement.