2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP16)

Applying people-centered solutions to achieving the Global Biodiversity Framework

At the 2022 UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15), 188 countries adopted the Global Biodiversity Framework. This October, countries will reconvene in Calí, Colombia for COP16 to plan for the implementation of the Framework and explore how to effectively mobilize resources and action for biodiversity conservation.

Participation and perspective from all levels of government, especially from Indigenous Peoples and local communities who live and work on nature’s frontlines is critical to achieving the goals of the Framework. At COP 16, Rare is focused on advancing the people-centered implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework, ensuring local voices are leading conversations, elevating frontline fishing and farming communities in the design of biodiversity & climate solutions, and marshaling finance to local communities.

Where to Find Rare at COP16

The following is a list of some of the events Rare is hosting or otherwise participating in during COP16.

A People-Centered Approach to Achieving the Global Biodiversity Framework (Oct 28 – Green Zone, Casa Pa Voz) An evening reception co-hosted by Rare and the CBD Secretariat, focused on the need for solutions that include the people most impacted by the biodiversity crisis in planning and implementation.	REGISTER HERE
OECMs as People-Centered Approaches to Coastal Conservation (Oct 31 – Blue Zone Marie Khan Women’s Caucus meeting room, Plaza One) This event will convene leaders from government and NGOs to discuss how Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) can contribute to 30×30.	Register here
8th Summit for Subnational Governments and Cities (Oct 26 – Blue Zone) A parallel event to CBD COP16 to elevate the voice of local and subnational governments. Mayor Ricardo Alvarado of Omoa, Honduras will represent the Coastal 500 at this parallel event to CBD COP16, to elevate the voice of local and subnational governments.
Safeguarding Seas and Coastal Communities: A Human-Centered Approach to Marine Conservation (Oct 24 – Banco de Occidente, Sala 3, Cra. 4 #7-61, Green Zone) Rare VP of Central America Diana Vasquez will speak at this session highlighting the critical role local communities play in marine conservation, with a focus on social safeguards and Marine Protected Areas to protect both community rights and marine biodiversity.
From COP 16 to UNOC 3: Transformative Action to Address Target 1 in Coastal and Marine Areas (Oct 29 – EU Pavilion) This side-event will highlight global and national spatial planning tools and other effective management processes aimed at implementing participatory and transformative actions for the sustainable use and conservation of marine biodiversity, both in national waters and areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Colombia Spotlight

When the world comes to Colombia, they will see a nation that is turning the page from years of conflict to a brighter future for people and nature. Rare has proudly worked in Colombia for a decade. Today, our Lands for Life program is enabling smallholder farmers to adopt regenerative agriculture practices that protect biodiversity and improve their own yields.

Learn about Rare’s Lands for Life program

Rare and OECMs

Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) are an ocean conservation tool that pair protection with sustainable use by local communities—and they offer a vital pathway to 30×30. Find out how Rare is helping countries achieve their 30×30 goals with OECMs.

Read the article

A Rare Biodiversity Story

For 50 years, Rare has worked to conserve biodiversity with people-centered solutions. Learn more about Rare’s legacy of merging biodiversity protection with community wellbeing to meet the needs of people and nature.

Read the story

Why Delivering the Global Biodiversity Framework Needs Behavior Change

Following CBD COP15, Rare and the Chester Zoo brought together thought leaders from the conservation, environmental, and behavioral science spaces for a webinar discussing the keys to unlocking effective behavior change approaches to benefit people and nature.

Position Paper Sign Ons

Rare is a signatory of the following position papers ahead of COP16:

- Mobilizing & Transforming Key Sectors for Biodiversity: A Call to Action A paper urging Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to prioritize biodiversity mainstreaming and to integrate nature’s diverse values when implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Blue Thread: Aligning National Climate and Biodiversity Strategies Led by Ocean-Climate Platform & the Ocean Conservancy While countries are expected to submit new, more ambitious strategies to fight biodiversity loss and climate change, this brief explores how the ocean can provide integrated solutions to address these crises as one and the same, weaving a “blue thread” across the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Elevating Local Leaders

As part of our mission to ensure local voices are active participants in the decisions that impact their communities, Rare’s delegation will include local leaders and members of the Coastal 500.


Mayor Ricardo Alvarado Omoa, Honduras	Renilde Piedadé da Silva, Community Leader Pará, Brazil	Mailton Silva dos Santos, Community Leader Pará, Brazil

Rare’s Delegation to COP16

Caleb McClennen, PhD

President

Monica Varela

Vice President, Colombia

Rocky Sanchez Tirona

Managing Director, Fish Forever Program

Diana Vasquez

Vice President, Central America

Monique Barreto Galvao

Vice President, Brazil

Hari Kushardanto

Vice President, Indonesia

Kevin Green

Vice President, Center for Behavior & the Environment

Monica Lozano

Climate Smart Agriculture Lead

Carlos Arango

Director of Economic Resilience

Lisa Pharoah

Director, Global Development

Emily Goodwin

Senior Manager, Climate Policy

Tanmatra Bhanti

Manager, Policy & Partnerships

2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP16) | Rare