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In the global effort to combat the escalating climate crisis, much attention is directed annually towards the United Nations Climate Change Conference, where world leaders, experts, and stakeholders convene to negotiate and implement strategies for mitigating global warming. However, later this year, a pivotal gathering, the Convention on Biological Diversity Conference of the Parties (CBD COP), will take place in Cali, Colombia.

Unlike its more widely known counterpart, CBD COP aims to address the urgent issue of biodiversity loss, often referred to as the "silent crisis." This conference aims to safeguard natural ecosystems and halt the destruction of critical habitats, such as the world's forests, and the diverse species they support. A primary focus will be ensuring the sustainable and equitable use of Earth's resources, particularly benefiting Indigenous communities, who often act as stewards of these biodiverse areas.Increasingly recognized as fundamental to effective climate action, biodiversity underpins essential natural processes that support life on Earth—from climate regulation to the provision of clean air, water, and food. Despite this crucial role, the UN warns that a staggering one million plant and animal species are at risk of extinction, representing the most significant loss of biodiversity since the dinosaurs. This loss not only threatens global biodiversity but also jeopardizes humanity's own well-being, making biodiversity conservation a critical global imperative.

While historically, human societies have interacted sustainably with their environments, current practices—especially rampant deforestation driven by agribusiness, logging, and urban expansion—are accelerating biodiversity loss at alarming rates. Major financial institutions have been implicated in funding these destructive practices, perpetuating habitat destruction and species decline. For example, investigations reveal that prominent banks and investment firms continue to finance agribusinesses engaged in deforestation for activities such as cattle ranching and soybean production, despite increasing awareness of the environmental impacts.

Indigenous peoples, who manage a significant portion of the world's biodiversity-rich lands, play a vital role in conservation efforts. Their traditional knowledge and governance systems, such as the "hutan adat" of Indonesia's Kajang community, have demonstrated effectiveness in preserving biodiversity while supporting local livelihoods. Indigenous-managed lands globally encompass over a third of Earth's protected areas and harbor an estimated 80% of remaining biodiversity. Studies consistently show that these territories experience lower rates of deforestation and achieve better conservation outcomes compared to other protected areas.However, defenders of biodiversity often face severe risks, with many experiencing violence and intimidation for their advocacy. Environmental defenders—activists, community leaders, and advocates—are frequently targeted for their efforts to protect land, forests, and wildlife from destructive industries such as mining, oil extraction, and large-scale agriculture. A report by Global Witness highlights that 177 land and environmental defenders were killed in 2023 alone, underscoring the perilous conditions these individuals confront daily.

Against this backdrop, CBD COP16 in Colombia this October takes on heightened significance. Colombia, unfortunately, leads in killings of environmental defenders and seeks to make this conference a transformative moment. The theme, "Peace with Nature," underscores the urgent need to protect both biodiversity and those defending it. The event aims to strengthen protections for defenders and enhance corporate accountability for environmental harm.Colombia's commitment to this cause, including its endorsement of the Escazú Agreement—a treaty aimed at protecting environmental activists in Latin America and the Caribbean—offers hope for substantive change. CBD COP16 presents an opportunity to bolster global biodiversity policies, empower Indigenous stewardship, and ensure justice for environmental defenders. It represents a critical step towards securing a sustainable future where biodiversity thrives, and communities live in harmony with their natural environments.