Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe has urged the global community to expedite the establishment of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund to support vulnerable groups and biodiversity-dependent communities.
The call was made yesterday at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16), held in Cali, Colombia. The gathering marks the first Biodiversity COP since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in 2022, which set ambitious targets for reversing biodiversity loss.
Addressing the high-level assembly, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, highlighted Zimbabwe’s proactive stance in combating biodiversity loss.
“Zimbabwe has developed an innovative, science-driven Biodiversity Economic Policy. Through this policy, the country has played a pivotal role in the establishment of Trans-frontier Conservation Areas in the SADC region, which are significant milestones in our journey towards sustainable development and environmental stewardship,” Dr. Nyoni explained.
Additionally, she noted that the National Wetlands Policy and the Forestry Policy guide the government’s ongoing efforts to conserve and restore Zimbabwe’s ecosystems.
In her address, Dr. Nyoni emphasised that Zimbabwe’s approach to conservation places a high priority on vulnerable groups, particularly women, youth, and rural communities that depend on biodiversity for their survival.
“As we address this global crisis of biodiversity loss, it is essential that we prioritise the needs of the most vulnerable, including women, youth, and marginalised rural communities, who rely on biodiversity for their lives and livelihoods. By empowering these communities and ensuring their equitable participation in conservation efforts, Zimbabwe aims to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all,” Dr. Nyoni said.
Dr. Nyoni expressed concern over delays in the operationalisation of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, emphasising the critical need for financial support to accelerate conservation initiatives.
“We urge member States to expedite the establishment of this Fund for the benefit of all countries, in particular developing countries that are most affected. There is a need for financial mechanisms to support sustainable development goals and conservation efforts in developing nations,” she urged.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres echoed Zimbabwe’s concerns, urging the private sector to step up in funding conservation efforts.
“Promises for financing must be kept while support to developing countries is accelerated. We must bring the private sector on board. Those profiting from nature cannot treat it like a free, infinite resource. They must step up and contribute to its protection and restoration,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the theme of this year’s COP16, “A COP of the People,” focuses on inclusive approaches to biodiversity conservation, environmental justice, and the empowerment of indigenous and local communities in shaping sustainable futures.
