Conference of the Parties for the Convention on Biological Diversity

By Vera Abogados

More than 190 countries gathered at Cali in the largest meeting ever under the CBD, with over 23,000 registered participants participating in hundreds of parallel events over the two week period including summits on nature and culture, cities and subnational authorities, business and finance. 

The conference achieved groundbreaking agreements on global biodiversity protections.

Governments agreed to establish the pioneering “Cali Fund” for industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and agriculture —those benefiting from Digital Sequence Information (DSI) on genetic resources— to share benefits with developing countries, indigenous peoples, and local communities.

Under the guidelines, large companies and other entities commercially benefiting from DSI are expected to contribute to the Fund based on a percentage of profits or revenues. Smaller entities, academic institutions, and public research bodies that use DSI for non-comercial purposes are exempt.

The fund’s resources will largely benefit indigenous peoples’ and local communities’ activities.

COP 16 also endorsed measures to enhance the contributions of indigenous peoples and local communities. Through a new programme of work, their rights, contributions, and traditional knowledge have been further integrated into the global agenda. This will elevate the role of indigenous peoples and local communities in implementing the Convention. 

In another key decision, Parties recognized the contributions of people of African descent, particularly those maintaining traditional lifestyles, in conserving and sustainably using biodiversity.

Other significant agreements from COP 16 included decisions on health and biodiversity, invasive alien species, risk assessment of genetically modified organisms (e.g., mosquitoes), and guidance on ecologically and biologically significant marine areas beyond national jurisdictions.