COP 16: A Call to Action for Biodiversity

by amfori created 2024-12-23T17:04:12+07:00

The sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity recently took place in Cali, Colombia. This conference comes at a critical time when the world is grappling with a significant loss of biodiversity.

One of the central objectives of COP 16 was to review the progress made since COP 15, held in Canada two years ago. In Cali, delegates worked towards strategies to achieve the goal of conserving at least 30% of the Earth's land and marine areas by 2030. A key focus of the discussions was securing financial commitments by the end of the decade, especially to support developing countries. However, this commitment comes at a time when environmentally harmful subsidies are costing the global economy $2.6 trillion each year. The discussions at COP 16 are therefore crucial in redirecting financial resources toward sustainable practices that help mitigate the biodiversity crisis.

The decline in biodiversity is largely driven by human activity. Habitat destruction, primarily due to agriculture and urbanisation, is a leading cause. Other significant factors include over-exploitation of natural resources, climate change, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species. Many of these issues are closely linked to global trade, which underscores the urgent need to transition toward more sustainable trading practices.

A new focus on biodiversity in supply chains

Given the urgency of the biodiversity crisis, integrating biodiversity into supply chain management is becoming a key priority. At amfori, we believe that helping our members understand and manage biodiversity risks is not only a necessity but also an opportunity to advance sustainable practices. By addressing these risks, businesses can both reduce their environmental footprint and strengthen their long-term resilience.

The role of amfori BEPI

In response to these challenges, amfori is committed to supporting businesses in addressing biodiversity risks. Through the amfori Business Environmental Performance Initiative (BEPI), members can assess and manage biodiversity-related risks within their supply chains. amfori BEPI enables businesses to conduct site audits, evaluating the environmental impacts of their partners, especially in areas like invasive species and material sourcing. By managing other environmental performance areas - such as energy use, emissions, and waste - businesses can significantly reduce their overall impact on biodiversity.

The outcomes of COP 16 in Cali will have a lasting impact on global biodiversity. As businesses, we must recognise our responsibility in this crisis and take proactive measures to address it. Tools like amfori BEPI provide the resources to assess biodiversity risks and make meaningful changes that support biodiversity conservation. Together, we can work towards a sustainable future that protects the intricate web of life upon which we all depend.