Comment: UN Biodiversity Summit (COP16)

“We are in the grips of a global nature crisis, and the pressure is on at each UN Biodiversity Summit to seize the challenge.

 “While I welcome progress on the Cali Fund to encourage companies benefiting from the use of genetic information from nature to pay more, and on new criteria to meet our 30x30 targets, the overall scale of the challenge has not been reflected in the agreements reached before the Summit was suspended. Delegates failed to reach consensus on mobilising nature finance, and we’re still in the dark as to how ambitious international targets are to be met. It’s impossible to see how governments worldwide can pave the way for nature to recover with such gaping holes in key mechanisms to fund and assess efforts. In the cold light of day, Cali can only be seen as a disappointment.

 “With such important issues left unresolved, it would be helpful to hear from Ministers about the steps the UK will take to bridge the gap between what was achieved and what was needed. It is therefore disappointing that the Government appears to be willing to provide only a written statement on the Cali summit to Parliament, and I urge the Government to make an oral statement in the House of Commons to allow MPs to hear from ministers on this important issue. It would also be good to clarify the role that UK negotiators played in the position reached and whether they are also disappointed by the outcome of COP16.

“Ministers must demonstrate the UK’s capacity for constructive leadership as we begin to navigate the long road ahead to ensure the future for global nature.”

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