At a press conference held on Wednesday, UN Secretary General António Guterres was optimistic about the possibility of positive results from the deliberations, but also urged speeding up the talks. He confirmed that there are three priorities that must experience progress in the few remaining hours.
The first priority, he said, is that this COP must mark the beginning of a new era for ambitious national biodiversity plans. “To date, most countries have national goals that align with the Global Biodiversity Framework. I urge all Member States to follow suit and align these programs with their adaptation plans and determined climate contributions updated nationally ,” he said, adding that agreements must be reached on a strengthened monitoring and transparency framework to ensure accountability.
Guterres also called for concrete plans to unlock new funding and share the benefits of using genetic resources, which means capitalizing on the Global Biodiversity Framework. “I thank the countries and regions that pledged an additional US$163 million this week. But if we are to fully deliver on the Global Biodiversity Framework, we need much more,” he said.
According to Guterres, $200 billion must be mobilized annually by 2030 from all sources: national, international, public and private, adding that developed countries must lead the way and provide at least $20 billion per year from 2025 to support developing countries, particularly the least developed nations and small island states.
Companies that benefit from nature must also contribute to its protection. This includes putting in place a mechanism to share the benefits of using digital information on genetic resources, in a clear, fair and efficient manner, said the Secretary-General, who thirdly requested that those who care for natural heritage be recognized, involved and protected. “Indigenous peoples and communities hold vital knowledge on biodiversity conservation. And in this region, Afro-descendants are key custodians of natural resources. They must all be at the center of our decisions, not on the sidelines,” he said.
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