Key Outcomes from COP16 and How Sports Clubs Can Support Biodiversity Locally

Last month, world leaders gathered at COP16 in Cali, Colombia, at the United Nations biodiversity summit focused on assessing global efforts to protect the natural world. 

Biodiversity is rapidly declining, with tropical forests disappearing at the rate of 10 football fields every minute and 1 million species at risk of extinction.

COP16 focused on global efforts to protect biodiversity, building on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), which aims to protect 30% of the world’s natural areas, reduce environmental threats, ensure sustainable resource use, and share biodiversity benefits fairly by 2030.

Key Outcomes from COP16:

1. The Cali Fund

   COP16 introduced the Cali Fund, a new financing model that requires companies using genetic data for product development to share profits. This funding will support biodiversity projects, especially those benefitting Indigenous and local communities, promoting fair resource-sharing and direct support for those most affected by biodiversity challenges.

   
   

2. Indigenous Advisory Body

   For the first time, COP16 established a permanent advisory body for Indigenous peoples, allowing these communities to have direct input on biodiversity policies and decisions affecting their lands and resources.

   
   

3. Funding Challenges

   Despite some progress, COP16 was unable to secure full financial backing for global biodiversity targets. Although a $20 billion annual commitment was discussed, no final agreement was reached, posing challenges for reaching the 2030 conservation goals.

   
   

4. Delays in Monitoring Progress

   Efforts to establish a framework for tracking biodiversity targets were delayed, as only 22% of countries have updated their National Biodiversity Action Plans (NBSAPs). The framework will be revisited in future sessions.

   
   

While COP16 achieved important milestones, more work is needed to ensure sufficient funding and effective tracking of biodiversity goals.

Supporting Biodiversity Locally

At Save Today, Play Tomorrow, we’re working with the Wildlife Trust to support biodiversity conservation and protect green spaces, ensuring future generations can enjoy and sustain sports. Through the Green Innovation Fund, we’re also helping clubs create safe spaces for nature within their grounds.

Here are some quick ways your sports clubs can help support local biodiversity:

• Clean up: Remove litter and plastics from rivers, paths, and green spaces in your area.

• Get involved in rewilding projects to restore native habitats.

• Partner with local organisations like the Woodland Trust and Canals & Rivers Trust.

  
  

For more information on how to get involved, contact us here.