Colombia, one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, is preparing to host an important U.N. summit on biodiversity — COP16. On the one hand, we will examine the great efforts Colombia has planned to show leadership in nature conservation but struggled with, and at the same time we will try to put this into a global context 示discussing the type of significance globally relevantour national event might have.
The Biodiverse Jewel of Colombia
As an example, few can match Colombia when it comes to the sheer variety of species and ecosystems: this is a place where everything from scrubby Andean highlands to lush Amazon rainforest meet. It is known for its mega-biodiversity with the largest number of birds (1), orchid species (2), and second in plants, butterflies, freshwater fish and amphibians.
Such incredible natural wealth is why Colombia is a key cog in CaM: killing the world body associated with life on earth. And as host of the next COP16 summit on the implementation of Convention on Biological Diverty, it is determined to demonstrate environmental leadership that will be an example to other nations.
Challenges and Opportunities
Colombia is a country full of riches, including that of the environment providing it with an impressive array of biodiversity. Coca, the raw material for cocaine, is illegal in Colombia and vast swathes of forest have long been felled for coca plantations, while deforestation skyrocketed after the 2016 peace deal with FARC rebels because of unregulated farming and ranching as former fighters struggled to reintegrate to civilian life.
But the COP16 summit could provide Colombia a golden opportunity to address all of those issues. Education to protect biodiversity, ecotourism, sustainable agriculture and other conservation projects would empower local communities to find economic alternatives outside illegal crops. This in turn will help the ongoing peace efforts and resolve som eof the traits of the long running conflict of this country.
Conclusion
In a world crying out for the urgent protection of biodiversity, Colombia’s staging of COP16 has come as a hope fulfilled. It has the potential to lead by example and show off its natural wealth — a powerful message that could encourage international cooperation — and shape a sustainable tomorrow. The event’s success or failure will greatly impact prosperity and peace – not only in terms of the environment, but throughout a wider region.
