Biodiversity COP16: a new study underlines regions' and cities' efforts in halting biodiversity loss

A delegation of the European Committee of the Regions represented EU cities and regions at the 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) which continues in Cali, Columbia, until 1 November. In order to contribute to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which was agreed at the previous COP15 in 2022 with the aim of halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030, the CoR presented a new study focalising on local and regional authorities' efforts in this field.

The study details the actions LRAs can take and have already implemented, emphasising their vital role as key partners in biodiversity protection and restoration efforts with 10 case studies from EU cities and regions. As urbanisation is a major driver of biodiversity loss, the report underscores the significance of cities and regions in biodiversity conservation. The availability of human resources and funding, administrative and legal burdens, and wider environmental threats including climate change are identified among the key challenges faced at local and regional level.

The CoR delegation was formed by Roby Biwer (LU/PES), Member of Bettembourg Municipal Council and rapporteur of the opinion on nature restauration law, and Rostislav Trnka (SK/EPP), chair of Košice Self-Governing Region. Mr Biwer was invited to present the study at the 8th Summit for Subnational Governments and Cities organized by ICLEI, Regions4 and the city of Cali on 26 October.

On 27 October, the CoR co-organised two side events:

·       Collaborative Pathways: Harnessing Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society Approaches for Biodiversity Plan Implementation (co-organised with Regions4)

·       Mainstreaming biodiversity and nature-based solutions to avoid trade-offs in climate action (co-organised with EESC and International Union for Conservation of Nature in the EU pavilion)

Members held meetings with the European Parliament delegation, representatives of regional governments such as Québec, Campeche, Rio de Janeiro, or Aichi, and cities like Paris, Montreal, or Cali. The CoR delegation attended the briefings on the negotiations organized by the European Commission and met the Director-General for the Environment, Ms Florika Fink-Hooijer. CoR members also had exchanges with the city of Berlin on the Berlin Urban Nature Pact and attended to the presentation of the Global Partnership on Local and Subnational Action for Biodiversity by the Secretariat of the Convention for Biological Diversity.

"At biodiversity COP16, the collaboration between cities and regions stood out as essential for addressing global environmental challenges. By working together and aligning efforts under the Rio Conventions, local governments can lead the way in impactful, coordinated actions to protect and restore nature", Mr Biwer said.

His remarks were echoed by Mr Trnka, who stated: "Attending biodiversity COP16 provided a valuable opportunity to share experiences and best practices with other regional governments, reinforcing the importance of local action in protecting and revitalizing our natural ecosystems."