Colombia is ramping up security measures ahead of the UN Biodiversity Summit COP16, set to take place in Cali from October 21 to November 1, 2024. The Ministry of Environment has announced that the agenda for the summit, which was delayed due to security threats from FARC dissidents, will be unveiled on July 23.
President Gustavo Petro highlighted the summit’s goal of consolidating debt-for-climate action measures. The Ministry of Environment aims to address significant issues such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity endangerment during this landmark event.
Security concerns emerged after FARC dissidents threatened to attack Cali during the conference, leading to a one-week postponement. As a result, Colombian military and police forces have been mobilized to ensure the safety of the 12,000 expected attendees.
Admiral Francisco Hernando Cubides, commander Colombia’s Military Forces, stated that operations are underway to secure the event. “The focus has been to verify the security details for COP16,” Cubides explained. “The military will deploy 1,100 soldiers across Cali, while 500 Air Force personnel will provide aerial surveillance,” emphasized Cubides.
Priority areas include Alfonso Bonilla Aragón international airport, major roads, the Convention Center, and the Farallones National Park. Brigadier General William Castaño, representing the National Police, confirmed that 100 officers have already been deployed to the Farallones, with an additional 200 officers arriving later this month.
“The use of drones by terrorist organizations necessitates stringent security measures to ensure the safety of the conference venues,” said Minister of Defense Iván Velásquez. The security forces aim to form a protective ring around key areas to prevent any disruptions.
Despite these efforts, the organization of COP16 faces challenges. SEMANA news outlet revealed that international participation remains low, with many delegates unsure of the agenda and logistical details, including accommodation arrangements.
“There is a concern because to date, the thematic agenda has not been well presented, nor the objectives for COP16,” stated former President Iván Duque. “There is also concern about the results in tracking the 30×30 goals established in Montreal at the end of 2022. Effective mechanisms to mobilize resources for biodiversity protection must be structured.”
Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development Susana Muhamad, who will preside over COP16, emphasized the summit’s theme, “Peace with Nature.” Muhamad stressed the importance of transforming human-nature relationships and sustainable production and consumption practices.
During the Oslo Forum on Tropical Forests in Norway, Muhamad outlined Colombia’s objectives for COP16:
- Launching the Peace with Nature Coalition to promote life regeneration and reverse the climate crisis.
- Unifying climate and biodiversity agendas to address climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
- Establishing a benefit-sharing system for genetic resources, ensuring biodiversity-rich countries receive fair compensation.
- Securing financing agreements to protect biodiversity until 2030, aligning with the Kunming-Montreal Global Framework’s 23 targets.
The agenda’s delay and security concerns have cast a shadow over COP16, but the government of President Petro remains committed to hosting a successful event. The conference, a key platform for discussing the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, ratified by 150 countries in 1992, is crucial for biodiversity efforts.
As Cali prepares to welcome international delegates, the city anticipates a significant influx of tourists. Local authorities and security forces are working to ensure the safety and success of COP16, a vital event in the global fight against biodiversity loss and climate change.
