Key Impact Points:
- Women leaders and youth activists are advocating for inclusive biodiversity strategies ahead of CBD COP 16 in Colombia.
- The IKI Interface project empowers marginalized voices, helping shape the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).
- Events in Barranquilla and Bogotá highlight the crucial roles of women and youth in biodiversity conservation and policy development.
Women and youth drive inclusive biodiversity efforts
As the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 16) approaches, women leaders and youth activists in Colombia are taking a prominent role in shaping inclusive conservation strategies. Supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) Interface project, these efforts emphasize gender and age diversity in environmental decision-making.
Two major preparatory events in September 2024 laid the groundwork for Colombia’s biodiversity strategy update. The “National Meeting of Women Caretakers of Territory and Life” in Barranquilla brought together over 250 women, while the “Convergence of Children, Adolescents, and Youth for Biodiversity” event in Bogotá united more than 80 young activists. Both events focused on contributing to Colombia’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and preparing for meaningful participation in COP 16.
Women leading biodiversity conservation
At the Barranquilla event, women from rural, indigenous, Afro-descendant, and peasant communities shared their experiences in defending ecosystems. Their voices contributed to updating Colombia’s NBSAP with a strong gender perspective, aligning with Target 23 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
These women also strengthened the national network for biodiversity, identifying key issues to address at COP 16.
Youth’s vital role in conservation
In Bogotá, young participants signed a pact for biodiversity, reflecting their commitment to Colombia’s environmental future. Discussions centered on intergenerational governance and the importance of youth leadership in biodiversity conservation.
“We want to encourage and highlight the participation of new generations in caring for biodiversity and a sustainable future,” said Mauricio Cabrera, Vice Minister of Environmental Policies and Standardization.
Participants also emphasized the need for youth-inclusive public policies, especially in territorial planning, to ensure long-term conservation efforts are successful.
Colombia prepares for CBD COP 16
These events are part of Colombia’s preparations for hosting the CBD COP 16 in Cali, where countries will convene to address the global biodiversity crisis. Colombia’s updated NBSAP, developed with the input of women and youth, will be presented, showcasing the country’s commitment to meeting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework goals by 2030.
Related Article: 5 Urgent Actions to Halt Biodiversity Loss at COP 16
These initiatives were supported by Colombia’s Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (Minambiente), the Ministry of Equality and Equity (Minigualdad), and international partners such as UN Women and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) through the IKI Interface project.
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