COP16

TAG: GS-3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT & GS-2: IR

THE CONTEXT: The sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 16) will be held in Cali, Colombia. Will see the publication of data on the use and compensation of genetic information from nature, known as “digital sequence information” (DSI).

EXPLANATION:

What is Digital Sequence Information (DSI)?

• DSI refers to the genetic codes of living organisms. Advances in technology allow scientists to sequence genomes quickly. These sequences are digitized and stored in public databases, accessible to researchers worldwide.
• The focus at COP16 is on the use of this digital information, rather than the physical samples.

Importance of Digital Sequence Information

• DSI plays a vital role in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture. Companies use genetic information to develop new products, such as medicines and enriched food options. The sectors linked to DSI generate approximately $1.6 trillion annually, although not all revenue comes directly from genetic information.
• Countries like Brazil and India are wary of corporations exploiting their genetic resources without compensation. They seek a fair system that rewards them for the use of their biodiversity. Current laws on genetic material use vary widely and often yield little financial benefit for these nations.

Significance of the COP16?

• COP16 is the first meeting after the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in 2022, which set ambitious targets for biodiversity conservation, including the 30 x 30 initiative (conserving 30% of lands and oceans by 2030).
• The conference seeks to bring biodiversity discussions to the forefront, similar to climate change negotiations, acknowledging the interconnectedness of biodiversity and climate crises.
• COP16 aims to accelerate actions to halt biodiversity loss and set the stage for tracking the implementation of the GBF’s goals and targets, emphasizing the urgency of reversing ecosystem degradation.

What are the expected discussions of CO16?

• National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs): Countries will discuss and submit their NBSAPs, outlining time-bound actions to achieve GBF targets. Only 32 out of 196 countries have submitted NBSAPs so far.
• 30 x 30 Targets: A key focus will be expediting progress on the 30 x 30 goals, ensuring protected areas cover at least 30% of lands and oceans, and initiating restoration in at least 30% of degraded ecosystems.
• Access and Benefit Sharing (Nagoya Protocol): Negotiations will continue on sharing the benefits from genetic resources, particularly the use of digital genetic information, ensuring fair distribution of profits, especially to indigenous communities.

• Financial Mobilization: The Kunming-Montreal Framework calls for $200 billion per year by 2030 to be spent on conservation, with developed countries providing $20-30 billion annually to developing countries. Ways and means to mobilise these financial resources is one of the main items on the agenda at COP16.

• High Seas Treaty Alignment: Discussions will focus on the agreement for the conservation of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions, including establishing protected marine areas and equitable sharing of resources.

SOURCE:  

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/cop16-ends-with-some-wins-and-some-losses