UN Biodiversity Conference: COP15 in Montréal
The 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was an international meeting that brought together governments from around the world. Participants agreed to the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework, a historic global framework to safeguard nature and halt and reverse biodiversity loss, putting nature on a path to recovery by 2050. The conference was held in Montréal, Quebec, the seat of the UN CBD Secretariat, from December 7 – 19, 2022.
COP15 focused on protecting nature and halting biodiversity loss around the world. The Government of Canada’s priority was to ensure the COP15 was a success for nature. There is an urgent need for international partners to halt and reverse the alarming loss of biodiversity worldwide.
Our Goal
Canada advocated for international collaboration on ambitious goals, including conserving 30 percent of lands and oceans by 2030 which was included in the agreement. Halting and reversing biodiversity loss require real collaboration and partnership, including with Indigenous Peoples, the original guardians of the land. It also requires real transformative change, innovation, and a proper accounting for the true value of nature in decision-making across all sectors.
History
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was first signed by 150 government leaders at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Its main objectives are: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of the components of biological diversity, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. The CBD is dedicated to promoting sustainable development and the Convention recognizes that biological diversity is about more than plants, animals and micro organisms and their ecosystems – it is about people and our need for food security, medicines, fresh air and water, shelter, and a clean and healthy environment in which to live. The CBD Secretariat is located in Montréal, Quebec.
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