COP15, after two years of delay, has finally got underway in Montréal, Canada. This event sees delegates from 195 countries and 1,400 organisations gather in the hopes of providing a specific plan, framework and deadline to tackle the ever-growing problem of biodiversity loss around the planet.
Discussions are likely to focus on three topics that are crucial in protecting the Earth’s biological diversity – conservation, sustainable use of biodiversity and resource sharing. Preliminary documents have shown the commitment of those within the conference to reach their ‘Paris moment’, with one of the biggest ideas being a commitment to expand protected areas to 30% of land and sea mass by 2030.
Ideas like this are incredibly encouraging to hear, especially with the impact of biodiversity loss and the warning that Earth is approaching its sixth extinction event. However, it must be remembered that COP10, the Aichi biodiversity were set – 0 of which were actually met.
Therefore, it is of the upmost importance that all attention is directed towards COP15, and that a space is created for all of us to understand and appreciate the role biodiversity plays in our lives.
COP15 provides an opportunity, for governments, businesses and individuals alike to begin a new chapter in human history, in which we hold nature and biodiversity at the centre of our lives and begin to give back to nature.