UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday called for decisive action to restore harmony with nature, warning that environmental crises are pushing humanity toward tipping points that threaten ecosystems, livelihoods and global stability.

Speaking at the opening of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16), he emphasized that “making peace with nature is the defining task of the 21st century.”

“Nature is life. And yet we are waging a war against it – a war in which there can be no winner,” he declared.

“Every year, we see temperatures climbing higher. Every day, we lose more species. Every minute, we dump a garbage truck of plastic waste into our oceans, rivers and lakes. Make no mistake – this is what an existential crisis looks like.”

The theme for the conference in Cali, Colombia, is “la COP de la gente” (a COP of the people). It continues until 1 November with discussions focused on biodiversity conservation, environmental justice and the role of indigenous and local communities in shaping sustainable futures.

It is the first Biodiversity COP since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in December 2022 in Montreal, Canada.

Secretary-General Guterres addresses the high-level opening of the COP16 conference.

Time for action

Mr. Guterres highlighted the urgency of the situation with sobering statistics: around 75 per cent of the Earth’s land surface and 66 per cent of its oceans have already been altered by human activity.

“With each passing day, we are edging closer to tipping points that could fuel further hunger, displacement and armed conflicts.”

He called on countries to implement the Kunming-Montreal Framework, which aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

He stressed the importance of national plans aligned with the framework’s targets, backed by transparent monitoring and robust financing, including at least $200 billion annually by 2030.

Turn promises into action

“We must turn these promises into action in four vital ways,” Mr. Guterres said, calling on nations to present “clear, ambitious and detailed plans” to align with the Framework’s targets.

Alongside, leaders must agree on strengthening monitoring and transparency. Promises for financing must be kept while support to developing countries is accelerated.

“And we must bring the private sector on board. Those profiting from nature cannot treat it like a free, infinite resource. They must step up and contribute to its protection and restoration,” he stressed.

Protect environmental defenders

Mr. Guterres also highlighted the vital role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. They are the “guardians of our nature,” he said, and their traditional knowledge offers essential insights for biodiversity conservation, yet they are too often marginalized or threatened.

He also called for the establishment of a permanent body within the Convention on Biological Diversity to ensure Indigenous voices are heard throughout policy-making processes.

“Peace with nature means peace for those who protect it,” he said.

UN Colombia/Santiago Puentes Viana

Participants listen to the opening remarks at the COP16 biodiversity conference in Cali, Colombia.

Examples of progress

Despite the challenges, Mr. Guterres pointed to promising initiatives, such as deforestation reduction efforts in Brazil, Colombia and Indonesia, and the Congo Basin’s focus on expanding protected areas.

He also praised the European Union’s Nature Restoration Law, and the historic Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction.

With another pivotal treaty negotiation on plastic pollution scheduled later this year, Mr. Guterres expressed hope that the same determination seen in previous agreements will inspire action in Cali.

A choice for the Planet’s survival

In conclusion, Mr. Guterres reminded delegates that humanity stands at a crossroads.

“The survival of our planet – and our own – is on the line,” he said.

“Let us choose wisely. Let us choose life. Let us make peace with nature.”