The COP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity ends with a new Global Framework for Biodiversity based on false solutions. The deal, which was imposed by the presidency, ignores objections from different African states and does not lay the groundwork for the transformative change needed to tackle the biodiversity crisis.
We denounce the great influence of the business lobby in the negotiations, which has prevented the taking of courageous and effective decisions, above all, to face the loss of biodiversity in the necessary scale and magnitude. The text does not regulate corporations at all and instead promotes greenwashing measures, such as Nature-Based Solutions, which allow for the destruction of the environment.
Although there are commitments aimed at the conservation and restoration of nature, no progress has been made in solving the causes that lead to its destruction. In turn, the organization denounced that industrial agriculture continues to be promoted through concepts such as “innovation” or “sustainable intensification”.
Small wins at COP15
Despite the negative points, we celebrate small victories, such as the non-inclusion of the concept “positive nature”, which should have been contemplated would deepen the financialization of nature and CO2 offsets, or the explicit recognition, in the text, of environmental defenders and indigenous territories , although it is regrettable that they are not recognized as a specific category in the objective of conserving protected areas.
In general, this is a minimum agreement, which does not affect a root change and, therefore, does not solve the causes of biodiversity loss, does not establish binding measures, nor does it take into account the historical responsibilities of the states. It is completely insufficient. The interrelated crises we are experiencing require a change in the economic model and this must be reflected in all policies at this level.
That is why we will continue to work together with local communities around the world, who are building the alternatives necessary to protect biodiversity and achieve a dignified life.