Papua New Guinea Launches National Biodiversity Targets in Preparation for COP16

On October 14, 2024, Papua New Guinea’s CEPA launched 23 National Biodiversity Targets to align with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, aiming for sustainable environmental management by 2030. Supported by the UNDP, this effort precedes COP16 in Bogota, where the delegation will learn from other nations and promote PNG’s biodiversity initiatives.

On October 14, 2024, the Conservation and Environmental Protection Authority (CEPA) of Papua New Guinea announced its 23 National Biodiversity Targets, aligning them with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in preparation for the upcoming 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference of the Parties (COP16). This initiative represents a significant step towards sustainable environmental management and biodiversity conservation in Papua New Guinea, with the goal of achieving these targets by 2030. The announcement was made during a press conference where Mr. Jude Tukuliya, Managing Director of CEPA, expressed gratitude for the concerted efforts of various government agencies, conservation NGOs, civil society, and international experts. He acknowledged the challenges faced in determining effective strategies to protect Papua New Guinea’s rich biodiversity, emphasizing the urgent need for actionable solutions. The Convention on Biodiversity, established after the 1993 Rio Earth Summit, aims to promote sustainable development through the conservation of biological diversity and the equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources. The recent Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted at COP15, outlines 23 global targets aimed at fostering a world that thrives in harmony with nature by 2050. As Papua New Guinea gears up for COP16 in Bogota, Colombia, CEPA has collaborated with the European Union-funded Forestry-Climate Change-Biodiversity programme to prepare a skilled government delegation. This team will engage in discussions with other parties at COP16 and bring back valuable insights to enhance national biodiversity initiatives. Additionally, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) remains committed to supporting CEPA in this endeavor through the newly launched global initiative, the ‘Nature Pledge.’ This initiative will oversee projects aimed at financing the National Biodiversity Targets and shaping the next National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) until 2030. Upon returning from the conference, a workshop will be organized to dissect the outcomes of COP16 and strategize accordingly, setting the stage for a comprehensive approach to biodiversity management in Papua New Guinea during the forthcoming decade.

Papua New Guinea’s initiative to align its National Biodiversity Targets with the Global Biodiversity Framework represents a pivotal moment in its environmental management journey. The country has committed to implementing these targets as part of its obligations under the Convention on Biodiversity, which was established to ensure the sustainable use and conservation of biological diversity. This alignment occurs within the context of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a comprehensive plan adopted during COP15, which lays out a strategic pathway aimed at protecting the earth’s biological diversity and fostering sustainable development through specific global targets. COP16 represents an opportunity for countries to review their progress towards these targets and share lessons that could enhance their local biodiversity strategies.

In conclusion, Papua New Guinea’s launch of 23 National Biodiversity Targets marks a significant stride towards its commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable environmental management by 2030. By aligning these targets with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the country positions itself to play an active role in the global biodiversity dialogue at COP16. Continued support from international partners like the UNDP will be crucial for the successful implementation of these initiatives, ensuring that Papua New Guinea’s rich natural heritage is preserved for future generations.

Original Source: www.undp.org

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