Biodiversity at the Heart of Planetary Health: A Call for Action at COP16

Have you ever heard of Planetary Health? Imagine a world where we understood – and prioritised – the intricate connections between human wellbeing and the health of our planet. One where we recognised the crucial role of flourishing natural systems on our own health, and the health of people all around the world. Planetary Health goes beyond traditional health concepts by acknowledging these interconnections, and focusing on the protection of natural systems to drive progress for a sustainable and equitable future – for both people and the planet.

Progress on the Global Goals is directly linked to the state of our planet’s health. Key SDGs such as zero hunger, good health and well-being, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, climate action, life below water, and life on land are fundamentally dependent on healthy natural systems.

The importance of biodiversity 

To improve Planetary Health, we must focus on key areas where we can make the most significant impact. The first of these is biodiversity conservation and restoration.

Biodiversity is the foundation of life on Earth, underpinning our global economy, combating climate change, and sustaining the food systems that nourish the world. Over half of global GDP depends on nature and 70% of low-income people rely directly on wild species. A flourishing natural world can also bring physical and mental health benefits to individuals and communities, with access to green spaces providing opportunities to exercise, spend time in nature and relieve stress.

Yet, we are witnessing an unprecedented crisis: habitats are vanishing, and up to a million species face extinction, threatening the lives and livelihoods of the billions of people who depend on them.

Biodiversity helps mitigate climate change by absorbing over half of the world’s carbon emissions, with forests alone capturing 15.6 tonnes of CO2 each year. When ecosystems like forests and coral reefs are destroyed, their stored carbon is released, worsening climate change. These ecosystems also act as natural barriers against extreme weather, and their loss increases vulnerability to climate disaster.

In 2022 in Montreal, governments struck an unprecedented deal to protect the earth’s precious ecosystems with  an agreement known as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.  This framework, when achieved, will complete the Global Goals by protecting vital habitats, enabling safe global development, and including all stakeholders – notably vital indigenous land stewards – in how we manage these ecosystems and the services they provide.

The Opportunity 

It is against this backdrop that world leaders, scientists, Indigenous leaders, business voices and civil society actors are coming together in Cali, Colombia this week for the United Nations Biodiversity Conference, COP16.

This is the first meeting since the adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework, which lays out 23 targets that aim to stop and reverse biodiversity loss to put nature on a path to recovery for the benefit of people and the planet by 2030 and to be living in harmony with nature by 2050.

This COP presents an unprecedented opportunity to put this plan into action and create tangible results for all life on earth.

The Ambition

World leaders must agree on a concrete plan to implement the Global Biodiversity Framework and ensure we meet the targets that are essential to protecting nature. For this to be successful, we need to see robust monitoring and accountability mechanisms implemented, secure adequate financial resources, centre the voices of Indigenous peoples in decision-making, and harmonise conservation with economic growth. Implementation, accountability and renewed energy are vital to build the momentum we need to go further, faster.

Achieving these ambitious objectives will require the whole of society to work in partnership to prioritise nature. On the fringes of COP16, the first-ever Nature House will welcome guests to interact with a carefully curated programme of intimate events exploring the intersection of nature, biodiversity, climate justice, finance, art and more. A unique convening space, it will bring together thought leaders, activists and creators to learn, challenge, imagine and inspire.

We must hold world leaders accountable to ensure our planet is protected and create healthier, happier lives for both people and wildlife. At this time, where biodiversity loss is just one of multiple threats directly undermining efforts to achieve the Global Goals, the case for putting Planetary Health first is stronger than ever.

Author: Celeste Sangster, Campaigns & Communications Manager at Project Everyone