COP16 | Cali, Colombia | October 21 to November 1, 2024.
Environmental Market Fairness Foundation (EMFF), actively participated in the recent United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16), held in Cali, Colombia.
Throughout the summit, we engaged in key meetings and presented a holistic approach to promoting biodiversity financing mechanisms from Latin America, aligned with the transition toward integral ecology.
Bilateral Meeting with Oxford University (IERN) and EcoCitizen
On October 22nd, we had a meeting with Oxford University’s Integral Ecology Research Network (IERN) and EcoCitizen in the Academic and Research Organization Room, with the notable participation of Hon. Emilce Cuda, Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
Attendees included our Executive Director, Patricio Lombardi; Fr. Peter Rožič SJ, IERN Director; EcoCitizen Chairman Salvatore Coppola-Finegan; and our Executive Coordinator, Mayra Berezowski, among others.
The meeting focused on the principles of Pope Francis’s encyclical “Laudato Si’”, which calls for protecting our common planet and addressing environmental degradation through an integral ecology lens. During the meeting, we explored strategies to promote dialogue and cooperation in capacity-building and knowledge transfer to strengthen biodiversity conservation initiatives.
Side Event: Positive Action for Nature through Biodiversity Credits
On October 23rd, in the Conservation International / Inter-American Development Bank pavilion, we co-hosted an event titled “Catalyzing Positive Action for Nature through Biodiversity Credits: A Holistic Latin American Approach.” Moderated by Alex Saer, CEO of Cercarbono, this event brought together notable figures, including Hon. Emilce Cuda; Sara Présiga Romero of EcoRegistry; Patricio Lombardi; and Fabio Arjona of Conservation International Colombia.
During the panel, we explored the potential for biodiversity credits as an innovative financing mechanism to protect ecosystems in Latin America, a region of exceptional biological richness.
Panelists highlighted the need for an inclusive approach, engaging local communities, governments, the private sector, and international organizations, to support conservation practices that benefit both nature and society.
Emilce Cuda emphasized, “To advance biodiversity conservation, we must revive the value of life. The Holy See’s method is social listening and dialogue, calling for creativity instead of imposition.”
Our Executive Director, Patricio Lombardi, also noted that fifty percent of global biodiversity resides in Latin America.
“Latin America’s resources—minerals, biodiversity, and forests—are unique. Organizations must recognize this region’s strategic and intrinsic value in addressing the global environmental crisis with fairness and transparency.”
The event highlighted a shared commitment to catalyzing collaborative efforts that integrate ethical and environmental principles, fostering positive and sustainable change.
Through these activities, we reaffirm our dedication to biodiversity conservation and the development of fair environmental markets in a region crucial for global sustainability.
As our Executive Director, Patricio Lombardi, states: “Biodiversity is the ‘operating system of nature,’ the engine of life.”
Our involvement in COP16 reinforces our role in advancing Articles 11 and 12 of the Paris Agreement, and it bolsters our mission to continue building bridges for justice and equity in environmental markets.
Catalyzing Positive Action for Nature through Biodiversity Credits: A Holistic Approach from Latin America
COP16 | Conservation International Pavilion – Blue Zone | Cali, Colombia | October 23, 2024.
On October 23rd at 11:30 am (COL), Environmental Markets Fairness Foundation (EMFF) will participate in the panel «Catalyzing Positive Action for Nature through Biodiversity Credits: A Holistic Approach from Latin America», organized by Cercarbono and Conservation International. This session will take place at the Conservation International Pavilion – Blue Zone, COP 16, in Cali.
This panel, featuring international experts, presents a valuable opportunity to discuss strategic topics such as the role of partnerships in financing conservation, the impact of biodiversity credits in achieving global goals, and the involvement of local communities in ensuring project success. Additionally, the discussion will explore opportunities in the emerging market of biodiversity credits and highlight early projects in the region.
Our Executive Director, Patricio Lombardi, will address the importance of consolidating biodiversity credit projects in Latin America, with a strong emphasis on integrity as a cornerstone for success. He will also discuss the pathway to decarbonization, the role of national and local governments, and collaboration with multilateral organizations. Moreover, Patricio will delve into strategies for positioning the region as a united block and the importance of capacity building to increase engagement and action towards global environmental objectives.
The event will also feature notable participants such as Emilce Cuda, Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, Fabio Arjona, Vice President of Conservation International in Colombia, Sara Présiga Romero, Director of Strategy and Communications at EcoRegistry, and Alex Saer, CEO of Cercarbono, who will moderate the panel and share his insights on establishing an international standard.
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