Tony Juniper at <a href="https://www.archyde.com/global-climate-action-a-history-of-key-agreements-and-milestones-in-climate-change-conferences/" title="Global Climate Action: A History of Key Agreements and Milestones in Climate Change Conferences”>COP16 in Colombia
Blog by Tony Juniper CBE, Chair of Natural England
The devastating flooding that struck Valencia last week served as a jarring reminder of the extreme urgency during COP 16 in Colombia, sharply contrasting with the discussions centered on biodiversity. As images of rising waters and overwhelmed communities flooded the news, it became evident that the climate and Nature emergency is here, demanding immediate and decisive action.
These striking scenes reinforced the critical notion that halting the decline of Nature, a commitment made by nations during last year’s summit in Canada, is not merely a “nice-to-have” luxury—it’s an essential component of combating climate change and ensuring a robust, secure economy and quality of life for all. The world must recognize that the health of our ecosystems is intrinsically linked to our survival.
I travelled to Cali as a member of the UK delegation and was struck by the palpable optimism permeating the conference atmosphere. While some delegates expressed disappointment regarding the absence of concrete agreements on Nature funding and monitoring, I am convinced that if world leaders return home infused with the ambition and energy they exhibited in Colombia, and channel that towards implementing the commitments made in Montreal for Nature recovery, this COP will ultimately be deemed a success. This shared enthusiasm could rally nations around the urgent task of forestalling biodiversity loss.
This connection between local delivery and the global picture is the critical dimension in my view. During my time at COP 16, I participated in numerous panels and roundtable discussions, where I showcased innovative tools being deployed in England to foster Nature recovery. Among these initiatives are our pioneering Biodiversity Net Gain policy and the transformative Environmental Land Management scheme, which translates traditional subsidies into meaningful payments aimed at reviving our natural habitats. As delegates showed keen interest in these forward-thinking policies, it became clear that sharing solutions and learning from one another is vital for our collective success.
The leadership of the UK on this international stage, represented by our Secretary of State Steve Reed, Minister Mary Creagh, and various senior officials, was particularly commendable. Their presence played a significant role in achieving a breakthrough concerning the sharing of benefits derived from digital sequencing of genetic information. Additionally, the Secretary of State reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to enhancing our 30by30 efforts, outlining plans to overhaul existing criteria and setting a clear path towards realizing this ambitious goal.
The close relationship between the global and the local was underscored shortly after my return, as I attended the launch of England’s inaugural Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) by the West of England Nature Partnership in Bristol. Our international credibility hinges on our ability to demonstrate genuine progress in Nature recovery initiatives. Ultimately, if tangible recovery efforts are not realized locally, they will not materialize anywhere.
Bristol Harbour – © Leanne Penfold
This groundbreaking LNRS aims to unite local communities, businesses, and organizations enthusiastic about catalyzing Nature recovery in a manner that addresses the specific needs of those residing and working in the area. It is poised to tackle pressing issues such as water pollution and flooding while enhancing access to natural spaces for all residents.
If the West of England Nature Partnership can create a ripple effect, inspiring the remaining 48 LNRS across the country, it will serve as a vital catalyst for the broader Nature Recovery Network. This success will not only demonstrate our capabilities to the nation but also signal to our global peers that we can turn ambitious environmental goals into meaningful, lasting change.
**Interview with Tony Juniper at COP16 in Colombia**
**Interviewer:** Tony, thank you for joining us today. You recently participated in COP16 in Colombia, reflecting on the urgent need to recover nature alongside addressing climate change. How did the recent flooding in Valencia influence the discussions at the conference?
**Tony Juniper:** Thank you for having me. The flooding in Valencia was a stark reminder of the climate crisis we’re facing. It emphasized that the decline of nature isn’t just an environmental concern—it’s an emergency that affects communities directly. At COP16, these visuals were a backdrop to our discussions on biodiversity, highlighting the urgent need for action.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned optimism among the delegates at COP16 despite some disappointments regarding agreements on funding. What do you believe led to this optimism?
**Tony Juniper:** The optimism stemmed from a shared awareness of the critical interdependence between biodiversity and climate change. While there may not have been concrete agreements on nature funding, the energy and ambition displayed by the delegates were palpable. If leaders can channel this enthusiasm back home, we could see significant steps towards implementing the commitments made at last year’s summit in Montreal.
**Interviewer:** You highlighted several innovative tools from England aimed at fostering nature recovery. Can you tell us more about these initiatives?
**Tony Juniper:** Certainly! One notable initiative is our Biodiversity Net Gain policy, which ensures that any development results in an overall increase in biodiversity. Additionally, our Environmental Land Management scheme transforms traditional farming subsidies into financial incentives aligned with ecological restoration. These tools have sparked interest among delegates, showing that sharing successful solutions is key to our collective progress.
**Interviewer:** What message do you believe is crucial for nations as they move forward from COP16?
**Tony Juniper:** My message is clear: the health of our ecosystems is intimately tied to our survival. Nations must recognize that halting nature’s decline is not an optional luxury but a necessity. By embracing collaborative efforts and innovative policies, we can spur a global movement to combat biodiversity loss and, ultimately, secure a sustainable future for all.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Tony, for your insights and for your ongoing commitment to fostering nature recovery.
**Tony Juniper:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing these vital issues.
