2024-11-02 15:12:00
On the occasion of the provisional end of the 16th World Nature Conference (COP16) in Cali, Colombia, the environmental protection organization WWF Austria criticizes the lack of important resolutions, particularly regarding the financing of species protection. “This is a bitter disappointment. While biological diversity is massively declining and our livelihoods are threatened, politics lacks the ambition and consistency to make real progress,” says WWF expert Joschka Brangs. “We call on the international community to quickly present solutions to all important open questions. Anything else would be a declaration of political bankruptcy.”
In Colombia, states were unable to agree on how international funds for biodiversity conservation will be distributed in the future. However, financing is central to the globally fair implementation of the World Wildlife Agreement, which is intended to halt and reverse the loss of species and ecosystems by 2030. Also, no decision could be made on the so-called “Monitoring Framework”, which is necessary to measure the states’ achievement of goals for the International Agreement on Nature. This leaves it unclear whether the planned inventory will even be possible at the next COP17.
Global loss of nature
The “Living Planet Report” from the WWF shows that globally surveyed populations of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish have declined by 73 percent since 1970. “This is an alarm signal for the dramatic state of nature,” warns Joschka Brangs. “The food security and health of billions of people directly depend on intact ecosystems. If they disappear, we humans will also face a life-threatening crisis.”
There is also a great need for action in Austria: Currently, over 80 percent of the FFH-protected species and habitat types are not in a favorable conservation status and only 14 percent of the rivers are ecologically intact. In addition, 90 percent of the original moor areas have already been destroyed. The strong soil sealing and urban sprawl in the landscape also have a particularly negative impact. “The future federal government must launch a nature conservation offensive and increase funding for the important biodiversity fund,” demands Joschka Brangs from the WWF.
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**Interview with WWF Expert Joschka Brangs on the COP16 Conference Outcomes**
**Host:** Welcome, Joschka Brangs, expert from WWF Austria. Thank you for joining us today. You’re recently back from the 16th World Nature Conference in Cali, Colombia. There has been some strong criticism from your organization regarding the resolutions made at the conference, particularly around financing for species protection. Can you elaborate on that?
**Brangs:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the outcomes of COP16 were indeed disappointing. We were hoping for substantial commitments from the international community to address the ongoing loss of biological diversity. Instead, what we saw were vague resolutions that fail to address the urgent need for funding in biodiversity conservation.
**Host:** What specific issues did you see regarding funding that are vital to these discussions?
**Brangs:** A major concern is the lack of agreement on how international funds will be allocated for biodiversity efforts. Funding is essential to ensure that countries can implement sustainable practices effectively and conserve biodiversity. Without clear mechanisms and commitments, we risk a further decline in ecosystems and species that are already under threat.
**Host:** You mentioned that political ambition is lacking. What do you believe is needed from the political leaders to change the current situation?
**Brangs:** Political leaders must demonstrate genuine commitment and resolve. We need ambitious targets and coherent strategies that tackle the root causes of biodiversity loss. The international community must come together to present solutions and provide the necessary funding to support conservation efforts. Anything less would signify a failure to act on one of the most pressing issues of our time.
**Host:** Do you think the conference brought any potential for future progress despite these shortcomings?
**Brangs:** While the outcomes were not what we hoped for, the dialogue itself is crucial. It brings together nations and highlights the urgent need for action. I remain hopeful that ongoing discussions and advocacy will lead to concrete actions and commitments in the near future.
**Host:** Thank you, Joschka, for sharing your insights with us today. We hope to see progress in addressing biodiversity issues soon.
**Brangs:** Thank you for having me. Let’s continue to advocate for our planet.
