Colombia's Minister of Environment Susana Muhamad addresses delegates at COP16
On October 23, 2024, Colombia's Minister of Environment, Susana Muhamad, put forward a comprehensive action plan to protect biodiversity by 2030 at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16). The plan tailors the six national targets to Columbia’s specific environmental and social context and incorporates 191 actions aimed at reversing biodiversity decline over the next five years.
One of the key goals of the Biodiversity Plan is to expand the percentage of the national territory under environmental protection from the current 24 to 34 percent. The protected environment covers terrestrial areas, inland waters, and coastal marine zones. It is also pointed out that Columbia will develop bio-economy greatly, increasing its share of GDP from the current 0.8 to 3 percent by 2030, an economic transformation that is expected to create 500,000 jobs. By promoting sustainable use of biodiversity, Colombia hopes to integrate nature conservation into its broader economic framework, reducing reliance on extractive industries that have contributed to environmental degradation.
According to Muhamad, an estimated 76.5 trillion pesos ($19.4 billion) will be required by 2030. A significant focus of the plan is the restoration of 19 million hectares of land that are on the verge of losing their ecological integrity and converting 5 million hectares to sustainable production. Columbia's government expects to mobilize at least 23,000 people to participate in it, with specific responsibilities assigned to 15 public departments.
For companies going to Colombia, the country's increasing focus on biodiversity conservation offers new opportunities for cooperation in the sustainable development industry. At the same time, companies should continue to pay attention to adjustments in the country's laws and regulations in the field of biodiversity conservation, in order to minimize compliance risks and better win the trust and support of the local government and people.
Picture Source: COP 16