Watch our webinar: How can businesses play an active role at COP16?
In just over 30 days, representatives from governments, NGOs, civil society, local communities, business, finance and many more will all meet in Cali, Colombia for CBD COP16 (21 October – 1 November).
On 18 September, Business for Nature hosted a webinar on how businesses can play an active role at COP16.
Business for Nature’s CEO Eva Zabey kicked off the session with a rousing call to action to attendees: “Ponte las pilas! (In English: Let’s get moving!) With COP16 just over a month away, now is definitely not the time to slow down!”
On the webinar, businesses heard about how they can contribute to the success of COP16 and received a thorough briefing on practical engagement at COP16 including the current state of play and key messages that businesses should amplify. We also spent some time discussing logistics to navigate the conference seamlessly, including the Blue and Green Zone agendas.
We were pleased to welcome Juan Camillo Pinto Ojeda, Advisor to the Colombian Ministry of Environment on business affairs who highlighted the significant private sector interest and involvement in COP16, with over 1,500 applications for Blue Zone accreditation received from companies. Juan Camillo relayed that the Colombian government is working hard to accommodate strong private sector engagement, proactively creating opportunities for business participation and dialogue in the Blue and Green Zones at COP16.
Turning the tide on nature loss: where we stand today
During the webinar, we were delighted to unveil a new infographic that we have worked on with many of our partners, looking at the progress businesses and governments have made since COP15 to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030.
The headline is that while there are reasons to be hopeful and progress has been made since the adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework (the Biodiversity Plan), much more needs to be done if we are to turn the tide on nature loss this decade.
We have produced an annex with more details on each data point included in the infographic.
At COP16, we need governments and businesses to work together through ambitious and radical collaboration. Governments have a crucial role to play to enable business transformation, by providing direction and a stable environment for change.
Global flow of environmentally harmful subsidies estimated at $2.6 trillion
One of the key data points on our new infographic relates to the global flow of environmentally harmful subsidies (EHS). Updated research reveals that the global flow of EHS estimated at $2.6 trillion a year on, equivalent to 2.5% of GDP. This is a much higher than previous estimates and is accelerating the destruction of ecosystems and species extinction.
Target 18 of the Biodiversity Plan commits governments to identify EHS by 2025 and reduce them by $500 billion annually by 2030. So far, progress to meet this target has been slow.
To accelerate progress and align financial flows towards nature-positive outcomes, governments should reform all EHS and businesses should start assessing their dependencies on EHS and work in collaboration with governments to define transition pathways. Read our recommendations to governments on how to address EHS.
Key messages for businesses to amplify at COP16
Business for Nature Advocacy Director, Maelle Pelisson, reminded attendees of the collective responsibility for businesses attending COP16 to share positive messages through their interventions, including side events, informal discussions and media interviews.
Maelle Pelisson, Advocacy Director, Business for Nature: “We’ve seen at COP15 how a strong and unified business voice can successfully push for greater ambition. And our aim is to achieve the same result at COP16.”
We need businesses and business organizations to amplify two messages:
Demonstrate business action: Leading businesses recognize the risks of nature loss and their responsibility. They are starting to act but voluntary actions are not enough, systemic change and stronger policy action are needed.
Call for renewed policy ambition: Governments must accelerate the implementation of the Biodiversity Plan by adopting policies that drive business action.
Businesses have a vital role to play in calling for the acceleration of implementation of the Biodiversity Plan, as this provides governments with the courage and confidence needed to accelerate implementation and drive further business action.
Sign the Business Statement calling for renewed ambition
Over 180 companies have already signalled their support for accelerated implementation and more ambition on the Targets of the Biodiversity Plan by signing the COP16 Business Statement, which includes five policy asks for governments. This statement remains open for you to add your name until 13 October.
Tips for businesses attending COP16
On the webinar, we shared speaking points and tips that businesses can use to highlight that they are committed to act on nature and are calling for renewed policy ambition on nature. They key is to identify the topics most relevant to your business and which you feel confident talking about. We also shared some do’s (e.g. focus on solutions) and don’ts advice (e.g. pretend we have all the solutions for when you’re amplifying policy messages).
The Business for Nature team will provide a daily business briefings on the ground, on the mornings of October 25 to 29, and will have high-level reactive positions on key negotiation topics.
Our recommendation to businesses looking to engage with COP16, either in person or from afar, is that you focus on engaging and driving the discussions around implementation.
“We need nature as an ally”: Why nature and COP16 are important to Nestlé
We were delighted to hear from Owen Bethell, Environmental Impact Lead Global Public Affairs at Nestlé. Owen explained that Nestlé’s success relies entirely on raw materials grown in nature. Alongside commitments to deforestation and regenerative agriculture, Nestlé supports Business for Nature’s policy recommendations and participates in the biodiversity COPs.
Owen Bethell, Environmental Impact Lead Global Public Affairs, Nestlé: “I think it’s important for you as a company to think about your impacts and dependencies on nature, think about your reporting obligations, then look at COP as an opportunity to help all those things work better for you.”
Practical information for businesses attending COP16
COP16 will be hosted across two main zones: the Blue Zone and Green Zone. The Blue Zone houses the plenary sessions, official side events, official bilateral and multilateral meetings. The Green Zone is outside the main conference area and is designed to encourage the active participation of civil society, NGOs, the private sector and other interested parties.
We are encouraging businesses to prioritize 24 to 30 October, when many of the business-relevant sessions are scheduled.
Check out our dedicated COP16 webpage for more logistical resources and support.
Checklist for all businesses attending COP16
As we approach the final stretch to COP16, here are a few important reminders to ensure you are fully prepared:
Take the time to read our policy recommendations and align with key messages.
Don’t forget to sign our COP16 Business Statement to show your commitment for renewed policy ambition on nature
Join our Business@COP16WhatsApp group
Get familiar with the COP16 agenda and plan your days accordingly to make the most of the events program
Check your registration status to avoid any last minute issues
Have your visa and other essential documents ready in order to facilitate a smooth entry
We’d like to extend a huge thank you to our guest speakers for their time and valuable input and we hope that attendees found this webinar helpful in their preparations for COP16.
“Future generations need us all to show leadership now, to take responsibility now and to take action now for a nature-positive, net zero and equitable world.”