Delegates from across the Pacific gathered at the Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC) in Samoa for the Pacific Preparatory Meeting ahead of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD Pre-COP16). The meeting, which runs from 9 to 14 September 2024, aims to assess regional progress on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and prepare Pacific nations for COP16.
The session opened with remarks from the Hon. Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Pose Salesa Schuster. In his speech, he highlighted the region’s rich ecosystems and the pressing need for action to ensure their protection. “The Pacific region is home to some of the most diverse and unique ecosystems in the world. These ecosystems are not only vital for the survival of countless plant and animal species, but more importantly for the livelihoods and well-being of our people and cultures,” the minister said.
He also emphasized the importance of moving beyond planning, calling for immediate steps toward the implementation of the GBF targets, which include the conservation of 30% of global ecosystems and the mobilization of financial resources to support biodiversity efforts. “We have done most of the planning but are lacking fit-for-purpose technical and financial resources to implement these plans,” Schuster stressed.
One of the key issues raised was the slow pace of aligning National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) with the GBF, with only Vanuatu having reportedly completed this alignment. Schuster pointed out that while the Pacific had strongly advocated for the GBF, regional progress has been lagging. “It poses an important question: Why is it not happening quick enough for us when we advocated for this in the GBF?” he asked, urging delegates to focus on practical outcomes at COP16.
The meeting also discussed ways to increase engagement with external partners, including the private sector and philanthropic groups, to secure technical and financial support. Schuster encouraged Pacific countries to make the most of opportunities at COP16, noting that participation should lead to actionable results at home. “Let us stop using the global meetings as junkets, but make sure you take something back that you and your country can immediately implement,” he urged.
Delegates will continue to work on aligning their national strategies with the global framework and explore partnerships to accelerate implementation during the meeting.
