As the global community prepares for the sixteenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) in Colombia, the Ecologic Institute will actively participate in promoting nature-based solutions (NbS), restoration initiatives, and biodiversity finance. With a central theme of "Peace with Nature," this COP is set against Colombia's unique biodiversity and a commitment to amplifying local and indigenous voices.

As the first COP since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (also known as the Biodiversity Plan), COP16 represents a pivotal moment for countries to demonstrate progress on their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). This year's discussions will address critical aspects such as:

• Monitoring and implementation: Developing indicators to measure (local) progress towards the 23 targets of the Biodiversity Plan.
• Financing biodiversity: Mobilizing resources for the $200 billion annual target and addressing equity in nature finance.
• Social dimensions: Emphasizing justice, equity, and indigenous rights in biodiversity conservation.

With the theme "Peace with Nature," the Colombian setting underscores the urgency of biodiversity efforts in one of the most ecologically diverse regions globally. The innovative Green Zone will offer an inclusive space for public engagement (which is the first time in CBD COP history), reinforcing this COP as a "people's COP" focused on community-driven solutions.

Through our strategic projects and active involvement, Ecologic Institute aims to contribute significantly to these discussions, fostering collaborative solutions for nature and people at #COP16Colombia. Below, we highlight Ecologic's activities across three key areas: climate-focused NbS, nature restoration and nature positive economy, and finance for biodiversity.

1. Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Action

The Ecologic Institute has been instrumental in advancing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) as a critical approach to tackling climate change and enhancing biodiversity. Ahead of COP16, our new report, "Bridging Continents: Exploring the State-of-Play of Nature-Based Solutions in the EU and LAC," will be officially launched by the European Commission at the conference. This independent expert report lays the foundation for collaboration between the European Union and the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) regions, emphasizing shared opportunities for NbS deployment. The report aims to strengthen partnerships across continents to deliver meaningful climate and nature outcomes. The launch will take place in the form of a panel session and discussion on 25 October 10-11am (local time) at Universidad ECCI (Green Zone).

Our participation extends to on-site activities, including the INTERLACE project's collaboration with Humboldt Institute, WWF Colombia, and Oppla. A key highlight will be the launch of the Naturaleza Transformativa platform, the CELAC counterpart to Oppla. This new NbS repository will serve as the go-to resource for NbS information in the region, supporting local communities, policymakers, and stakeholders in developing effective nature-based strategies. The launch will take place as a networking event on 26 October 5-5pm at Casa Humboldt (Green Zone), featuring a reception with refreshments.

Additional events include:

• Side Event on Multilevel Governance for NbS: 21 October, 3:30-5:00pm local time, EU Pavilion (hybrid). This session will explore the role of strategic governance in scaling up nature-based solutions, featuring live translation and streaming. Register here for virtual participation. 
• Workshop on Designing NbS with Minecraft: 26 October, 9:30-1:00pm, Casa Humboldt, limited capacity and in-person only. Interactive sessions engaging both children and adults will use creative tools like Minecraft to visualize nature-friendly urban planning.

2. Accelerating Nature Restoration

Restoration will be a focal point at COP16, given the implementation of the Biodiversity Plan and critical to be included in each country’s much needed strategy for the 2030 targets. To restore and protect nature, we also need to transform our economy. Ecologic Institute supports efforts at various global to local scales, thus helping to push forward progress with restoration targets through our projects and partnerships. The GoNaturePositive! project will be represented at the COP, addressing the transformative change needed in global economic systems to achieve the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Events organised by GoNaturePositive and partners include:

• "Bridging Economy and Biodiversity: Collaborative Approaches to a Nature-Positive Future" – 26 October, 11:00pm local time
• "Co-creating a Nature-Positive Economy: from Theory to Practice" – 26 October, 14:30pm

Moreover, to support decision-makers in addressing the challenges and opportunities of ecological restoration, our recently updated policy brief series on Nature Restoration, offers important insights into key issues and implementation options. Originally produced for the last COP as part of our efforts supporting the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, this series remains highly relevant today, providing practical approaches to advancing global restoration goals. In addition, another series of thematic policy briefs on EU Nature Restoration, co-produced with IEEP, has been developed to inform policymakers of the crucial importance of nature restoration, in light of the Nature Restoration Law coming into effect.

3. Financing Biodiversity: Mainstreaming and Mobilizing Resources

Achieving the biodiversity targets set out in the Biodiversity Plan requires substantial financial support. At COP16, critical discussions are expected surrounding biodiversity financing and the integration of nature considerations across sectors like agriculture, energy, and finance. Discussions will address critical topics such as revising environmental subsidies with negative impacts (Target 18), leveraging the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, and ensuring fair and equitable access to resources for indigenous communities. Regarding the latter, practical enactment of this financial support is complicated by national governments that do not support or recognize their indigenous communities.

Biodiversity finance is a key area of our work at Ecologic Institute, addressed among others within the MAINSTREAMING project. During COP16, a spotlight is expected on the role of nature restoration finance in enabling resilient ecosystems and sustainable climate adaptation. Discussions will focus on identifying practical mechanisms to mobilize resources, including Target 19 of the Biodiversity Plan, which aims to secure $200 billion per year for biodiversity. Our efforts emphasize the need for cross-sectoral collaboration and innovative financing models to scale up restoration efforts worldwide.

We will also participate in a panel discussion on 25 October, hosted by the Humboldt Institute and Oppla, focusing on cooperation between Europe and Latin America for biodiversity and people. The event will explore innovative approaches to aligning financial flows with biodiversity conservation goals, providing a platform for stakeholders to discuss investment opportunities and challenges.