The United Nations biodiversity conference, COP16, is currently underway in Cali, Colombia, with a focus on addressing the rapid loss of biodiversity worldwide.

Despite a historic framework established at COP15 in Montreal two years ago, progress has been slow, with only a fraction of the 196 signatory countries delivering on their action plans.

The conference, attended by around 23,000 delegates, is under heavy police protection due to threats from the EMC guerrilla group.

Colombian Environment Minister Susana Muhamad emphasized the urgency of increasing funding to protect nature, as current efforts fall short of the $20 billion target needed by 2025. The meeting faces the challenge of resolving nearly 1,500 disagreements in a 300-page draft document, requiring intense negotiations to meet the November 1 deadline.

Despite the daunting task, there is hope that focused efforts can reverse the decline in biodiversity.