Statement by the Nature Champions Network at the resumed sessions of COP16

We, the Nature Champions, have come to the resumed sessions of COP16 to work with all Parties to the Convention on Biodiversity toward accelerating efforts to meet the objectives outlined in the the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Through our collective actions, we seek to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity and achieve our shared vision of living in harmony with nature.

With this in mind, we:

• Are encouraged by the positive decisions we achieved at COP16, including the expanded role for Indigenous Peoples and local communities in protecting biodiversity, as well as the operationalization of a new global mechanism to share benefits from the use of digital genetic information.
• Acknowledge the urgent need to increase financial and non-financial resources from all sources to support KMGBF implementation and conserve biodiversity, particularly in line with the commitments made under the KMGBF finance targets.
• Reiterate our commitment to mobilizing at least US$200 billion per year by 2030, including US$20 billion by 2025 and US$30 billion by 2030 in international biodiversity finance to support the implementation of national biodiversity strategies and action plans.
• Welcome progress by the private sector and other key actors to mobilize financial resources from all sources for nature, helping us to achieve our collective mobilization goal.
• Work toward ensuring that biodiversity finance is delivered in a way that meets the needs of, and is accessible to, developing countries in the most efficient manner.
• Reiterate the importance for the effective implementation of the KMGBF of adopting decisions on the monitoring framework, as well as on planning, reporting on, and reviewing the implementation of the KMGBF.
• Support efforts by the CBD and its Secretariat to strengthen coordination with other international organizations and processes, ensuring a joint response to interconnected global crises as we prepare for the Climate COP30.
• Commit to keep amplifying good practices, including financial and non-financial contributions from all stakeholders, that support the rapid implementation of the KMGBF.

We remain focused on raising international awareness and building understanding of the critical role biodiversity plays in the health and well-being of our citizens, in addressing climate change, and in achieving many of our socio-economic goals. Nature Champions will continue to nurture collaboration and partnerships between developed and developing countries, as well as with Indigenous Peoples and local communities.