From October 21 to November 1, Conserva Aves stood out at COP16 in Cali, Colombia, as a benchmark for biodiversity protection in the Americas. The initiative promoted workshops, strategic meetings and key events, strengthening local capacities and fostering global alliances. Among the most outstanding achievements was its participation in the symposium on protected area connectivity and the panel on innovative financing for conservation. With a focus on local action and global goals, Conserva Aves is moving towards the ambitious 30x30 goal, consolidating its position as a key player in sustainable conservation.
Photo credit: Eliana Fierro / American Bird Conservancy.
Session “Transformational initiatives to fulfill the mission of the Global Biodiversity Framework: Nature Positive”, led by BirdLife International during COP16 in Cali, Colombia.
Cali, Colombia, October 21 to November 1, 2024 – During the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity decisions brought together leaders, experts and organizations from around the world to address global conservation challenges. In this framework, Conserva Aves stood out as a key player in the protection of biodiversity in the Americas, highlighting its innovative approach and its ability to connect local, national, regional and international actors towards a common goal: to conserve nature effectively and sustainably.
With a diverse agenda that ranged from activities in the green zone and blue zone of COP16, Conserva Aves actively participated to connect and share through workshops, strategic meetings and high-impact events on the progress of the Initiative.
One of the most outstanding milestones took place on October 23, Conserva Aves’ national partners in Colombia, Fondo Acción and Asociación Calidris, together with local partner Corfopal, led a workshop on biodiversity monitoring with partner organizations of the Conserva Aves initiative and some grassroots organizations of the Río Cauca Collective. This space strengthened community capacities by providing practical tools for bird monitoring, encouraging active participation in conservation.
The consolidation of alliances was another key focus. On October 24, Conserva Aves participated in the annual meeting of the Bezos Earth Fund, one of the Initiative’s main allies. This meeting provided an opportunity to analyze progress towards the global goal of 30×30 and the contributions made in the Tropical Andes. In addition, challenges and opportunities for strengthening collective territories in the region were discussed.
On October 25, Fondo Acción presented the progress of Conserva Aves at the symposium “Planning, management and governance for the connectivity of protected areas”. This event brought together experts to explore strategies to ensure the effective connection between protected areas and natural landscapes, a central theme for the initiative.
On the same day, a session entitled “Transformational Initiatives to deliver the Global Biodiversity Framework: Nature Positive” was held, highlighting how various conservation actors are implementing innovative approaches to achieve a positive mission for nature. Conserva Aves was prominently represented in this session.
Promoting dialogue and collaboration
Participation in the panel “Regional conservation initiatives and Conservation Trust Funds”, on October 28, allowed Conserva Aves to share its experience and connect with other environmental networks, consolidating its position as a regional reference for conservation. This session discussed how collaboration between environmental funds and conservation organizations can enhance the impact on the protection of vulnerable ecosystems. The panel provided a space to explore innovative financing approaches and highlight the role of environmental funds in ensuring the sustainability of conservation projects.
Two days later, on October 30, a panel discussion was moderated, highlighting the presence of strategic partners such as Padu Franco of the Bezos Earth Fund. This space became a platform to learn about the initiative and hear from national and regional partners about the added value that Conserva Aves brings as an initiative compared to other environmental conservation efforts.
A renewed commitment to communities
Throughout COP16, Conserva Aves actively participated in events organized by local and national partners, reinforcing its commitment to the communities that are at the heart of its mission.
Conserva Aves’ presence and participation at COP16 not only evidenced its ability to lead and articulate global efforts, but also marked a new level of growth and collaboration. In a global context of unprecedented environmental challenges, the Initiative reaffirms that effective conservation is possible through joint, sustainable solutions based on multi-scale collaboration.
With new partnerships forged, renewed objectives and a continued focus on local action, the initiative is moving towards the 30×30 goal, reaffirming its role as a leader in biodiversity conservation in the Americas.
Conservación Aves is the protection of territories of life!
It is an innovative and inclusive hemispheric conservation initiative developed by American Bird Conservancy, National Audubon Society, BirdLife International, Birds Canada and the Latin America and the Caribbean Network of Environmental Funds (RedLAC) to protect areas of exceptional biodiversity value, as well as to promote climate resilience, sustainable development and community well-being. It is supported by the Bezos Earth Fund.
