Cali, Colombia – The Honorable Trevor Manemahaga, Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology of the Solomon Islands, delivered impactful remarks at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) held in Cali, Colombia.
This crucial event brings together global leaders to address the pressing challenges of biodiversity loss and sustainable development.
The CBD was signed by 150 government leaders at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, aiming to promote sustainable development through the conservation of biological diversity. Recognizing that biodiversity encompasses not just plants, animals, and microorganisms but also the ecosystems that support human life, the Convention emphasizes the integral role of a healthy environment in ensuring food security, clean water, and overall well-being.
In his address, Minister Manemahaga highlighted the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), emphasizing their stewardship over vast marine and terrestrial ecosystems. He called for urgent support to expedite the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM GBF), stressing that the world is at a critical juncture where immediate action is necessary.
He urged nations to take decisive action against pressing environmental issues, advocating for a comprehensive approach that involves all sectors of society, adding that the empowerment of Indigenous Peoples is crucial and emphasized the importance of supporting Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) in biodiversity initiatives, advocating for direct access to financial resources and capacity-building efforts.
Minister Manemahaga also made mention of Alignment of Knowledge Systems and called for the integration of indigenous and traditional practices with scientific approaches to foster effective and sustainable conservation strategies.
The Minister underscored the necessity of timely, predictable, and accessible financial resources to fulfill obligations under the Convention and support the KM GBF and the Programme of Work on Island Biodiversity.
The Minister told delegates of the conference that the Solomon Islands has taken significant steps by revising its 23 targets under the Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework and updating its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. This initiative demonstrates the nation’s commitment to addressing biodiversity loss and enhancing environmental sustainability.
Honourable Mahaga concluded his remarks by standing in solidarity with fellow Pacific Island Ministers, emphasizing the collective responsibility to protect the planet’s biodiversity and advocate for meaningful implementation of global frameworks.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology
