The two-week convention, called COP16 – the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity – starts today in Cali, Colombia and will be the most inclusive in its history.

This year’s theme is Peace with Nature. Bringing together scientists, Indigenous communities, business representatives and environment ministers from nearly 200 countries, the summit will drive forward a call to action, urging nations to move away from extractive and unsustainable practices affecting biodiversity.

Professor Margherita Pieraccini and Dr Naomi Millner are joining as observers, on behalf of the University’s world-renowned Cabot Institute for the Environment, observing the negotiations and sharing their expertise in forest and peatland conservation, protected areas governance, acknowledging territorial rights and expertise of Indigenous peoples and local communities, and championing environmental justice.

Dr Naomi Millner, Associate Professor in Human Geography at the University’s School of Geographical Sciences, has been working with members of the Colombian Ministry of Environment, including alumnus Dr Monica Amador, a former research associate at the same school, before the meeting.

Dr Naomi Millner will be hosting one of more than 1,000 public events, including panels, workshops and creative performances, about the vital role of peatlands. Peatlands are among the most carbon-rich ecosystems and in a natural condition they have a cooling effect on climate, reducing flood risk and supporting biodiversity.

Dr Millner said: “Our panel will be exploring how to design climate mitigation measures that not only protect carbon in peatlands but also ensure environmental justice. The discussion will be based on the latest ecological science on peatlands, new social perspectives on 'green grabbing' through emerging carbon markets, and collaborations between scientists and Indigenous and local communities.

"Our message is clear: we need to monitor more than just carbon to achieve healthy and just conservation futures.”

Prof Margherita Pieraccini, Professor of Law at the University of Bristol Law School, will be observing formal negotiations.

Professor Margherita Pieraccini said: “My research in conservation law and governance focuses on the relationship between protected areas and people, so I’m particularly interested in hearing about ways to make further progress in these areas, especially in the marine environment.

“Article 8(j) of the Convention on Biological Diversity, which aims to protect and harness indigenous peoples and local communities’ traditional knowledge, will also come under the spotlight. My work has looked at the role of different knowledge systems in conservation and I am very interested in hearing about the developments related to Article 8(j).”

The summit is the first Biodiversity COP since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in 2022, in Montreal, Canada. Governments will be tasked with reviewing progress of its implementation and demonstrate how their national strategies and action plans align.

Professor Guy Howard, Director of the Cabot Institute for the Environment, said: “I am really pleased that the Cabot Institute for the Environment has secured observer status for the Convention on Biological Diversity on behalf of the University. The world faces a biodiversity crisis and unless we take the urgent action required, the health of our planet and all living things within it – including humans – will deteriorate further. Supporting our academics to attend COP16 to share their science and insights is a clear demonstration of the University’s commitment to biodiversity.”

Dr Alix Dietzel, Associate Director for Impact and Innovation at the Cabot Institute for the Environment, added: “Having observer status gives our experts access to COP16, where they will be able to share their research and make meaningful connections with people from across sectors and all parts of the globe. This is our first biodiversity COP and we’re already planning an event to reflect on the outcomes early next year.”