Colombia Hosts COP16: A Global Push for Conservation

Colombia is hosted the United Nations Biodiversity Conference COP16 (Conference of the Parties), a key decision-making body under international environmental treaties, with the goal of protecting the world’s flora and fauna.   The COP brought together countries that are signatories to these treaties to discuss and negotiate actions to address global environmental issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development. The COP meetings are critical platforms for setting global targets, sharing progress, and agreeing on measures to protect the environment.

Colombia was chosen as host for the COP16 due to its rich biodiversity and its significant role in global conservation efforts. As one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, Colombia is home to a wide array of ecosystems and species, including the critically endangered cotton-top tamarins that Proyecto Tití works to protect. Hosting the COP provided Colombia with a platform to showcase its commitment to biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and climate action. It also allows Colombia to highlight successful conservation programs, like those led by Proyecto Tití, and to engage the international community in collaborative efforts to protect the country’s unique natural heritage. We are so proud of how cotton-top tamarins were featured prominently in many of the presentations and exhibit booths in the green zone area, a space dedicated to exploring land related exhibitions on innovative technologies, networking, restoration efforts and inclusive activities for all segments of society.