Faith Leaders Driving Global Biodiversity Action: New Report Released at COP16
Cali, Colombia (21 October 2024) – In conjunction with the opening days of the 2024 United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Cali, Colombia, faith leaders announce the release of a groundbreaking report highlighting the pivotal role of faith-based groups in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
The report, Uniting for Nature: Faiths at the Forefront of KMGBF Implementation, showcases over 25 innovative projects from around the world, demonstrating how faith communities are leading efforts to restore ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and foster environmental care.
"This report showcases the vital role that faith communities play in addressing the biodiversity crisis,” said Gopal Patel, Coalition Co-Coordinator for Faiths for Biodiversity and coauthor of the report. “Their work is deeply rooted in moral and spiritual values, which not only inspire but also mobilize grassroots actions worldwide. As we confront the urgent challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, these voices offer essential solutions grounded in wisdom, compassion, and a profound connection to nature."
With case studies from every region of the world, the report provides concrete examples of how spiritual and cultural wisdom is being translated into effective conservation practices, while aligning with global biodiversity goals.
“Religious communities often excel at coalition-building,” said Rev. Lauren Van Ham, Earth Restoration Coordinator for the United Religions Initiative and coauthor of the report. “They serve as bridges between governments, NGOs, indigenous groups, and local communities. By more explicitly aligning their efforts with the KMGBF, more faith communities can play a crucial role in achieving the framework’s goals.”
COP16 marks the first global biodiversity gathering since the adoption of the KMGBF. With only six years left to achieve the 2030 goals, and with countries’ lagging progress on biodiversity targets, COP16 represents a critical opportunity to assess progress, strengthen commitments, and accelerate action towards halting and reversing biodiversity loss.
A press conference will take place on Tuesday, October 22 at 11:30 AM at the COP16 Press Room and will feature the following speakers:
Rev. Neddy Astudillo; Climate Justice and Faith Certificate Coordinator, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
Ms. Flore Ghetti; Program Coordinator, Soka Gakkai International Office for UN Affairs
Mr. Gopal Patel; Co-Coordinator, Faiths for Biodiversity and Founder, FutureFaith
Mr. Allen Ottaro; Founder and Director, Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa (CYNESA)
Rt. Rev. Bishop Graham Usher; Lead Bishop for the Environment, Church of England and Biodiversity Lead, Anglican Communion
The report was authored by representatives from Soka Gakkai International, the United Religions Initiative, the Bahu Trust and the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. It was supported by Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework – EU Support, implemented by Expertise France.
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For more information
Contact: Wesley Cocozello, Communications Lead
Email: wesleycocozello@gmail.com
About Faiths for Biodiversity
Faiths for Biodiversity is an international coalition of faith-based organizations mobilizing and advocating for strong, ambitious action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Established following the United Nations Summit on Biodiversity in 2020, and leading up to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP15, the coalition is dedicated to advancing the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. You can learn more about our work at https://biodversity.faith.
