Translated by Andrés Martínez
At the end of January, the Colombian capital presented its candidacy as the host city for the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the most important global summit on biodiversity. The application was submitted to the Secretariat of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, as well as to the Colombian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Environment and Sustainable Development.
That Bogotá emerges as the ideal city to welcome over 12,000 attendees to the discussions on issues and decision-making to implement measures against climate change is due to its unique environmental wealth comprising 124,000 hectares of green areas and highland ecosystems, as well as having the best logistical capabilities and serving as the country's foremost gateway.
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"The COP16 is one of the most significant biodiversity events that Colombia has undertaken on the international and environmental fronts, and Bogotá is up to this great challenge. Not only do we have the largest and best-equipped physical space in the country, but our strategic location allows us to carry out the summit with the smallest possible carbon footprint," stated Sandra Borda, International Relations Counselor for Bogotá
The capital's bid to host the COP16 conference represents an opportunity for Colombia, the Metropolitan Region, and Bogotá as a whole to assert themselves as leaders in the global environmental arena.
This summit will not only bring representatives from national and subnational governments to the Colombian capital city but will also see delegates from the business and financial community, prominent members of the academic and scientific fields, spokespersons for indigenous peoples, local communities, and youth representatives in attendance.
Being the venue for this event not only underscores the city's ability to host international conferences but also reflects the firm commitment of its inhabitants and authorities to biodiversity conservation and the adoption of sustainable practices.
Taking place over nearly two weeks, from October 21 to November 1, the event will be a crucial forum for agreeing on plans, strategies, and objectives focused on biodiversity preservation. Furthermore, it will enable Bogotá and the country to enhance international cooperation towards ecosystem conservation, especially of highland ecosystems, which are strategic for water sources and carbon dioxide levels control.
Among the other reasons why it is essential for the capital to host this conference are becoming a hub to attract investments related to green and sustainable technologies, being an attractive destination for scientists, researchers, and environmental professionals, and participating in conservation projects in the Global South while positioning ourselves as a leading country in fulfilling the 2030 Agenda.
The dream of Bogotá hosting COP16 is not solely tied to the City Hall; it is a shared initiative involving the City Council, academia, social organizations, and the private sector. Undoubtedly, this is an unparalleled opportunity for the country and the capital, with the official announcement expected this week.
Check out this post from the Mayor, Carlos Fernando Galán, where he explains why Bogotá is the capital of biodiversity:
Bogotá está lista para ser la sede de la COP16 del Convenio de Biodiversidad. Ninguna otra ciudad tiene nuestra riqueza ambiental, nuestra infraestructura y nuestra gente. #BogotáEsCOP16pic.twitter.com/Ded8oqhTCc
— Carlos F. Galán (@CarlosFGalan) February 10, 2024
