Source: DTE
Context: COP16 to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) secured a landmark agreement on biodiversity funding, committing $200 billion annually by 2030 to conservation efforts.
- A major outcome was the launch of the Cali Fund, ensuring fair benefit-sharing from genetic resources used in industries like pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
About Cali Fund:
- What is the Cali Fund?
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- A global financial mechanism designed to ensure equitable benefit-sharing from digital genetic resources.
- Ensures that industries using biodiversity-based genetic data contribute financially to conservation efforts.
- Origin & Launch:
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- Proposed during CBD COP16 discussions in Cali, Colombia (2024).
- Officially launched at CBD COP16 in Rome (2025) as part of the biodiversity finance agreement.
- Aim of the Cali Fund:
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- Compensate Indigenous communities and developing nations for their role in preserving biodiversity.
- Secure long-term biodiversity financing from industries benefiting from genetic resources.
- Support conservation initiatives and global biodiversity targets under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
- Implemented by: United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and international stakeholders.
- Key Features of the Cali Fund:
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- Fair Benefit-Sharing Model: Industries using genetic data for commercial products (pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, agriculture) must share profits for conservation.
- Support for Indigenous Communities: 50% of the Cali Fund’s resources will go to Indigenous groups, recognizing their vital role in protecting biodiversity.
- Long-Term Sustainable Financing: The fund will generate revenue through access-and-benefit-sharing (ABS) mechanisms, ensuring continuous financial support for biodiversity conservation.
- Global Tracking & Accountability: Governments must report biodiversity financing progress using updated KMGBF indicators.
- Preparation for COP17 (Armenia, 2026): The first global biodiversity finance review will assess fund utilization and impact at COP17.
