World leaders, environmental activists, and researchers have gathered in Cali, Colombia, for the COP16 UN biodiversity summit, which is anticipated to play a crucial role in addressing the declining wildlife populations worldwide. The summit officially begins this evening and aims to be the most inclusive event of its kind.

Colombia's government has prioritized inclusivity, seeking to amplify the voices of citizens, Indigenous peoples, and local communities in the biodiversity dialogue. As the summit welcomes representatives from 190 countries and an expected 15,000 attendees, the emphasis is on collaborative action for the preservation of global flora and fauna.

The Colombian administration is committed to enhancing the role of Indigenous communities in ecosystem protection, recently announcing plans for Indigenous-led environmental authorities. While some Indigenous leaders have expressed skepticism about the promises of inclusivity, they also see potential in the proposed initiatives.

A central feature of COP16 is the "green zone," a dedicated area for civil society, the private sector, and the general public to engage with biodiversity topics. This zone will host a range of events, including panels, workshops, and cultural performances, from October 21 to November 1.

COP16 marks the first global gathering focused on biodiversity since the Kunming-Montreal agreement in 2022, where world leaders made significant commitments to protect nature. However, concerns remain about the implementation of these pledges, as many countries have yet to release their nature action plans, and funding for conservation falls short of the necessary targets.

Experts warn that ecosystems are nearing critical thresholds, with wildlife populations in rapid decline due to deforestation, pollution, and climate change. COP16 represents a vital opportunity for global leaders to transform ambitious commitments into actionable strategies that safeguard the planet's biodiversity.