Fiji’s commitment to global biodiversity preservation was reaffirmed during a high-level meeting with the CBD COP President, Colombian Minister Susana Muhamad. Environment and Climate Change Minister, Bulitavu, alongside Lead Negotiator Dr. Sivendra Michael, engaged in crucial discussions aimed at securing ambitious financial commitments essential for protecting ecosystems worldwide, particularly in light of the upcoming resumed COP-16 sessions in Rome.
Central to the talks was the pressing need for increased and accessible financing for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which face the harshest impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss. Minister Bulitavu emphasized that securing biodiversity financing is vital for the survival of SIDS, closely linked to food security, economic resilience, and cultural identity.
Bulitavu stated, “For Pacific SIDS, biodiversity is more than conservation—it is survival. If we fail to mobilize resources at the scale and speed required, we risk losing not just ecosystems, but entire ways of life.”
Fiji’s delegation also underscored the importance of establishing a dedicated biodiversity fund by 2030, highlighting its necessity to complement existing financial frameworks such as the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) rather than duplicating efforts.
As the COP-16.2 sessions are set to reconvene from February 25-27, Fiji remains a staunch advocate for a results-driven approach and enhanced accessibility of funds for developing nations. The nation aims to achieve significant outcomes aligned with the targets set forth in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
This meeting not only demonstrates Fiji’s leadership role in global biodiversity discussions but also highlights the urgency and importance of collaborative funding strategies to combat climate change and preserve ecological integrity.
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