October 29, 2024
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat launched the CARICOM State of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) Implementation and Achievement Report, on Thursday, 24 October at the 16th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) underway in Cali, Colombia.
While incremental progress, influenced mainly by national circumstances, has been observed by individual countries, the report reveals many persistent challenges facing Member States as they implement biodiversity-related MEAs. Several of the challenges identified are general issues which confront developing countries, while others are Region-specific problems that require focused attention.
“The launch of this report highlights the progress which could be realised only through a broad alliance of people, governments, civil society, and the private sector. We hope that, the information can help to generate solutions that will integrate cross-sectoral activities to achieve the future we want for the Caribbean Community, and contribute to a world living in harmony with nature,” stated Amrikha Singh, Programme Manager, Sustainable Development at the CARICOM Secretariat.
As the Caribbean Hub of the Capacity Building relating to Multilateral Environmental Agreements in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Countries Project (ACP MEAs), the Secretariat, along with partner organisations – the European Union (EU), the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – have been promoting urgent action at the highest levels. Such initiatives directly support strengthening environmental governance and MEAs that will help to safeguard the Community’s natural resources.
The review’s analytical approach will also help to provide a status update on the achievements and assessment of reporting by MEAs in Member States, as well as a framework for ongoing capacity development assessments. The expectation is that this information will be used to generate the necessary ongoing discussion and support at the international level on safeguarding biodiversity resources at the national and regional level.
The publication of this report is a critical step in effective environmental monitoring via data acquisition, processing, and reporting on key criteria. Its global relevance is reflected in its alignment with the goals, targets and indicators of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
COP16, which is being held under the theme ‘Peace with Nature’, is the first meeting of the Conference of Parties following the adoption of the KMGBF in 2022. As focus now turns to implementation, Governments will review the progress made in translating the global framework into national strategies and plans.