Hey there, nature lovers! 🌍✨ Big news just dropped from the UN COP16 Nature Summit in Colombia! Nearly 200 countries gathered in the vibrant city of Cali and made a groundbreaking agreement on Saturday. They've hashed out how companies in industries like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics should pay up when they use genetic information drawn from our planet's amazing biodiversity in their R&D. 💊💄
This isn't just small change—we're talking about a move that could generate billions (yes, billions!) of dollars for nature conservation. 💰🌳 Half of these proceeds are set to flow directly to Indigenous peoples and local communities, recognizing and supporting their crucial role in safeguarding our natural world.
From super-nutritious rice bowls 🍚 to those stylish stone-washed jeans you love 👖, genetic data from nature powers a ton of products we use every day. Enzymes from microbes, plant genes, you name it—they're the unsung heroes behind the scenes!
And that's not all. On Friday, before this epic agreement, countries also decided to create a permanent body for Indigenous and local communities. This means these vital voices will have a direct line to officially consult on UN nature decisions. Plus, there's a special shoutout recognizing the role of Afro-descendant communities in conservation. ✊🏾🌿
This all ties back to the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework agreement, aiming to halt the rapid decline of nature by 2030. It's a big step toward a greener, more inclusive future! 🌱🌎
So next time you pop on your favorite jeans or enjoy a hearty meal, remember the incredible natural genetic resources—and the communities—that make it all possible. Let's celebrate and support this exciting move toward sustainability and inclusion! 🙌❤️
Reference(s):
UN nature summit agrees on payments for use of genetic information
cgtn.com
