Before the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, Minister of Environment Susana Muhamad and David Cooper, acting Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), unveiled the image and slogan of COP16, scheduled for October 2024 in Colombia.
The image, inspired by the Inírida flower, an endemic species to Colombia, embodies the 23 UN biodiversity goals outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, alongside representations of Colombia’s 13 prioritized ecoregions as per the National Development Plan.
The message of COP16 in Colombia is ‘Peace with Nature’, signaling a call for reflection to mend our relationship with the environment and reconsider an economic model that prioritizes extraction, overexploitation, and pollution of nature.
Ratifying her leadership in biodiversity and climate conversations, Minister Susana Muhamad, accompanied by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, presented Colombia’s COP16 logo and the ‘Peace with Nature’ message to the United Nations Environment Assembly.
“We are unveiling the official logo of COP16 in Cali, featuring the Inírida flower, representing the message of ‘Peace with Nature’, encapsulating the unique themes of biodiversity. The Inírida flower, endemic to Guainía, never wilts; its petals remain intact. We hope COP16 in Colombia can guide the world towards peace with nature, ensuring the sustainability of life on the planet indefinitely.”
The Inírida flower, a symbol of resilience, was chosen as the emblem for COP16, representing Colombia’s commitment to biodiversity. Comprising the 23 global goals of the Kunming-Montreal framework and Colombia’s 13 ecoregions, the flower embodies reconciliation, joy, and unity, echoing Colombia’s readiness to host the most significant environmental event in its history.
David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the CBD, praised Colombia’s choice of logo. “I want to congratulate Minister Susana Muhamad, the Colombian government, and the city of Cali for their energetic efforts in hosting COP16. The eloquent logo featuring the Inírida flower symbolizes Colombia’s beauty and diversity. Under the theme of ‘Peace with Nature’, COP16 will unite the world to promote and support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.”
‘Peace with Nature’, the message Colombia will convey to the world, recognizes existing imbalances, urging a shift away from extractive practices that exploit nature and towards a harmonious relationship between humans and ecosystems.
The COP16, scheduled for October 21 to November 1, 2024, in Cali, Colombia, marks a pivotal moment for global biodiversity conversations. Supported by the Colombian government and local authorities, the event presents a unique opportunity to showcase the country’s environmental richness and diversity, promoting sustainable development and enhancing the well-being of its citizens.
