Montreal, 7 December 2022 (TDI): The opening ceremony of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Bio-Diversity took place on Tuesday.
The ceremony was held in Montreal, a city in Canada. The Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau welcomed the delegates from around the world to the COP15.
About 20,000 delegates from almost 200 countries are gathering for two weeks to negotiate an eight-year plan to preserve and restore biodiversity during COP15.
Also read: COP15: Sustainable solutions & investing in land restoration imperative
Notably, the presidency of Cop15 is given to China’s Environment Minister; Huang Runqiu. United Nations (UN) biodiversity head; Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, and Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the UN Environment Program also attended the ceremony.
Remarks by Justin Trudeau
The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau addressed the opening ceremony of COP15. He urged the countries to set a target to conserve 30% of Earth for nature in the final agreement.
In this vein, Trudeau added, “We have not chosen that 30% number at random. It is the critical threshold to ensure our food and economic security and to prevent extinction.”
The Prime Minister pledged C$350 million in funding for biodiversity conservation efforts. The fund will go to developing nations and the future implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
Remarks by António Guterres
The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres also addressed the opening ceremony.
While calling out the nations, Guterres stressed, “Humanity has become a weapon of mass extinction and governments must end the orgy of destruction.”
“We want our children to learn responsibility yet, our land, water, and air are poisoned by chemicals and pesticides. What example are we setting when we ourselves are failing this basic test?” he continued.
“The deluded dreams of billionaires aside, there is no Planet B for us. No excuses. No delays. It’s time to forge a peace pact with nature.” Guterres concluded.
Also read: Building a shared future for all life on earth
It is pertinent to note that Canada’s pavilion will showcase Canadian action and leadership on biodiversity conservation, and amplify the voices of Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth during COP15.
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