Focus on Arts and Ecology

The “war on nature” manifests through deforestation, pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change, driven by industrialization, overconsumption, and unsustainable resource extraction. This high-level thematic ministerial dialogue discussed how sustainable development can only be achieved through peace among people, peace between people and nature, and respect for human rights.

Astrid Schomaker, CBD Executive Secretary, repeated the words of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, spoken in 2020, stating that humankind is at war with nature, and this war is relentless and suicidal. She said it is urgent we go beyond action and into fundamental transformation of our economy and the ways we live. She stressed that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Paris Agreement on climate change, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) provide a clear roadmap on what needs to be done—and what is needed is for leadership to rise to this challenge.

Moderator Matthias K. Boehning, Secretary General, International Society for Human Rights (ISHR), congratulated the COP theme “Peace with Nature,” saying we cannot achieve sustainable development without taking care of nature and societies, and that Parties had gathered here to celebrate life in all its forms.

COP 16 President María Susana Muhamad González highlighted Colombia's journey from 60 years of armed conflict to a focus on peace and environmental issues. She noted the war significantly impacted biodiversity and fueled illicit economies and activities that worsened the conflict. She said that as the peace process advanced, Colombia began to recognize that using nature to restore affected regions aligned with its climate commitments and could rebuild communities. Muhamad also emphasized the need to shift from a culture of debt to one of solidarity and peace among nations.

Astrid Puentes Riaño, UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, welcomed the dialogue, which she recognized as potentially uncomfortable, but necessary. She emphasized that war and illegal activities are some of the main challenges to implementation of the right to a healthy environment. She emphasized that making peace with nature is crucial for respecting human rights and achieving societal goals, including reducing emissions and reallocating the trillions spent on war to tackle the triple planetary crises. Riaño praised Colombia’s transitional justice process for recognizing nature as a victim of conflict, and facilitating a better understanding of its impacts and promoting accountability among all Parties involved.

One Party noted that the origins of war on nature are often rooted in a battle against hunger, poverty, and disease, in a desire to bring people a higher quality of life. Several Parties underscored the links between resource scarcity and conflict, emphasizing the need for restorative action towards living in harmony with nature. Some noted that successful biodiversity protection can only occur in a peaceful environment, and that peace relies on a healthy planet. They also highlighted that a healthy environment is essential for food security and nutrition, which in turn are prerequisites for peace.

Several Parties and observers emphasized that peace with nature requires alternative economic models of development. One observer called for a change from an economic order of markets to and order of care, based on communal values and human rights. One Party highlighted the need for a behavioral change framework which encourages mindful consumption of resources instead of mindless overconsumption, and another said that economic transition needs to be just, or not at all.

Parties and observers welcomed the Declaration of the World Coalition for Peace with Nature, especially for its role in elevating environmental justice. Several Parties and observes noted that marginalized communities suffer the worst consequences of the war on nature, and many advocated for greater inclusion and participation of all stakeholders in decision-making, including women, youth, Afro-descendants, farmers, and Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs).

Several Parties and observers argued peace with nature means peace with Indigenous Peoples, who have been living in harmony with nature for millennia. Parties and observers demanded the creation of a subsidiary body on Article 8(j) for Indigenous Peoples at the CBD, noting that effective participation is key to advancing transformational change. One Party noted that reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is not optional, but rather essential for bringing together the peace and nature agendas.

Parties and observers also noted how women are disproportionately affected by war acts, and called for an end to gender violence, and the effective implementation of the CBD’s Gender Action Plan.

One party shared their struggles with human-wildlife conflicts and steps taken towards peaceful coexistence.

Moderator Boehning summarized that a new societal consensus around transformation is needed, and that consensus is only possible with the maximum inclusion of people.

In closing remarks, Muhamad summarized the key points that emerged from the dialogue, and noted that, although Parties did not yet have answers, they have started the conversations necessary to continue in this path.

Organizer: COP 16 Presidency
Financial support: German Cooperation
Contacts: prensa@minambiente.gov.co
For more information: https://s3.amazonaws.com/cbddocumentspublic-imagebucket-15w2zyxk3prl8/1be7a0af2f2448237948c3d16fa98765