Astrid Schomaker Appointed as Executive Secretary of CBD

The United Nations' appointment of Astrid Schomaker as the next executive secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) marks a significant step forward in global biodiversity conservation efforts. With extensive experience in sustainable development and environmental diplomacy, Schomaker brings valuable expertise to her new role. Her leadership will be pivotal in driving progress towards the implementation of the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) agreement.

The upcoming COP16 biodiversity summit, scheduled for October 21 to November 1 in Cali, Colombia, presents a critical opportunity to accelerate efforts to protect 30% of the world's terrestrial and ocean areas by 2030. At the summit, countries will be tasked with submitting revised National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) outlining their commitments to biodiversity conservation.

One of the key challenges facing the summit is addressing the substantial financing gap hindering biodiversity conservation efforts. With an estimated $800 billion financing gap, there is an urgent need to mobilise additional financial resources to support conservation initiatives. Achieving targets set at $20 billion per year by 2025 and $30 billion by 2030 for biodiversity-related funding from developed to developing countries is essential for scaling up conservation efforts.

Schomaker's leadership will play a crucial role in galvanising international cooperation and securing the necessary resources to drive progress towards biodiversity conservation goals. Her appointment signals a new chapter in global biodiversity conservation, offering renewed optimism for the future of our planet's precious natural resources. As the world prepares for the COP16 summit in Cali, there is a collective commitment to taking bold action to safeguard biodiversity for future generations.‍

Read more here.