The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will convene in October – November 2024. It will be the first Biodiversity COP since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at COP15 in December 2022 in Montreal, Canada.
The Crop Trust will be in Cali, Colombia, for the COP16. Find all events we are hosting or taking part in below. We hope to see you there.
EVENTS
MONDAY 21 OCTOBER
From Deserts and Rainforests to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault–Genebanks’ Role in Conserving and Promoting a Sustainable Use of Genetic Resources
🕒 6.00pm - 7.00pm COT
📍Nuqui - Academia & Research meeting room - Plaza One
In the best of worlds, genetic resources would be safeguarded in nature and allowed to thrive and contribute to a sustainable development without risk. However, in reality ex situ conservation is needed to minimize the loss of valuable genetic diversity. But how do we make sure that genebanks are not just seed museums? How do we promote a sustainable use of the genetic resources that genebanks conserve? In this discussion, we share info on how genebanks work and why safety backup of seeds in the Arctic is an important part of the puzzle.
Hosts: NordGen | Crop Trust | ITPGRFA | Alliance Bioversity and CIAT/CGIAR
THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER
Using Agricultural Innovation To Protect Biodiversity
🕒 8.00am - 11.00am COT
📍Future Seeds genebank - International Center for Tropical Agriculture in Colombia (CIAT)
Over the course of the morning, speakers will discuss how sustainable food production can be leveraged to tackle biodiversity loss, climate change, and land degradation including desertification. They will also look into how tools designed for food research and food security such as genebanks can help to restore and sustainably use biodiversity.
This in-person and online briefing combined with breakfast is hosted by the Financial Times in partnership with CGIAR and Crop Trust.
Hosts: Financial Times | Crop Trust | CIAT/CGIAR
Food Systems and Agrobiodiversity: An Intercultural Approach
🕒 12.00pm - 1.00pm COT
📍Colombian Pavillion - Blue Zone
In partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Colombia, this panel will focus on the critical role of agrobiodiversity in transforming food systems, highlighting how diverse crops and varieties contribute to improved nutrition, food sovereignty, and security. Experts will present scientific research and community insights linking crop diversity to better health outcomes, while government and international representatives will explore policy measures that support the preservation of native and creole seeds. Successful case studies from farmers and governments will illustrate practical approaches to achieving food and nutritional security. The panel will also address challenges to increasing agrobiodiversity and identify future actions, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts across sectors to enhance agrobiodiversity in agricultural systems.
Note:
Seating is limited. We recommend arriving early to increase your chances of securing a spot.
Hosts: Crop Trust | Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Colombia