Latin America and the Caribbean at COP 16

What’s at stake for Latin America and the Caribbean at COP16 in Cali?

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At CAF, we are ready for COP 16 in Cali, Colombia!

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CAF promotes a global network of scientists to protect the biodiversity of Latin America and the Caribbean

COP16: biodiversity unites Latin America and the Caribbean

Latin America and Caribbean Pavilion at COP16 'Biodiversity Brings Us Together'

Latin America and the Caribbean is a diverse region that has faced some of the most challenging effects of biodiversity loss caused by climate change. For this reason, at COP16 in Cali, CAF is promoting a unique space with the Pavilion ''Biodiversity Brings Us Together' aiming to facilitate the exchange of experiences, unite efforts, explore collaboration opportunities, and increase the visibility of solutions offered by the countries as a whole.

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ACTION AREAS AT COP 16

Blue Economy

The Latin American and Caribbean ocean holds universal value; in this sense, it can be seen as a globally relevant laboratory, and actions for its conservation and sustainable, responsible use can have an impact on other maritime regions.

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Innovative Financing

CAF promotes sustainable projects in Latin America and the Caribbean with non-reimbursable funds and innovative financing initiatives that offer preferential conditions to projects with environmental goals, aligning financial support with the region’s climate and social commitments.

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Indigenous and Afro Inclusion

CAF promotes the participation of Indigenous women and Afro-descendant communities at COP16 to amplify their voices and perspectives in global policies on biodiversity and sustainable development, reaffirming its commitment to equity, inclusion, and climate justice.

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Know the

Strategic ecosystems

ANTARCTICA

The Antarctic territory, covering 14 million km², is an extreme and unique ecosystem, with limited biodiversity on land but rich marine life.

PATAGONIA

The Argentine and Chilean Patagonia, with dry steppes endangered by fires and humid Patagonian forests in the mountains, faces challenges. The steppes suffer due to livestock farming, and the forests, rich in biodiversity with 84 mammal species, are threatened by invasive species.

MANGROVES

Mangroves, crucial for 70% of marine organisms, provide ecosystem services worth USD1.6 millions annually. In Latin America and the Caribbean, 72% are protected, exceeding the global average of 42% for mangroves in protected areas

PÁRAMOS

Páramos, high mountain ecosystems in the Andes known for their high biodiversity and endemism but also for their ecological fragility, are vital for 85 million people, providing water to cities like Bogotá and Quito.

FORESTS OF TUMBES, CHOCO AND MAGDALENA

The Tumbesian dry forest faces environmental and social threats. The Chocó, rich in biodiversity and endemism, suffers from deforestation. The Magdalena River basin, crucial for Colombia, is experiencing erosion and pollution, impacting its rich aquatic biodiversity and dependent populations.

MATA ATLÁNTICA

The Atlantic Forest, originally covering 130 million hectares in Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, now retains less than 10% due to deforestation. Reduced to scattered fragments, it is one of the world's most threatened biomes according to UNESCO.

MESOAMERICAN BIOLOGICAL CORRIDOR

Connecting natural areas in Central America and southern Mexico, it is essential for species migration. Home to 7-10% of terrestrial species, it requires collaboration with local communities for sustainable conservation.

AMAZON

The Amazon, holding 16-20% of the planet's freshwater and 25% of its biodiversity, along with thousands of species, is experiencing rapid deforestation, affecting all countries sharing this biome. Climate change intensifies forest loss, altering the water cycle and threatening its vital function.

HUMBOLDT CURRENT

The Humboldt Current, rich in biodiversity, ranks Peru and Chile among the top 10 fishing producers. It provides 20% of fish catches and is home to 1000 species. Its high productivity attracts industrial and artisanal fishing, oil activities, and coastal development.

LA PLATA BASIN ECOSYSTEMS

The La Plata Basin, covering 1.2 million km², includes the Pampa, Pantanal, and Gran Chaco ecosystems. It is vital for biodiversity and the local GDP but faces threats like fires and grassland loss.

MESOAMERICAN BARRIER REEF SYSTEM

The Mesoamerican Reef System, spanning 462,000 km², is the second-largest reef in the world, essential for biodiversity and the local economy.

ORINOQUÍA

The Orinoquía is the second-largest neotropical savanna ecosystem, with high biodiversity. However, only 5% is protected and it faces threats from agricultural expansion, mining, unplanned infrastructure, and climate change.

CARIBBEAN SEA

The Caribbean Sea includes coral reefs and mangroves that are essential for biodiversity and coastal protection, but it faces threats from pollution, overfishing, and poorly planned tourism.

CERRADO FORESTS AND SAVANNAS

The Cerrado, the most biodiverse savanna in the world, is key for water and energy in Brazil but faces biodiversity loss due to agribusiness expansion and lack of environmental planning.