The 16th UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, Colombia, 21st October-1st November, is a pivotal meeting where international leaders and environmental advocates are working to address biodiversity loss. Building on the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), this year’s theme, “Peace with Nature,” highlights the urgency of harmony between human activity and the natural world. Faith communities are playing a significant role, bringing a moral and ethical perspective to the negotiations.
The Faiths for Biodiversity coalition, a multifaith network encompassing Catholic, Anglican, Buddhist, Indigenous, and other spiritual traditions, has emerged as a leading voice at COP16. This coalition emphasizes that biodiversity is not just an environmental issue but a moral obligation intertwined with social justice. Faith leaders are advocating for concrete actions on biodiversity, pushing for governmental accountability and calling for Indigenous leadership in conservation efforts. Alexandra Goossens-Ishii from Soka Gakkai International, a Buddhist organization, underscores the importance of aligning biodiversity initiatives with Indigenous knowledge and ethical conservation practices, recognizing the spiritual connection many Indigenous groups hold with the land. Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, emphasized, “Environmental justice is not just a matter of policy but a spiritual and moral responsibility. We are called to address these interconnected crises with urgency, rooted in faith, to ensure a future where all of creation can thrive.”
Representatives from the UK and Ireland are also active in faith-based advocacy at COP16. Irish Catholic groups, such as the Columban Missionaries, alongside UK-based Anglican representatives, support biodiversity as an extension of their spiritual duties. The Columbans, led by Amy Echeverria, have called for an “ecological conversion,” inspired by Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’, which links biodiversity preservation with caring for the vulnerable, highlighting the connections between environmental and social justice.
The Anglican Communion prioritizes biodiversity conservation through initiatives like the Communion Forest, a project dedicated to reforesting local habitats globally. Additionally, the UK-based charity Wild Card has advocated for the Church of England to allocate land specifically for conservation and rewilding efforts, showcasing the Anglican commitment to local ecological restoration.
Faith-based organizations at COP16 emphasize that biodiversity conservation must be ethical, addressing human rights concerns and rejecting practices like biodiversity offsetting, which could inadvertently harm natural habitats. Through the Faith Hub at COP16, the coalition organizes multifaith events promoting ethical environmental stewardship and highlighting the interconnectedness of all life. A notable example is the event hosted by A RochaA Rocha is an international Christian organization focused on environmental conservation. Its name comes from the Portuguese word for “the rock.” Founded in 1983 in Portugal, A Rocha works to promote biodiversity, protect ecosystems, and foster sustainability, often working closely with local communities. The organization integrates faith with environmental stewardship, emphasizing creation care from a Christian perspective. A Rocha operates in multiple countries, engaging in practical conservation projects, scientific research, environmental education, and community-based initiatives. More International, “Green Muscle Memory: Addressing Global Challenges,” sharing transformative stories of experiential environmental education worldwide.
The faith-based presence at COP16 reinforces the view that biodiversity loss is not only an ecological issue but also a deeply moral one. Leaders from diverse faith backgrounds are united in advocating for a comprehensive approach to biodiversity that considers social, ethical, and spiritual dimensions. This collaboration among governments, faith groups, and Indigenous communities can form a powerful foundation for tackling biodiversity loss and implementing the KMGBF’s goals. Faith communities are dedicated to ensuring that the conference’s outcomes prioritize accountability, ethical conservation, and the collective well-being of both humanity and the natural world.