I'm here at COP16 in Cali, Colombia, the UN Biodiversity Conference, known as the "Nature COP"where nations have gathered to tackle one of the greatest challenges of our time: the urgent need to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
It’s a privilege to work alongside cross-party MPs and global leaders, joining forces to ensure that the world’s ecosystems, wildlife, and natural resources are protected for generations to come.
This conference is a call to action for policymakers and leaders worldwide to prioritise nature at the highest level. Biodiversity is the backbone of a healthy planet. It supports everything from clean air and water to food security and climate resilience. However, our natural world is facing unprecedented threats, and the need for ambitious, effective, and coordinated action has never been more pressing.
At home in the UK, we have a unique opportunity to ensure this is put into law through the Climate and Nature Bill (CANBill). This groundbreaking piece of legislation, which I am proud to have introduced to Parliament, would lock in the ambition to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030, setting legally binding targets to protect and restore our natural landscapes, habitats, and wildlife.
Passing the CAN Bill would position the UK as a global leader in biodiversity conservation, showing our commitment not only to addressing climate change but also to preserving our ecosystems and biodiversity.
The CAN Bill could also drive positive change with, encouraging sustainable agriculture, responsible land use, and habitat restoration on a large scale. It’s a chance to build a greener, more resilient future where nature thrives alongside communities, where people have greater access to green spaces, and where we take collective responsibility for the planet’s health.
COP16 provides a unique platform for these discussions. By collaborating with MPs across party lines, we’re sending a message that biodiversity is not a partisan issue; it’s a universal imperative.
The knowledge and ideas shared at this conference will be instrumental in shaping how we approach nature conservation in the UK and beyond.
Let’s keep pushing for the CAN Bill and ensure that the UK’s commitment to biodiversity goes beyond words. Together, we can halt nature loss and create a legacy of restoration and respect for future generations.