GEO COP16 pavilion

2024 UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16)

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GEO COP16 pavilion

GEO and partners will champion Earth observation at UN Biodiversity Conference

The Group on Earth Observations (GEO), GEOBON, Ai2 and Esri will have a prominent role at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, Colombia, this October. Together, with support from Maxar, they will host a pavilion exclusively focused on Earth observation and cutting-edge technology to support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Located in the Blue Zone, the pavilion will center on the theme "From Genes to Ecosystems”.

During COP16, GEO will introduce a proof-of-concept for the groundbreaking Global Ecosystems Atlas—the world's first comprehensive, open-access resource for mapping and monitoring ecosystems globally.

Visitors to the pavilion will have the opportunity to experience a hands-on demonstration of this innovative tool, which will be officially launched at a COP16 side event on 30 October.

GEO and partners will host a number of other panel sessions and demonstrations of various tools and applications at the pavilion (programme TBA).

Hot topics at COP16

The launch of the Global Ecosystems Atlas at COP16 is especially timely, as government representatives will be in Cali for critical discussions on mechanisms for planning, monitoring, reporting and review of the Global Biodiversity Framework., as part of global efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

Use of the Atlas can also feed into conversations about aligning efforts between the public and private sectors and mobilising financial support for biodiversity conservation and restoration.

Loss of biodiversity could disrupt our planet’s ecosystems, pushing them to the brink of collapse.

When ecosystems are under threat, global efforts to adapt to climate change are also at risk because these ecosystems are the foundational systems that sustain all life on Earth.

Data accessibility is central to GEO’s mission of making Earth Intelligence accessible for all.

For those unable to attend COP16 in person, you can find out more about what COP16 is all about here and follow us for real-time updates on Twitter (#MapEcosystems) and LinkedIn.