UN Biodiversity Summit: Colombian city launches 'Green Zones' for community engagement
The city of Cali, Colombia, has opened a series of public "Green Zones" to encourage citizen engagement in the global conservation conversations on the sidelines of the UN Biodiversity Summit (COP16).
These zones, stretching across 350,000 square metres, are designed to foster community participation and include local voices in the COP16 negotiations.
Head of Mobilisation and Participation for COP16 and an advisor to the Colombian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Renzo Garcia, highlighted the significance of this initiative.
"The 'Green Zone' is a space dedicated to communities, allowing various groups, including social movements, to present their proposals and initiatives for biodiversity conservation," he explained to the AFP. This is the first time in COP history that such a public space has been created specifically to connect grassroots efforts with international negotiations.
The "Green Zones" span from downtown Cali to the city's eastern and southern regions, bringing the ongoing discussions closer to everyday citizens. In addition to showcasing local conservation initiatives, these zones provide a platform for cultural exchange and environmental education.
Indigenous leader Lilia Linares, from the Murui community, expressed hope for a greener future. "Working hand in hand with all sectors of society, we hope that in the near future, we can make everything green again," she said.
Artist Maria Ruiz, who creates art using recycled plastic, believes the summit marks a turning point. "I believe there will be a before and after. This event will influence people to be more responsible for the environment and biodiversity. I think this is the best thing that has happened in Colombia," she said.
The 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity is taking place from October 21 to November 1, 2024.
