In an inspiring event that brought together international thought leaders, government agencies, and civil society representatives, FONTAGRO had the privilege of participating in COP16, held in Cali, Colombia, on October 31st. During an academic session, Digital Communication Specialist Michael Hernández attended two discussions focused on “best business practices in biodiversity conservation and restoration” and “bridging the gaps between biological wealth and socio-environmental vulnerability.”
The event provided an invaluable platform to address the challenges facing biodiversity in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the opportunities for building a sustainable future. During the sessions, emphasis was placed on the importance of biomimicry—a crucial approach that designs solutions inspired by natural processes, adapting business models to new environmental realities.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of integrating communities with academia, promoting the recognition of ancestral knowledge, and expanding access to higher education and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) training in vulnerable regions to empower future generations. Cooperation among communities, governments, and academia is essential, particularly when it comes to strengthening cultural identity and skills in biodiversity conservation and improving the region’s agri-food systems.
A standout feature of COP16 was the tour of the Green Zone, a space encouraging active civil society participation in protecting biological diversity. “I am very proud and honored to work in an organization like FONTAGRO, which is dedicated not only to biodiversity conservation but also to the development and improvement of the agri-food systems in our region, unique in the world,” Michael remarked during the tour.
FONTAGRO’s participation in COP16 reaffirms its commitment to fostering collaborative spaces that support building a more sustainable and equitable future, where innovation and knowledge are essential for conserving natural resources.
Learn more about COP16 on its official site: https://www.cop16colombia.com/es/
The post FONTAGRO participó en la COP16: Un compromiso con la biodiversidad y el desarrollo sostenible de ALC appeared first on FONTAGRO.