Ecosystems hang in the balance as Colombia hosts crucial biodiversity talks

Indigenous peoples, recognised as key guardians of nature, are expected to play a central role at Cop16 – though their demands for more influence and direct funding remain unmet.  © AP - Rodrigo Abd

With a million species on the brink of extinction and 70 percent of global ecosystems degraded, the Cop16 biodiversity summit opens in Colombia on Monday as the window to prevent devastating losses is closing.

Leaders and delegates from 200 countries meeting in the south-western city of Cali are under mounting pressure to protect the planet’s remaining biodiversity.