The United Nations Biodiversity Conference is currently unfolding in Cali, Colombia. This year’s theme is Peace with Nature.
With one million species under the threat of extinction, representatives of 196 countries, Indigenous leaders, climate activists, scientists, youth, and faith organizations (including the Maryknoll family) are convening to address the global biodiversity crisis.
The previous conference held in Montreal ended with the historic 30x30 Biodiversity Plan to conserve 30% of the earth’s land and waters by the year 2030. The conference in Cali must now produce concrete national plans and international funds to implement this plan.
Pray
O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey toward your infinite light. - Pope Francis, Laudato Si’
Study
Read our Biodiversity Conference two-pager to learn more!
Maryknoll participants at the conference are advocating for the protection of environmental defenders, the leadership of Indigenous and local communities, the implementation of the 30x30 goals for conserving biodiversity, the combined efforts of mitigating climate change while restoring biodiversity, and the assurance of adequate funding.
Act
You can participate in the protection of 30% of land and water by 2030 with individual actions!
- Plant native plants in your garden and yard, and remove invasive species that overtake natives.
- Conserve water by being aware of your usage and limiting what you can.
- Organize community initiatives to do the same – talking to your school, parish, and town to broaden conservation efforts.
Share our Biodiversity Conference two-pager with others!
Photo of Maryknoll Sister Margaret Lacson, Maryknoll Sister Dee Smith, and Maryknoll OGC Integral Ecology senior program officer Lisa Sullivan at Cali, Colombia UN Biodiversity Conference.
