Within the framework of COP29, a high-level dialogue was held on the topic “Expanding knowledge exchange between conventions to ensure the stability of ecosystems” organized by the “Rio Trio” initiative of Colombia, Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia.
Oku.AzAccording to information provided by Umayra Taghiyeva, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, she highlighted that the problems of climate change go beyond borders and areas, and their solution requires coordinated work in all the Rio conventions.
“To achieve success, we must not work in isolation, we must coordinate our efforts across all conventions to find joint solutions,” said U. Taghiyeva.
According to him, the joint work of all the “Rio” conventions shows that the union of efforts allows us to achieve more.
The Deputy Minister emphasized the need to create ways of sharing information that respect the unique role of each convention while ensuring seamless integration.
“This platform must have clear and common metrics and indicators to track progress on climate, biodiversity and land restoration. By harmonizing our methods across conventions, we can avoid duplication, simplify accountability and ensure that our efforts support each other,” he said.
U. Taghiyeva also highlighted the importance of taking into account the knowledge of local people and communities.
“By incorporating their ideas into our information systems, we can deepen our knowledge. This approach ensures that solutions are not only technically correct, but also practically relevant,” emphasized the Deputy Minister.
“Our problems are big, but our opportunities for action are also huge. By harmonizing the way we share knowledge, we can contribute to better policymaking, greater accountability and stronger partnerships,” concluded U. Taghiyeva.
Then Tatiana Roa Avendaño, Vice Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia, spoke.
According to him, the “Living Planet” report for 2022 showed a threatening level of biodiversity loss on our planet.
“More than a million species are threatened with extinction, mainly due to habitat destruction and climate change.
We are talking about a triple environmental crisis, some even call it a civilization crisis. More than 50% of the world’s GDP depends directly on natural resources and ecosystems. Therefore, it is extremely important to act together to overcome this crisis,” Avendaño highlighted.
He noted that indigenous peoples and communities play a key role in managing healthier areas in Colombia in protecting biodiversity.
“We have things to learn from them,” said the vice minister.
According to Avendanyo, the last biodiversity conference in Cali, Colombia, managed to ensure the broad participation of indigenous and afro-rural peoples. He highlighted the need for a synergy between the protection of biodiversity and the fight against climate change.
“Ensuring a livable climate and protecting biodiversity are the main objectives that help each other. The progress made at COP16 in this direction gives hope for future success,” concluded the vice minister.
For his part, the representative of Saudi Arabia, director general of the National Center for Plant Cover, Khalid bin Abdulla Al-Abdulqadir, stated during his speech:
“Our journey to the COP began in Canada, where we were united by a shared commitment to conservation. Today we are in Baku to support actions to benefit people, nature and the climate. Our trip will end in Riyadh, where we will be discussed ways to increase resilience to drought and land degradation.
Khalid bin Abdulla Al-Abdulqadir emphasized that this meeting demonstrates the power of cooperation, which is the cornerstone of any progress.
“Alone we can achieve little. Together we can achieve transformative change.
In this spirit, Saudi Arabia, together with Colombia and Azerbaijan, presented the “Rio Trio” Declaration, which strengthens the commitment to radical cooperation for the future of the planet. “Land is fundamental for both biodiversity and climate action, and it is our duty to use this fundamental resource to support much-needed synergies,” he said.
The representative of Saudi Arabia added that the country plans to increase the momentum of the “Rio Trio” Declaration by defining a credible agenda at the event to be held in Riyadh from December 2 to 13, 2024.
“Our objective is clear: to develop a comprehensive business plan and a dynamic communication strategy that ensures sustainable collaboration and measurable impact,” said Khalid bin Abdulla Al-Abd al-Qadir.
Special attention will be paid to the participation of non-state actors to support the implementation of the agenda. Saudi Arabia hopes for high-quality, effective measures that triple the benefits of land, nature and climate.
“This mission is ambitious, but together we can achieve what none of us can achieve alone. I call on everyone to guide the agenda of the Rio Trio with us,” concluded the representative of Saudi Arabia.
Rufina Abdullayeva
