Biodiversity preservation advocacy led by MIT team endorsed at UN Biodiversity Convention, 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16)

Biodiversity preservation advocacy led by MIT team endorsed at UN Biodiversity Convention, 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16)

Unleashing MIT's Might at COP16: Forging Equitable Markets and Technological Solutions for Biodiversity Conservation

For the very first time, MIT stormed the global Conference of the Parties for the Convention on Biological Diversity, held from October 21 to November 1 in sunny Cali, Colombia. This year's COP16 was a significant presence for MIT, with no less than 10 delegates gracing the event, hailing from various departments, including the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative (ESI), the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), and the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS), among others.

Previously, MIT faculty had been sporadic attendees at the discussions. But this time, guided by the mighty ESI, an organized MIT front took center stage, showcasing the Institute's vast research being applied in more than 15 events, ranging from panels and roundtables to keynote presentations across the Blue and Green Zones. And for the students accompanying the group, it was a rare learning experience, watching the negotiations unfold and partaking in side events.

The gathering drew attendees from various sectors, from governments and nongovernmental organizations to businesses and fellow academic institutions, all assembled to halt global biodiversity loss and advance the 23 goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), an international agreement adopted in 2022 to guide global efforts for biodiversity protection and restoration through 2030.

MIT's influence was particularly potent when addressing goals related to building coalitions of sub-national governments, technology, and AI for biodiversity conservation, shaping equitable markets, and informing an action plan for Afro-descendant communities.

Building coalitions of sub-national governments

The ESI's Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) Program took center stage, bolstering two Latin American city coalitions—the Coalition of Cities Against Illicit Economies in the Biogeographic Chocó Region and the Colombian Amazonian Cities coalition—to sign declarations in support of specific targets of the KMGBF (targets 11, 12, 14). This was achieved through thoughtful roundtable discussions and presentations, where academics like Marcela Angel, research program director at the MIT ESI, and students such as Silvia Duque and Hannah Leung from the Master's in City Planning program participated.

Technology and AI for biodiversity conservation

In an era where data, technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) play a crucial role in understanding biodiversity and ecosystem change, the MIT community has been at the forefront of this technological frontier. Professor Sara Beery's research group at MIT focuses on leveraging AI to enable species and environmental monitoring at previously unimaginable scales. Beery led a panel discussing how AI advancements would help humanity achieve biodiversity targets, emphasizing the importance of innovative AI, human-AI partnerships, and policies ensuring equitable access and benefits from these technologies.

Shaping equitable markets

At a side event co-hosted by the ESI and CAF-Development Bank of Latin America, researchers presented their study titled "Voluntary Carbon Markets for Social Impact: Comprehensive Assessment of the Role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) in Carbon Forestry Projects in Colombia." The report highlighted the structural barriers hindering effective IPLC participation and suggested a conceptual framework to assess IPLC engagement in voluntary carbon markets.

Stemming from the global carbon market's credibility crisis since 2023, the report's findings are crucial, as carbon forestry projects continue to expand rapidly within Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and local communities' territories. The future lies in assessing relationships between private actors and IPLC and proposing pathways for equitable participation.

1. The MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative (ESI) aimed to unite sub-national governments for biodiversity conservation by bolstering city coalitions in Latin America.
2. The ESI's Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) Program participated in roundtable discussions at COP16 in Cali, Colombia.
3. Marcela Angel, research program director at MIT ESI, and students Silvia Duque and Hannah Leung from the Master's in City Planning program were part of the ESI's roundtable discussions.
4. Professor Sara Beery's research group at MIT leverages artificial intelligence (AI) for species and environmental monitoring.
5. Beery led a panel discussing AI advancements and their potential in achieving biodiversity targets at COP16.
6. AI partnerships, innovative AI applications, and equitable access to these technologies were emphasized in the panel.
7. MIT researchers co-hosted a side event with CAF-Development Bank of Latin America to discuss voluntary carbon markets and the role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) in carbon forestry projects.
8. The jointly presented report highlighted the barriers hindering effective IPLC participation in carbon forestry projects.
9. The study suggested a conceptual framework to assess IPLC engagement in voluntary carbon markets.
10. The credibility crisis of the global carbon market since 2023 necessitates assessing relationships between private actors and IPLC and proposing equitable participation paths.
11. Equity, climate change, and sustainable living were essential themes Discussed in multiple articles and reports shared during MIT's presentations.
12. In addition, the impact of technological advancements like renewable energy and energy efficiency on climate change mitigation was a key topic at the COP16.
13. MIT faculty and students highlighted the potential of entrepreneurship in nurturing creative solutions to climate-change challenges in the intersection of finance and environmental-science.
14. The emerging field of cybersecurity was touched upon in connection to safeguarding essential data required for effective resource management in a changing climate.
15. Leaders from various industries, including interior design, cooking, and fashion, contributed their insights on adopting sustainable practices and advancing sustainability-oriented initiatives.
16. MIT faculty and students across various departments demonstrated their commitment to creating public awareness about climate change and the need for urgent action.
17. The MIT community actively engaged with the public, regularly publishing articles, reports, and opinion pieces in well-respected journals and online platforms.
18. The Institute's dedication to learning, research, and innovation in sustainability was evident throughout the COP16 discussions and events.
19. MIT's input into policy-making during COP16 was instrumental in promoting biodiversity conservation through informed decision-making and the development of proof-of-concept projects.
20. By emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in their efforts, MIT sought to ensure that its research and solutions benefit all sectors of society.
21. The discussions at COP16 showcased that effective sustainability practices necessitate collaboration between different disciplines, including engineering, science, and social sciences.
22. Sustainable living was addressed not only in environmental contexts but also in lifestyle, outdoor living, food, and home improvement.
23. Fashion and beauty, food and drink, and housing industries were challenged to recognize the environmental impact of their operations and to shift towards sustainable practices.
24. MIT's presence at COP16 encouraged cooperation between the academic community and the industries involved in conservation and sustainability.
25. Climate-change projections were presented to expand students' understanding of the complex real-world connections between their learning and global societal challenges.
26. The opportunity offered students a hands-on experience in engaging with strategies designed to combat climate change and secure a sustainable future.
27. Students were encouraged to become future leaders in the sustainability field, applying their knowledge to innovative projects that promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable living.
28. An increased focus on data-and-cloud computing in the new policy landscape was identified as an opportunity for emerging industries seeking sustainable solutions at the intersection of technology and environmental science.
29. Data analysis utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) could significantly contribute to monitoring climate change, supporting informed decision-making, and tracking global C02 emissions.
30. The use of technology in healthcare, environmental conservation, and resource management was highlighted throughout the COP16 discussions.
31. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning were considered as potential tools to understand complex ecosystems and their relationships better.
32. Healthy cooking and lifestyle were crucial aspects of sustainable living, with a growing focus on ingredients, diet, and physical activity for optimal health.
33. Sustainable choices in home-and-garden, home-improvement, and baking were discussed as ways to promote lower carbon footprints and reduce waste.
34. Beverage choices also play an essential role in the sustainability discourse, with consumers being encouraged to make eco-friendly decisions and support eco-friendly brands.
35. Love and family dynamics could also be influenced by sustainability: Couples and families were encouraged to embrace green living through shared values and practices.
36. Small businesses seek guidance on how to integrate sustainability practices to improve their operations and compete in the future market while adhering to ethical principles.

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