Colombia’s Vice President José Manuel Restrepo has praised President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s leadership in advancing global biodiversity conservation, noting that the Global Biodiversity Alliance has grown to more than 140 members in just over a year.
Restrepo made the remarks on Friday during the opening of the Second Global Biodiversity Alliance Conference and Financing Forum at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) in Liliendaal.
He commended President Ali for bringing countries together to strengthen partnerships and advance conservation efforts.
“President Ali, Colombia thanks you for bringing us together. In little more than a year, this alliance has grown to more than 140 members. And that tells us something: many countries have been waiting for a place where good intentions become partnerships,” he said.
VP Restrepo noted that the alliance’s practical approach is important in ensuring that countries move beyond making commitments at international conferences and focus on delivering tangible results.
The Colombian vice president also commended Guyana’s approach to balancing environmental protection with economic development, noting that the country is demonstrating that conservation and prosperity can go hand in hand.
Restrepo reaffirmed Colombia’s commitment to biodiversity conservation, explaining that the country is working towards protecting 34 per cent of its territory by 2030, having already surpassed its previous 30 per cent target.
Moreover, he highlighted Colombia’s ABC agenda, which focuses on water, biodiversity and communities, linking conservation efforts to the livelihoods and opportunities of its people.
The vice president also outlined several financing mechanisms introduced by Colombia to support conservation, including the country’s first green taxonomy in Latin America, sovereign green bonds and the development of high-integrity carbon markets.