Youth Reflections from COP 15 in Montreal

The week of December 18th, 2022, three EarthEcho International Youth Leadership Council members (Cameron Armstrong, Mina Adabag, and Amanda Sun) joined Sean Russell and Mia DeMezza in Montreal for the UN Conference on Biological Diversity (COP15). Speaking about OceanEcho 30x30 and youth activism at the Nature Positive Pavillion, they connected with EarthEcho partners to progress the mission of protecting 30% of lands and waters by 2030. 

Concluding on December 19th, COP15 resulted in the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). This landmark agreement aims to guide global action to protect nature through 2030, addressing biodiversity loss, ecosystem restoration and conservation, and Indigenous Rights. This meeting coincided with the Conference of Parties Meeting of Parties to continue negotiations for the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, which deals with allowing states to regulate the international movement of GMOs.

The GBF consists of four overarching goals and 23 targets to be achieved by 2030. The full text can be viewed here. 

Cameron, Mina, and Amanda took some time to reflect about their experiences at COP15.

"The opportunity to meet with global leaders with such diverse perspectives was invaluable. As one of the few members under 18, I witnessed the hope and strength young voices inject into legislating and change-making. These large processes are not equitably accessible, so I was eager to bring my experiences back with me to my community in Minnesota." - Mina

"I am feeling incredibly grateful to have witnessed the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Though this landmark framework is an exciting first step, we must continue to push for more ambitious and rights-centred environmental action in order to protect people and nature. 

COP15 was a humble and inspiring reminder of the frontline environmental work being done by young folks across the world. I am feeling so lucky to have the privilege of sharing space, ideas, knowledge, and support with fellow young environmental leaders working to advocate and create progressive environmental action." - Cameron

"This experience was eye-opening. I am so grateful I got to meet activists, youth, elders, and people from all walks of life united under the shared goal of protecting our homes and planet. I’m excited to bring these experiences back with me to my communities in California, New Hampshire, and the YLC. 

I also recognized that many of these international processes took place under Westernized frameworks that excluded many communities from being represented, especially those closest to both the issues and solutions. This experience made me more committed to local conservation, which is why EarthEcho’s water challenge is so important. Change must be made in our communities. - Amanda

For more information on COP15, visit the UN Environment Programme: https://www.unep.org/un-biodiversity-conference-cop-15