Colombia’s Minister of Environment, Susana Muhamad, announced her resignation while requesting to conclude her role in the COP16 UN biodiversity negotiations in February. Her resignation coincided with internal political strife, particularly opposition to a controversial appointment within President Gustavo Petro’s cabinet. Numerous unresolved issues await discussion at the upcoming talks, including funding mechanisms for biodiversity restoration.
Colombia’s Minister of Environment, Susana Muhamad, who has held the position since 2022 and presided over the COP16 UN biodiversity negotiations, announced her resignation. In her resignation letter, dated February 8, she requested President Gustavo Petro to allow her to continue in her role until the UN nature talks conclude from February 25 to 27 in Rome.
Muhamad emphasized the importance of concluding COP16, which remains unfinished since last year’s summit in Colombia. She stated in her letter, “I’ve led the complex negotiations in progress and I exercise the role of president (of the COP). Therefore, if you so decide, this resignation could be made effective from March 3.”
Her resignation comes amid opposition to the appointment of Armando Benedetti as Petro’s chief of staff, who has faced serious allegations, including domestic abuse and corruption. Following her vehement objections during a council meeting, Muhamad declared, “As a feminist and as a woman, I cannot sit at this table of our progressive project with Armando Benedetti.”
Veteran biodiversity advocate Oscar Soria noted that while it is likely the Colombian government will retain Muhamad as COP president, her resignation could hinder negotiations. He pointed out that effective diplomatic engagement was crucial in the lead-up to the talks, which have been distracted by Colombia’s internal political turmoil.
In light of Muhamad’s resignation, several other ministers have also stepped down, prompting President Petro to request “protocolary resignations” from all cabinet members. This uncertainty raises concerns about the level of support Muhamad may receive from other Colombian officials when engaging with international counterparts.
The imminent COP16 biodiversity negotiations are set to address critical topics such as financial mechanisms for nature conservation and methodologies to monitor biodiversity restoration, both of which remain unresolved from last year’s discussions. Key among these issues is the disposition of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, where developing nations are calling for alternatives to the current Global Environment Facility management.
Activists emphasize that COP16 is pivotal for determining the future of biodiversity funding, especially in the context of potential cuts to climate and nature projects under the recent U.S. administration. “Countries must give a firm response… reaffirming [their] commitment to protecting biodiversity,” stated Karla Maas from Climate Action Network Latin America, highlighting the necessity for public funding over reliance on private donations for conservation efforts.
In conclusion, Susana Muhamad’s resignation as Colombia’s Environment Minister introduces uncertainty just as COP16 biodiversity negotiations approach. Despite her request to remain until the talks conclude, the political environment in Colombia, marked by recent ministerial resignations and controversies surrounding appointments, poses significant challenges. The upcoming negotiations are crucial for establishing the future of biodiversity financing amid calls for accountability and support for public conservation initiatives.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
