Denmark at COP16: A public-private push for global biodiversity action

Never has the private focus on biodiversity been greater. Representing the largest Danish business delegation ever at Biodiversity COP, 26 Danish corporates across production, finance and consultancy alongside business organisations will be present at the United Nations’ COP16, taking place from 21 October – 1 November in the Colombian city of Cali.

The Danish stakeholders will showcase innovative solutions and tangible tools, taking part in events and knowledge-sharing, with the purpose of fostering new partnerships with global leaders and organisations in the global battle against loss of biodiversity.

Danish Industry and State of Green organises the delegation in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Gender Equality, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Danish Embassy in Colombia. Denmark’s Minister for Environment of Denmark, Magnus Heunicke, will be present during the final days of negotiations.

Biodiversity action through public-private partnership

The range and diversity of participants from the private sector reflect the growing focus on biodiversity and the active involvement of Danish companies in the global effort to protect nature. The delegation, which includes manufacturing companies, financial institutions, consultancies, NGOs, and business organisations, represents the largest business delegation ever to attend a biodiversity COP.

“Danish companies and financial institutions are dedicated to delivering through business models and cooperation on a global scale. No company and no country can deliver on its own. Cooperation between companies and governments is imperial. Therefore, I am proud to see so many companies and organisations join forces to change the path for biodiversity and societies”, says Karin Klitgaard, Director, Danish Industry.

In Denmark, the biodiversity crisis is recognised as a challenge on par with climate change. Denmark has a strong tradition of tackling environmental challenges through public-private partnerships. The government’s 14 Climate Partnerships, and more recently the Danish Biodiversity Partnership, are prime examples of Denmark’s approach to driving tangible action by engaging industry. This approach leverages the strengths of government, businesses and civil society to create innovative solutions to complex problems, including biodiversity loss. At COP16, Denmark’s delegation will aim to demonstrate how public-private partnerships can help drive biodiversity action globally.

“Denmark’s experience with public-private partnerships has shown that when we unite the strengths of government, businesses, and civil society we can address complex environmental challenges. By aligning interests of all sectors, we can create powerful alliances capable of delivering innovative and scalable solutions. At COP16, we aim to showcase how this collaborative approach can foster global biodiversity action, driving meaningful change that benefits both nature and society”, says Finn Mortensen, Executive Director, State of Green.

Addressing the biodiversity crisis is imperative

The world is experiencing unprecedented biodiversity loss, threatening ecosystems that provide essential services such as food, clean water, and climate regulation. The rapid loss of biodiversity, driven by habitat destruction, climate change and over-exploitation, poses a significant risk to both nature and the global economy.

COP16 provides a crucial platform for governments, businesses, and civil society to accelerate efforts to halt biodiversity loss and promote sustainable use of natural resources. Denmark’s delegation, comprised of public and private stakeholders, aims to contribute to these global efforts by sharing expertise, tools and solutions for integrating biodiversity considerations into business operations and addressing scope 3 emissions.

The Danish delegation will explore opportunities for collaboration with international partners, with a focus on sharing knowledge and fostering partnerships that can drive the global transition towards more sustainable ecosystems. Denmark’s participation at COP16 underlines the country’s commitment to contributing to global biodiversity goals, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to protect 30% of the world’s land and marine areas by 2030.