New dates set for COP15, United Nations Conference on Biological Diversity

Photo credit: Ryan Brown/UN Women

The crucial upcoming United Nations Conference on Biological Diversity (COP15) will now take place in October and early next year, rather than only in October, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN announced on Wednesday.

The conference, where leaders will have the opportunity to set audacious targets that protect our common home, will be held virtually from 11-15 October and in-person from 25 April to 8 May 2022 in Kunming, China.

Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Executive Secretary for COP15, underscored on Thursday the need for world leaders to unite and protect our common home during the two upcoming meetings.

“Addressing the challenge of halting ongoing losses of species and genetic diversity and the damage to our ecosystems will determine the well-being of humanity for generations to come,” she said in a news release.

People of goodwill around the world are advocating for strong protections to come out of the highly-anticipated meetings by signing the “Healthy Planet, Healthy People” petition.

Already, thousands have signed the petition that calls on world leaders to “ensure equitable global action, including support for those most affected,” and “protect and respect human rights, including the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in climate and biodiversity action,” among other asks.

Read & sign the “Healthy Planet, Healthy People” petition today and tell world leaders how they should care for God’s creation. 

Now, ahead of COP15 and the UN Conference on Climate Change in November, is our time to unite and tell world leaders what kind of future we want to build together. Sign the petition today.

WATCH: Why you should sign the “Healthy Planet, Healthy People” petition

More about the “Healthy Planet, Healthy People” petition

• 5 reasons to sign the “Healthy Planet, Healthy People” petition
• Celebrating Indigenous Peoples, and leaving no one behind