Unlocking the Power of Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (CGF) is a leading international philanthropic organization that has long been at the forefront of addressing the critical environmental challenges facing our world. As the global community gathers in Cali, Colombia, for the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16), the Foundation is poised to make a significant impact by expanding its commitment to climate action and biodiversity preservation.
Embracing a Holistic Approach to Environmental Stewardship
For the first time, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation will have a prominent presence at COP16, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of its sustainability-focused initiatives. Historically, the Foundation has concentrated its efforts on marine and coastal ecosystems, but this year’s COP16 will see an expansion of its approach to include critical habitats in terrestrial and freshwater environments as well.
This broader commitment reflects the Foundation’s unwavering mission to promote sustainability and a thriving natural world. By recognizing the intricate interconnections between climate, biodiversity, and community well-being, the CGF is positioning itself as a key player in the global movement to protect and restore the Earth’s precious ecosystems.
Unveiling the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity: A Beacon of Hope and Inspiration
Alongside its renewed focus on biodiversity protection, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation will also use the COP16 platform to announce the launch of the 2025 edition of the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity. This prestigious €1 million award recognizes and supports exceptional individuals, groups, and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the fight against climate change and the preservation of biodiversity.
The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity is more than just a financial award; it is a testament to the power of innovation, scalability, and real-world impact. By showcasing solutions that inspire hope and possibility, the Prize aims to catalyze a global movement of climate and biodiversity champions, empowering communities to take decisive action.
“The Prize supports scalable solutions with real impact for communities and the advancement of climate and biodiversity goals, both nationally and globally,” explains a senior project manager at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. “It recognizes innovative, scalable, and impactful solutions to tackle climate change and prevent biodiversity loss.”
Strengthening Partnerships and Fostering Collaborative Action
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s presence at COP16 will not only underscore its commitment to environmental stewardship but will also serve as a platform for expanding its network and encouraging greater collaboration among like-minded organizations and individuals.
By engaging with past Gulbenkian Prize winners, the Foundation will amplify the voices and showcase the successes of those who have already made significant contributions to the cause. Additionally, the COP16 event will provide an opportunity to connect with prestigious nominators and reinforce the Prize’s narrative, which seamlessly weaves together the themes of climate, biodiversity, and human well-being.
“This platform will promote the Prize to prestigious nominators and reinforce its narrative that connects climate, biodiversity, and people, positioning the Prize as a flagship initiative of the Foundation,” the senior project manager reveals.
Addressing Urgent Challenges and Charting a Path Forward
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s participation in COP16 is particularly timely, as the conference will focus on a wide range of pressing environmental issues, including:
- Strategies to protect critical ecosystems
- Strengthening biodiversity conservation efforts
- Tackling the intertwined challenges of climate change and nature degradation
By actively engaging in these discussions, the Foundation aims to contribute its expertise, inspire new solutions, and foster collaborative action that can drive meaningful change.
“COP16 will address a wide range of urgent issues, including strategies to protect ecosystems, strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts, and tackle the challenges of climate change and nature degradation,” the senior project manager notes. “Our presence at COP16 will shine a spotlight on these key areas and reinforce the Foundation’s commitment to sustainability and a thriving natural world.”
Embracing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s participation in COP16 is particularly significant in light of the recent adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) at COP15. This landmark agreement sets ambitious targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, with the ultimate goal of living in harmony with nature by 2050.
As a leading international platform, COP16 will serve as a crucial venue for translating the GBF’s aspirations into concrete, coordinated action. The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is committed to contributing to this global dialogue, promoting nature-based solutions, and supporting biodiversity conservation efforts through its Sustainability Programme.
“This year’s COP16 is inspired by the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) at COP15, which aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 in order to live in harmony with nature by 2050,” the senior project manager explains. “As a leading international platform, COP16 will focus on strategies to protect ecosystems, strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts, and tackle the challenges of climate change and nature degradation.”
Unlocking the Power of Nature-Based Solutions
At the heart of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s sustainability efforts lies a deep understanding of the vital role that nature-based solutions play in addressing the intertwined challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. By harnessing the inherent resilience and regenerative capacities of natural ecosystems, these innovative approaches hold the key to unlocking a more sustainable and equitable future.
Through its participation in COP16, the Foundation is poised to showcase the transformative potential of nature-based solutions, inspiring others to follow suit and embrace this holistic approach to environmental stewardship. By showcasing scalable, community-driven initiatives that deliver tangible benefits for both people and the planet, the Foundation aims to catalyze a global movement of sustainability champions.
Empowering Communities and Fostering Inclusive Dialogues
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s commitment to sustainability is not just a lofty goal but a concerted effort to empower communities and amplify their voices in the global discourse on environmental protection. By recognizing the invaluable contributions of local stakeholders, Indigenous Peoples, and grassroots organizations, the Foundation is working to ensure that the solutions and strategies emerging from COP16 are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the unique needs of diverse communities.
“By focusing on the interconnection between ecosystems, climate, and community well-being, we are proud to be part of the growing movement to protect the natural world for current and future generations,” the senior project manager asserts.
Conclusion: A Sustainable Future Starts Here
As the world gathers in Cali, Colombia, for the critical COP16 conference, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation stands poised to make a lasting impact. Through its expanded commitment to climate action and biodiversity preservation, the Foundation is demonstrating its unwavering dedication to creating a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
By leveraging the power of the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, fostering collaborative partnerships, and championing nature-based solutions, the CGF is positioning itself as a driving force in the global movement to restore and protect the Earth’s precious ecosystems. As the world faces the urgent challenges of our time, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s presence at COP16 offers a beacon of hope and a blueprint for a more harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.
