My Time at COP16 — Reserva: The Youth Land Trust

The Reserva and The Leatherback Project teams and our other friends and partners pose with our national flags at the COP16 screening of Wild Hope: Protecting Paradise and Wild Hope: Does Nature Have Rights? The two films from HHMI Tangled Bank Studios center on Rights of Nature and feature the stories of our two organizations. Photo: Samuel Rubin | Films: wildhope.tv

October – November, 2024

Introduction

My first time hiking! Photo: Callie Broaddus

My name is Sakshi M Krishna, and I am a passionate advocate for climate justice from India. At home, I focus on creating climate content in local languages to reach diverse communities. Here, I am one of 30 people wearing a Reserva badge at the UN CBD COP16 in Cali, Colombia. Being here to represent Reserva feels incredibly momentous. We are standing at a critical juncture where the world’s commitment to biodiversity is more essential than ever. As a youth council member for Reserva, I’m proud to join other young advocates in voicing the perspectives of young people who will inherit the planet and its challenges. The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) brings together nations, leaders, and organizations to set concrete plans for protecting our ecosystems, and the significance of this mission resonates deeply with us.

Personal Reflections

Being here at COP16 is inspiring on so many levels. Engaging with leaders, Indigenous communities, my fellow youth advocates, and my incredible Reserva team in-person has been an enriching experience, showing us the profound sense of solidarity that connects us all in this mission. Listening to others’ perspectives and stories has highlighted that while we come from diverse backgrounds, we share a common commitment to protecting biodiversity for generations to come.

One of the most inspiring parts of this week has been connecting with other youth leaders from around the world. We each bring unique ideas and passion, and there’s an undeniable sense that our generation is ready to take on this responsibility, but we cannot do it alone. We need policymakers, communities, and allies to back us in making sustainable choices. Reserva’s message to anyone reading is to support biodiversity efforts however you can—this mission is for all of us, and every action counts.

Walking through the Green Zone with our partners from Asociación Salvemos Selva and The Leatherback Project. L-R: Nikki, Tolly, Alfonso, Alexís, me, Pearson, and Nikki again! Photo: Callie Broaddus

One of the most special moments of my journey at COP16 was experiencing the magic of a rainforest for the very first time when the Reserva team went out for a night of herping (searching for reptiles and amphibians) for Pearson’s birthday. That night filled me with a sense of calm, peace and a renewed sense of purpose to fight for the natural world we all so dearly call home. It’s these connections—with nature and with each other—that inspire me to keep pushing for change.

Exploring a cloud forest near Cali for Pearson’s birthday! L-R: Esteban, Nikki, Pearson, Tolly, Juanda, me, Jake, Zane, Rob, Lucas, and Callie.

The Urgency of Biodiversity Action

The biodiversity crisis is upon us: ecosystems are crumbling, countless species are on the brink, and the delicate balance that sustains life is under threat. With over a million species at risk of extinction and critical habitats disappearing every year, the need for action is pressing. As youth, we recognize that we will live with the consequences of today’s decisions. Our voices push for urgency, intergenerational justice, and a vision for a world where biodiversity can thrive. This perspective is why youth are increasingly at the forefront of biodiversity advocacy, seeking real, lasting solutions that protect the planet for decades to come.

Reserva’s Vision at COP16

Discussions at COP16 have centered on essential themes like the expansion of protected areas, the rights and leadership of Indigenous communities, and the intersections of climate and biodiversity. Protecting biodiversity is more than an environmental cause—it’s about securing cultural, economic, and social futures for all. One of the most resonant speeches at the opening plenary came from the President of the Republic of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, who emphasized that, “Conservation must be inclusive, driven by collaboration across generations and communities.”

At Reserva, we’re calling for strong, proactive measures to conserve intact habitat for biodiversity, and sharing how young people aren’t waiting to take action. Our commitment aligns with COP16’s goals, particularly around habitat protection and expanding global conservation areas. After all, our mission is to empower youth to make a measurable difference for threatened species and habitats through conservation, education, and storytelling. Simply put, we’re creating and supporting protected areas through the lens of youth action.

Rob, Tolly, Zane, Julio, and Jake share our work at the Blue Zone’s Youth Pavilion, a very well attended event! Photo: Callie Broaddus

This week, we hosted several side events, including one in collaboration with the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) to share about Reserva’s ongoing projects and emphasize the importance of young people in biodiversity conservation, and another to highlight how young people can drive coral reef conservation. We believe that our projects demonstrate the power of young people to make a tangible impact, proving that youth-led initiatives can serve as meaningful contributions to global biodiversity targets.

Our ICRI #ForCoral Side event panel: Rob (Reserva), Sudha (GYBN), Callie Veelenturf (The Leatherback Project), Laura (YOUNGO), Raquel (GARN), and me as moderator (Reserva)! Photo: Callie Broaddus

Throughout the week, we also had the chance to attend several side events that explored innovative approaches to land conservation and ways to empower youth in biodiversity action. These discussions underscored that conservation can be both a shared mission and a personalized commitment, tailored to the needs of each community and ecosystem.

Conclusion

As we reflect on COP16, we are looking forward to the upcoming discussions and further opportunities to amplify youth voices. There’s so much left to accomplish, and the next couple of years will be crucial for shaping the future of biodiversity conservation. Together, we can work toward a future where ecosystems, species, and communities all thrive. Let’s keep the momentum for biodiversity alive!