Turkey withdraws as host for 2024 UN biodiversity conference

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Turkey has announced that it will not be able to host the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), scheduled to take place in Turkey in 2024.

The government cited the devastating earthquakes that occurred in various parts of the country in February 2023, resulting in significant loss of life and property, as the reason for withdrawing from the conference presidency.

The CBD expressed that Ankara's decision to withdraw from chairing the meeting was due to the "compelling circumstances caused by the three destructive earthquakes in February 2023."

Turkey conveyed its regrets regarding the decision, and the CBD stated that it will invite other countries to step forward to take on the responsibility. The conference was originally planned to be held between October 21 and November 1.

Last year, during the 15th conference held in Montreal, Canada, over 190 countries that are parties to the convention signed the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework agreement. This agreement aims to protect 30% of the Earth's land, oceans, and living species from pollution, degradation, and the impacts of the climate crisis by the year 2030. (EMK/VK)