At the United Nation's Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Colombia, global leaders united to advance biodiversity protection and champion nature education. BC Parks Foundation proudly shared our successful programs and innovations, while gathering new insights to enhance our work at the intersection of health, education and biodiversity conservation. Here's how our initiatives are helping advance this global vision, and how the collaborative spirit of COP16 is shaping our path forward.
BC Parks Foundation showed global leadership by bringing together nature education leaders for a panel discussion at COP16. We did that because we believe education is fundamental to transforming attitudes and actions toward biodiversity conservation. Learning in nature is also proven to boost academic achievement, physical health, and emotional wellbeing.
Countries at COP16 agreed, adopting a Global Plan of Action on Education for Biodiversity, connecting formal, informal, and community learning to inspire a global culture of conservation.
On our panel “Scaling nature-based solutions at the intersection of health, education, and nature,” Isabela Tobon - a youth from Cali, Colombia representing the Global Centre for Education - reminded us that we cannot wait, and that we need to connect children to nature now and educate them there now so they can become the adults who will protect our planet. “We say that children are the future," she said. "But children are today. We are now.”
Her message reinforces BC Parks Foundation’s commitment to immediate action in connecting children with nature. The Foundation will expand its work in nature education in parks by working with schools across BC to bring nature education to school grounds.
The World Health Organization spotlighted BC Parks Foundation's PaRx program as an innovation in healthcare at COP16.
During our panel “Nature: the 4th pillar of health”, and throughout the entire conference, we witnessed firsthand a growing global movement embracing nature-based health solutions—the world is ready to embrace the transformative power of nature for health.
At COP 16, Convention on Biological Diversity Parties approved a Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health to help reduce the threat of zoonotic diseases, prevent non-communicable diseases, and promote sustainable ecosystems. The strategy promotes a holistic “One Health” approach that recognizes the health of ecosystems, animals, and humans as interconnected.
Recognizing that biodiversity loss and poor health often share common drivers—such as pollution, deforestation, and global warming—the Plan recognizes the urgency of tackling these threats to benefit both ecosystems and humans.
As one of the world’s first national nature prescription program, PaRx, provides an accessible bridge between health and nature, enabling healthcare providers to offer prescriptions that are simple yet profoundly effective: more time outdoors. The scientific evidence of the benefits is compelling. We know regular time in nature has positive effects, such as improved bone density, reduced stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and higher cardiovascular health.
“What's beautiful is how health, education, and conservation work synergistically to improve the well-being of our youth, communities, and environment” says Jennie McCaffrey, VP of Health and Education. “They work in harmony. The more we learn about nature, in nature, the healthier we get, and the more we want to protect it. Together we are building a culture of conservation.”
COP16 celebrated the incredible impact of BC Parks Foundation's community--our donors, funders, partners, sponsors, and volunteers. You all want to ensure the survival of species and ecosystems. The global commitment to protect 30% of nature by 2030 starts here at home. It’s a big goal, requiring bold action and significant investment, and our time at COP16 reminded us that the vision is shared globally but requires leadership at home to make it real.
Health, education, and a sustainable economy are interwoven with conservation. Protecting land is protecting life. Nature-based health, education and conservation are an investment in our economy and identity as British Columbians. You can support continued health for people and the planet, improved education and wisdom for living, and more safe havens for plants, animals, and future generations. This is a great wealth that we hold together, and one that that grows stronger with every act of giving, conserving, and enjoying.
