The UN conference on biological diversity opened in Colombia on Monday. Delegates are expected to discuss issues including progress on a goal to conserve at least 30 percent of the Earth's land and seas by 2030.

Participants from more than 190 countries have gathered in the southwestern city of Cali for the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, known as COP16.

They will confirm progress in the implementation of the goals set in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, an agreement adopted at the last meeting in Canada in 2022.

The delegates will confirm efforts made by each country to reach the "30 by 30" target and discuss how to go forward with the plan.

They are also expected to talk about systems to fairly share the benefits of drugs developed from the use of genetic resources.

Colombia's Environment Minister Susana Muhamad said the Kunming-Montreal agreement is not just standard environmental policy nor just national plans that will set targets. She said it requires deep involvement of the whole of government and society.