United Nations Biodiversity Conference of Parties 16 (COP 16), was held in Rome from February 25 to 27 and marked a significant step forward in international environmental cooperation. After three days of negotiations, a collective strategy was established with a bold goal: a new Resource Mobilization Strategy aimed at securing $200 billion annually by 2030 from all sources for biodiversity initiatives and reducing harmful incentives by at least $500 billion per year by 2030. This decision is a positive move, reflecting the growing global commitment to protecting biodiversity through stronger environmental policies in contrast with some back steps on European biodiversity protection.
One troubling example came from the French Senate's vote to reintroduce acetamiprid, a neonicotinoid pesticide that is known to be harmful to pollinators. Acetamiprid was banned in France in 2020 together with the other neonicotinoid insecticides due to their toxicity to bees and the environment. However, the French government supported acetamiprid’s return, which expedited the parliamentary process to push the law through. Although a specific vote date has not yet been set, it is expected to occur in March 2025.
The scientific community has long raised concerns about the devastating impact of neonicotinoids on pollinators; acetamiprid is no exception. Beyond its harm to pollinators, this pesticide also poses significant risks to human health, as evidenced by European Union reports on pesticide residues in food, which find residues of acetamiprid in foodstuffs, and the studies showing harm to mammals. “This law proposal is a fundamental step backwards and a threat to biodiversity” - says Noa Simon, Scientific Director & Project Manager in BeeLife who contributed to studying the effects of neonicotinoids in the environment. “Especially when we think of the aerial pulverisation used on agricultural plots. In addition, acetamiprid is not the most efficient insecticide against insects but it is potentially harmful to people”.
Despite these warnings, the powerful influence of agrochemical companies on policymakers and farmers has led to a troubling continuation of approvals for harmful substances, putting environment and public health at risk, as our French members pointed out. Another challenge is the unfair competition created by products grown in countries with lower production costs, but treated with pesticides that do not meet European regulatory standards.While COP 16 is the opportunity for countries to address global biodiversity challenges, concrete decisions regarding resource mobilisation and stronger monitoring mechanisms, the French law proposal, called Duplomb´s law, highlights a broader, concerning trend: a shift backwards in the fight to protect our environment and health, driven by short-term economic interests rather than long-term ecological and societal health.
This issue is not exclusive to France. In many countries, corporate and intensivist farming unions’ lobbying and resistance to adopting alternative solutions delay decisive actions needed to safeguard biodiversity and public health. The Duplomb law proposal in France or the abuse of the emergency authorisation of banned pesticides are stark examples of how local policies can hinder global progress, waste resources, jeopardise public health, and weaken efforts to protect the planet and food security.
Citizens must stay informed and engaged in these issues.Understanding the complexities of these decisions can help Europeans, and people around the world, recognise the importance of supporting policies that prioritise the health of our environment and future generations. The struggle between environmental advocates, scientific experts, and corporate interests underscores the need for a straightforward, science-based approach to policy that favors the planet's and its people's well-being over short-term economic gains.
It is hoped that decision-makers in Europe will make use of resources such as COP16 or return with an improved version of the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive. More than one million people have called for a reduction in pesticide exposure to both citizens and the environment.The situation will continue to be monitored and addressed, and it is essential to stay vigilant, demanding decisions that uphold our shared responsibility for both the environment and human health.
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