COP17 delegates urged to heed South women; Maputo National Park showcases migratory birds

The U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity conference of the parties (COP17) is taking place in Yerevan, Armenia. Delegates will review the first global assessment of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Mongabay commentary notes that progress on biodiversity remains underfunded and forest loss continues.

The commentary argues that women from the Global South are key to protecting ecosystems. They work without large media presence and face human rights violations in places like Bolívar, Venezuela. The author calls for recognition of their role in negotiations.

Maputo National Park in southern Mozambique was established in December 2021. It covers about 1,700 square kilometers and combines terrestrial and marine reserves. The park provides habitat for migratory birds such as the curlew sandpiper.

The park is co‑managed by Mozambique’s National Administration for Conservation Areas and the Peace Parks Foundation. Local communities participate in mangrove restoration and fisheries management. The park is part of a UNESCO World Heritage landscape that includes iSimangaliso Wetland Park.