WCC interview: Colombian peace and biodiversity: how are they related?

At the UN biodiversity COP16 in Cali, Colombia, Dr Humberto Shikiya, World Council of Churches (WCC) special envoy to the peace process in Colombia, and Rev. Milton Mejia, coordinator of DiPaz, the main ecumenical peace-building platform in Colombia, took time to explain the relationship between the peace process in Colombia and the biodiversity conference agenda, as well as why ecumenical commitment makes a difference.  Dr Humberto Shikiya and Rev. Milton Mejia Photos: Marcelo Schneider/WCC 30 October 2024 What is the relationship between the peace process in Colombia and the UN biodiversity conference agenda? Dr Shikiya: The peace-with-nature approach reaffirms what has been agreed upon in various peace dialogue processes between the government and guerrilla groups since the beginning of the negotiation cycles—namely, achieving peace with social and environmental justice. This approach underscores the significance of holding COP16 in Colombia, the fourth most biodiverse country in the world. The challenge of COP16 is to link biodiversity loss with climate change, promoting sustainable and fair peace. In fact, the minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Dr Susana Muhamad, the current president of COP16, has been present at the inauguration of the Peace Dialogue Table between the government and the general staff of the FARC-EP. This Peace Dialogue Table is permanently accompanied by the World Council of Churches, the Episcopal Conference of the Catholic Church of Colombia, the United Nations, and the Organization of American States. Rev. Mejia: COP16 was an opportunity to organize a joint agenda of events and collaborations between DiPaz and the WCC, two organizations working together on peace-building in Colombia, alongside other church, ecumenical, and social organizations (both national and international). This facilitated stronger cooperation around the concept of peace with nature, contributing to a new understanding and approach to peace and reconciliation in Colombia's conflict context. How do you view the ecumenical commitment in this event on a local and global scale? Dr Shikiya: The ecumenical coordination to participate in the various COP16 spaces has been largely led by DiPaz and the WCC, in collaboration with different organizations such as ACT Alliance, IRI Colombia, Laudato Sí Movement, Qonakuy, Climate Justice and Faith, and Tearfund. This coordination was organized before COP16 began. It reflects the ecumenical commitment of these entities to participate in common events at both institutional and civil society levels. The WCC's official delegation has been involved in these three spaces, actively connecting them as delegates participated in all these spaces. This type of ecumenical and interfaith coordination has been positively received. Rev. Mejia: An agenda for reflection and dialogue on topics of peace with nature, biodiversity, territories, and spirituality was organized over five days with various religious and social sectors, as well as communities. This process provided input for a document outlining our perspective on peace-building. We also shared and highlighted the situation of communities affected by the conflict, providing messages and insights for peace-building efforts from a territorial perspective. Throughout the program, contributions and participation from church members and organizations took place in Cali, with female leaders, young people, theology students, and an average of 100 daily participants, while the Cultural Center had approximately 250 attendees. The program also featured representatives from conflict-affected communities in Cauca, who shared their realities and dialogued with government representatives involved in peace talks. These representatives called for an end to armed confrontation, as it primarily affects communities, and urged the resumption of dialogues to seek a solution to the armed conflict. What are the key issues to consider in your peace work following COP16 discussions in Colombia? Dr Shikiya: Based on the outcomes of the activities conducted and any potential agreements from COP16 in Colombia, peace efforts will focus on: Supporting local churches, ethnic communities, community organizations, and groups of young people and women in social dialogues related to territorial transformations based on social and environmental justice. Influencing environmental agreements in the Peace Dialogue Table, particularly to halt deforestation, clean rivers, protect aquifers, and restore national parks in regions like Catatumbo and the Amazon. Systematizing lessons that define a new narrative where environmental peace tied to territorial issues addresses the root causes of inequalities and injustices so that violence-affected populations can overcome these sustainably and lastingly. Rev. Mejia: Our presence facilitated the establishment and strengthening of joint relationships and challenges with various organizations, creating a working agenda for the protection of biodiversity and the building of peace as a result of justice among humans and with nature. WCC advocates for creation care and justice at start of triple COP journey - WCC news release, 24 October 2024 See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland