The UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) held in Colombia is presenting specific goals for global biodiversity conservation. The conference’s key objective, the ’30×30′ initiative, encompasses a bold vision to protect 30% of Earth’s land and oceans and restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030. However, these environmental conferences extend beyond mere scientific and policy discussions, strengthening public engagement through artistic and cultural expressions. This might answer the question: “Aren’t culture and art disconnected from science?”

Biodiversity issues are not limited to scientific interests alone; they convey new forms of cultural experiences through art. For example, at COP15, participants could directly experience environmental issues through various art installations and virtual reality (VR) experiences depicting ecosystems and endangered species. These installations help participants develop deeper empathy and understand the severity of issues by translating complex environmental problems through art. This artistic approach is recognized as an effective method for drawing attention to global issues and bridging the gap with scientific information.

Furthermore, supporting cultural diversity is crucial. Biodiversity conservation means more than just protecting nature; it is intricately connected to preserving indigenous communities’ cultures and ways of life. The indigenous art and culture of the Amazon region are rooted in traditional methods of protecting the local ecosystem. This indigenous art is treated as a key cultural element at the UN Biodiversity Conference, demonstrating how ecosystem conservation and cultural traditions interact. In this process, art and culture are becoming essential tools for achieving scientific goals.

Thus, the biodiversity conference has evolved beyond a simple environmental protection meeting into an event that builds global consensus through art and culture. While emphasizing the importance of ecosystems with scientific evidence, it approaches environmental issues through various artistic expressions at a cultural level, reminding us that environmental protection is everyone’s responsibility.