Source: Alcaldía de Cali
The richness of culture and biodiversity, gave the city of Cali, extra values when making the decision. This, commonly known as the 'Sucursal del Cielo', represents the diversity of the Pacific, where 30% of its inhabitants are recognized as Afro or indigenous. In addition, 40% of the region is made up of autonomous territories of ethnic communities.
"We want this to be the COP of the people, of those who live and prosper in biodiversity, where Peace with Nature is promulgated, and to be one of the pillars of the climate crisis. The UN visited the country, was in the two cities and issued a statement recognizing that both cities complied with the requirements. Bringing this event to Cali will have the greatest transformative effect, to show the world the biodiversity and bring an event to the four departments of the Pacific," said Susana Muhamad, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development.
The Pacific region has more than 200 protected areas, 11 National Natural Parks that make up 51,388 square kilometers of biodiversity, and habitat for 1297 species of fauna, as well as 14,000 species of plants.
More info here: https://www.cop16colombia.com/es/estadia-en-cali/