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COP16

The ecumenical service at COP16 was hosted by the Baptist University in Cali. 

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Together, we can make a difference, preserving the wealth of the natural world and securing our legacy for future generations.

My experience at COP16 was a transformative encounter that significantly united our faith for biodiversity. In this melting pot of cultures and religions, I saw the passion that arises in each person to protect our creation and promote peace. The beauty of human and natural diversity united in a song of hope and commitment.

However, the shadow of violence in Colombia cannot be ignored; illegal mining and deforestation have devastated areas with rich flora and fauna, and armed conflict has displaced rural communities, separating them from their identity and connection with the land. The earth cries out for justice and protection.

As a young leader, this experience calls me to action, sharing my vision with other youth and working together to protect the creation God gave us and promote peace. The church, as a community of faith, has a fundamental and significant role in this process, reaching many communities and people.

Spirituality is essential for changing our world. When we grow our relationship with God, we undergo a transformation that allows us to see the world without violence, greed, and live in a healthy and abundant land. Faith and environmental protection are deeply intertwined, as creation reflects God's love and glory.

Psalm 24:1 reminds us, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it," highlighting the importance of protecting our creation with love and gratitude. We are called to be guardians of God's creation, honoring the treasure and recognizing each detail as testimony to His greatness and love.

Jesus' words in Matthew 6:26, "Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and your heavenly Father feeds them," invite us to contemplate nature's harmony and act with compassion toward the earth. Thus, biodiversity is not just a natural resource but a cultural and spiritual treasure.

Protecting our earth is a call to solidarity and responsibility; when we unite and cooperate, biodiversity and peace go hand-in-hand, ensuring harmony for human and creature life, and future generations. COP16 taught us that environmental protection affects us all, regardless of belief or origin. It requires collective action and responsibility.

In conclusion, protecting our earth and promoting peace require individual and collective commitment and personal transformation, grounded in faith and education. In Colombia, a country marked by violence devastating communities and ecosystems, this call is particularly relevant. It's time to unite for a more just and sustainable future.

Education and environmental awareness are crucial for fostering behavioral change and promoting sustainability, generating profound changes in priorities, values, and commitment to social and environmental justice.

Together, we can make a difference and secure a sustainable future!

About the author :

Karen Vega is from the Presbyterian Church of Colombia.

Disclaimer

The impressions expressed in the blog posts are the contributions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or policies of the World Council of Churches.