8 the Canadian system, only pesticides that have gone through a rigorous review and do not pose an unacceptable risk make it to market. RISK REDUCTION What we can and should collectively focus on is pesticide risk reduction. This is supported by science-based regulatory systems like we have in Canada and extensive training programs and best management practices to ensure the proper use and stewardship of pesticides. A pesticide applied to a field to control a pest and protect a crop would not be considered pollution. Instead, the focus is on ensuring that there is not any unintended off-site movement and that pesticides do not end up in places they should not. Canada is a world leader in the adoption of best management practices for the stewardship of crop protection products with a focus on continuous improvement. And there’s an opportunity for Canada to help with knowledge transfer to other parts of the world so that we can collectively work towards some of these global targets. Improved crop genetics also stand to play a critical role in reducing the risk of pesticide use. As more crop varieties come to market with resistance to various pests, it will give growers even more options to control pests. Gene editing stands to lead to the development of a wide variety of improved crops in the years and decades ahead. COP15 has concluded with an agreement on high-level global targets. Next comes the negotiations on what frameworks will be used to measure success against these targets. And as always, the devil is in the details, which is why CropLife Canada will continue to monitor and engage in these discussions. Pierre Petelle is the president and CEO of CropLife Canada. l Conference of the Parties (COP) 15 and 27 have been in the news recently. What’s the difference? The 15th COP to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was held in Montreal in December 2022. First signed by 150 leaders at the 1992 Rio Earth Summitt, the CBD’s main objectives are the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of the components of biological diversity, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. The CBD focuses on sustainable development to address food security, access to medicines, fresh air and water, shelter, and a clean and healthy environment. The CBD has now been ratified by 195 parties. COP27 is short for the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which was held in Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt, in November 2022. In2015, COP21, held in Paris, resulted in the signing of the Paris Agreement, where 194 Parties signed on to address climate-related goals. COP28 will be held in November 2023 in the United Arab Emirates. While the two conventions have run independently from each other, there is growing recognition that the issues are interconnected. “These are two intertwined crises that need to be addressed together,” says Elizabeth Mrema, executive secretary of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. continued from page 6 COP15 AND COP27
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