Valérie Plante said Monday that Montreal “won” the COP15 on biodiversity, a few hours after the adoption of an agreement.
“We won it, the COP! “, she said at a press conference at Montreal City Hall. “It is very, very strong, what has just happened. »
It was in the middle of the night, around 3:30 a.m., that the compromise was adopted in plenary. It provides for the protection of 30% of land and sea areas, as well as the creation of a special trust fund devoted specifically to biodiversity endowed with 30 billion by 2030. However, African countries have made dissenting voices heard on how the decision was made.
“I found out this morning. The snow plow woke me up, […] it was about 5 a.m., and I received news from the firm that it was signed,” said the mayor. “I am extremely happy that it is in Montreal that the most important COP on biodiversity in history has ended in a positive way. »
In terms of the organization of the event, Valérie Plante also said she was completely satisfied.
“We are extremely proud of how it went. The organization of an international event of this magnitude, in general, it takes two years. We did it in less than six months,” she said. “For me, it’s a success, for safety too. […] The hoteliers, I think they are happy, the restaurants are happy, the bars are happy. It’s a huge success and it shows that Montreal knows how to host a big party. »