COP16 delegates seek lodging in unique spots as hotels fill in California
- The Cop16 summit in Cali, Colombia, runs from October 21 to November 1, 2024, focusing on biodiversity.
- Due to a lack of hotel rooms, delegates are using motels with unconventional features for lodging.
- Despite the unusual amenities, attendees report that these accommodations are surprisingly comfortable, highlighting the summit's positive economic impact on local businesses.
Cali, Colombia, is currently hosting the Cop16 summit on the state of biodiversity and nature from October 21 to November 1, 2024. The event has attracted thousands of delegates, including country leaders, scientists, and government ministers, leading to a shortage of available hotel accommodations in the city. As a result, some delegates have turned to unconventional lodging options, such as hourly rate motels, which are usually not designed for such purposes. One such motel, Motel Deseos, reached out to by local government, has welcomed many summit attendees who have reported a surprisingly comfortable stay. Despite the unusual amenities, including circular beds and various intimate features, guests have found the accommodations to be enjoyable. Notably, participants are engaged in vital negotiations regarding global measures to protect biodiversity, specifically aiming to safeguard 30% of the Earth for nature and restore degraded ecosystems. The summit's discussions mark the first gathering since the historic nature-protection agreement formed at Cop15 in December 2022, emphasizing the urgent need for actionable commitments to halt environmental decline.