Protesters march in Montreal's downtown core as COP15 conference kicks off
Thousands of delegates, protesters, expected in Montreal
Protesters marched through Montreal's downtown core on Wednesday, as the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, also known as COP15, officially began at the Palais de Congrès.
A small group of protesters walked down Saint-Jacques Street near the conference centre early Wednesday morning, carrying a banner that read "Bloquons la COP15" (block COP15).
The group, a coalition of anti-capitalist and ecological activists, said recent agreements to protect the environment are little more than lip-service and don't address the issues of biodiversity and climate change. Several carried black flags and some wore face coverings.
The protests began peacefully amid a heavy police presence. Officers wearing riot gear stood nearby but did not intervene.
Inside the conference, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante said the presence of protesters was to be expected and even celebrated.
"Montreal is an inclusive city where everyone has a place and everyone has a right to their opinion," she said. "That's important ... in a democracy to have different voices, yes, those of officials, but also from civil society.
"We have different groups that are mobilizing who will be in the streets of Montreal, young people, students, organizations, and for us, that's a good sign."
By 1:30 p.m., Montreal police said the protest had ended. Nobody was arrested or injured, but police said one object was thrown at officers and another at the Palais des Congrès.
The talks in Montreal aim to set 22 targets to reverse biodiversity loss. That would include everything from using less plastic and increasing urban green space to finding the money to help pay for it.
The opening ceremonies for the event, held Tuesday, also had their fair share of disruptions. Protestors in the room interrupted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's speech, decrying colonialism and the invasion of Indigenous lands.
On Wednesday, Trudeau said the federal government will spend up to $800 million to support four major Indigenous-led conservation projects across the country covering nearly one million square kilometres.
The conference, which is expected to attract about 15,000 visitors from around the world, will last until Dec. 19. More protests are expected throughout the event.
WATCH | Protestors interrupt Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday as COP15 begins:
