IUCN Webinar Series: The last sprint to CBD COP15

February 28 

COP 15 is over, now what? Translating the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework 

​After a global pandemic and 4 years of negotiations and consultations, Parties adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) as part of a ‘package’ of 6 decisions to support its implementation, including decisions on the monitoring framework, capacity building, resource mobilisation, planning monitoring and review, and digital sequence information (DSI). The time now is for implementation. The IUCN Programme, Nature 2030, sets its ambition in a decadal timeframe (2021 – 2030) and provides a roadmap for the Union that significantly contributes to the Goals and Targets set in the KM-GBF.

This event, the last of the series “The last sprint to COP15”, will provide participants IUCN’s take on the new framework, highlight how the IUCN Programme and tools contribute to its implementation. IUCN experts will discuss some ongoing work and future plans for reaching Targets closest to IUCN’s heartland.

Agenda

• The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework : IUCN’s take - Sonia Peña Moreno, Director, International Policy Centre
• How can IUCN’s Programme and tools contribute to the implementation of the GBF
  • Nature 2030 and IUCN Resolutions - Victoria Romero, Policy Officer, Biodiversity
  • Spatial planning and Restoration (targets 1 and 2) -  Marcos Valderrabano, Programme Manager, Red List of Ecosystems
  • 30 x 30 (target 3)  - Swati Hingorani, 30x30 coordinator and Stephen Woodley, Thematic Vice Chair, Science and Biodiversity Policy 
  • Species targets (targets 4, 5 and 6) - Dao Nguyen, Senior Advisor, Species Conservation Policy
  • Nature based Solutions (targets 8 and 11) Veronica Ruiz, Programme Manager, EcoDRR
  • Contributions for Nature Platform - Laure Denos, Senior Science Policy Expert
• Q&A / Discussion - moderated by Céline Preitner
• Closing Remarks - Sonia Peña Moreno, Director, International Policy Centre

October 4

How to achieve Species Goals and Targets of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework?

IUCN explained the species components of Goal A, and Targets 4, 5, 6 (and 9). Experts also presented how the Global Species Action Plan and a new Species Programme of Work under the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework could support the implementation of the Framework

Part 1. Status of the species related Goal and Targets of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

Speakers: Dao Nguyen (IUCN), Philip McGowan (IUCN SSC Post-2020 Task Force), Alexandra Zimmermann (IUCN SSC Human and Wildlife Conflict and Co-existence Specialist Group), Dilys Roe (IUCN Sustainable Use and Livelihood Specialist Group)

Part 2. The Global Species Action Plan: How to achieve species outcomes for the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

Speakers: Dao Nguyen (IUCN), Rebecca Lent  (Executive Director of the International Whaling Commission), Amy Fraenkel (Executive Secretary of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)), Amy McDougall (BirdLife International), Wendy Elliott (WWF International)

October 20

Nature-based Solutions in the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

In preparation for the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP15), IUCN aims to raise greater awareness and understanding of NbS and its potential to protect and restore biodiversity and deliver ecosystem services. This event provided a briefing on the concept, application and policy uptake of NbS and discuss opportunities and concerns. Experts and government representatives from IUCN State Members will share their experience and discuss the relevance of NbS to the GBF, specifically supporting countries in reaching Targets 8 and 11.

Morning session:

• Welcome and introductions - Dorsa Sheikholeslami – IUCN Nature-based Solutions Programme Officer
• Setting the scene: NbS in the CBD negotiations, How NbS can contribute to post-2020 GBF, in specific targets 8 & 11? - Sonia Pena Moreno – Director, IUCN International Policy Centre
• Why include Nature-based Solutions in the Global Biodiversity Framework? A science perspective - David Obura – Founding Director of CORDIO East Africa; Chair IUCN SSC Coral Specalist Group
• Best-practice of NbS policy uptake or implementation: Valuing, financing and mainstreaming Nature-based Solutions in China - Ming Luo - Deputy Director General, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China
• Addressing Concerns – IUCN Global Standard for NbS - Radhika Murti – Director, IUCN Centre for Governance and Society
• Discussion / Q&A,  Moderated by: Dorsa Sheikholeslami – IUCN Nature-based Solutions Programme Officer

Afternoon session:

• Welcome and introductions - Victoria Romero – IUCN Policy Officer, Biodiversity
• Setting the scene: NbS in the CBD negotiations, How NbS can contribute to post-2020 GBF, in specific targets 8 & 11? - Sonia Pena Moreno – Director, IUCN International Policy Centre
• Why is it important that Nature-based Solutions are reflected in the Global Biodiversity Framework? Liette Vasseur - Deputy Chair of IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management
• Best-practice of NbS policy uptake or implementation – Overview on NbS implementation in Costa Rica - Iván Delgado - Director of Climate Change for the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica
• Best-practice of NbS policy uptake or implementation – Nature-based Solutions in Kenya national policy - Cyrus Mageria - Deputy Director, MEAs. Ministry of Environment and Forestry of Kenya
• Addressing Concerns – IUCN Global Standard for NbS - Radhika Murti – Director, IUCN Centre for Governance and Society
• Discussion / Q&A, Moderated by: Victoria Romero – IUCN Policy Officer, Biodiversity

October 27

Resource mobilization for the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

How will we fund the implementation of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework? This webinar explores existing and possible new mechanisms to understand different options to solve this critical issue. IUCN will explain the resource mobilization components of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, including Target 18 on reforming harmful subsidies and other incentives for biodiversity and Target 19 on domestic and international financial resources.

Morning session

• Setting the scene: Current trends and challenges in resource mobilization for biodiversity conservation - Juha Siikamäki, Chief Economist IUCN
• Aligning finance and incentives towards biodiversity goals and targets - Katia Karousakis,  Programme Lead, Biodiversity, Land Use and Ecosystems (BLUE), OECD
• Landscape finance and tax reform; experience from South African protected areas - Ellané van Wyk, Lead, Environmental Tax Services & Training, Innovative Finance. Wilderness Foundation Africa
• Mobilising private finance for conservation - Delfina Lopez Freijido, Co-lead, Finance for Nature, IUCN
• Country & regional experience on resourcing and incentivising conservation - Charles Karangwa, Regional Head, Land Systems / Country Representative, IUCN Kenya 
• Q&A

Afternoon session

• Setting the scene: Current trends and challenges in resource mobilization for biodiversity conservation - Juha Siikamäki, Chief Economist IUCN
• Agricultural subsidies reform: experience, options and feasibility - Julian Lampietti, Manager for Global Engagement in the Agriculture and Food Global Practice, World Bank
• Uruguay experience on resourcing and incentivising conservation - Virginia Chiesa, Ministry of Environment, Uruguay 
• Mobilising private finance for conservation - John Tobin, Cornell University
• Landscape finance and tax reform; experience from South African protected areas - Ellané van Wyk, Lead, Environmental Tax Services & Training, Innovative Finance. Wilderness Foundation Africa
• Country & regional experience on resourcing and incentivising conservation - Gabriel Quijandria, Regional Director IUCN SUR
• Campaign for nature - Brian O’Donnell, Director Campaign for Nature 
• Q&A

November 1 

Ecosystem restoration in the Post 2020-Global Biodiversity Framework

There is a lot at stake at COP15: the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) should lead the world towards becoming nature-positive by 2030 and restoration of degraded ecosystems is crucial to reverse nature loss.  

The adoption of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021 - 2030 has created significant momentum and a global restoration movement, whereby the international community expects an ambitious, measurable, and equitable target on restoration in the post-2020 GBF. 

Despite these efforts and the present expectations to scale up implementation on the ground, there are still methodological, technical, and political issues that prevent finding an agreement for an ambitious Target on ecosystem restoration in the GBF that seem to relive the flaws that existed with its predecessor Aichi Target 15. This learning session aimed at informing the restoration community about the contentious issues around the new Target 2 on ecosystem restoration and to discuss the science and the policy solutions that could be presented to the CBD Parties. 

Parties and stakeholders involved in ecosystem restoration learned from the different issues related to the design of the next global Target 2 that have been discussed throughout the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) under the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework process. These issues impact the scope of the target and its level of ambition, raising concerns about the impacts that a restrained and possibly ineffective target would have on scaling up restoration globally. The session provided science and arguments to be part of the discussion from now to December, promoting the exchange of views and motivating the participants to reach out to decision-makers and other key actors that are part of the post-2020 GBF process and propose options to ensure that restoration is appropriately considered. 

Agenda of the session

• Welcoming remarks and overview of the objectives - Adriana Vidal, Senior Forest Policy Officer, IUCN
• Presentation of the Post-2020 GBF and key issues under Target 2 - Barbara Bendandi, Global Coordinator Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, WWF  
• Panel discussion with experts 
  • Dr Paul Leadley, Professor, Paris-Saclay University Future Earth / GEO-BON Ecosystem Brief coordinating author 
  • Dr Mlungele Nsikani, Researcher, South African National Biodiversity Institute and Chair of the Africa Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration (Morning session) 
  • George Gann, International Policy Lead, Society for Ecological Restoration (Afternoon session) 
  • Bob Tansey, Senior Policy Advisor, China & Global Policy Lead, Degraded Lands and Restoration, The Nature Conservancy 
  • Dr Noelle Kumpel, Head of Policy, BirdLife International 
  • Cheng Zhuo, Ecosystem restoration monitoring consultant, FAO 
• Facilitated Q&A from the audience - Barbara Bendandi
• Key takeaways and next steps - Adriana Vidal

November 7 

30 x 30 - What and who counts?  

Fairly governed and effectively managed protected and conserved areas are essential for biodiversity conservation and human well-being. They can also help mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Indigenous peoples’ dedicated lands and territories are proven as particularly effective in preserving biodiversity, landscape integrity, and maintaining unique cultures and knowledge.

The globally available science, and specific IUCN Resolutions, commit the IUCN Union to promote and help achieve at least 30% of the planet under fair and effective area-based conservation. Many countries are adopting 30x30 ambitions, including the members of the High Ambition Coalition for People and Nature, which IUCN wholly supports. Indeed, 30x30 is the current goal of the new Global Biodiversity Framework Target 3, under negotiation.

People need healthy ecosystems for our well-being and livelihoods. The biodiversity that sustains all life on earth is only partially protected in the world’s protected and conserved areas. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that intact natural ecosystems are fundamental to the health and prosperity of all people. Protected and conserved areas can help stabilize the world’s climate, securing livelihoods and avoiding risks to health and well-being.

However, not all protected and conserved areas are effective. Many are insufficiently resourced, lack good governance and struggle to achieve effective management. They fall short of their objectives and fail to respond to new challenges.  They need support, guidance, investment and capacity exchange. Many indigenous and community conserved territories and areas are not recognized for their sustained conservation contributions. They are critical to achieving 30% of the planet. They need respect, rights, recognition, promotion, safeguards, and resources.

To be effective, protected and conserved areas must be effectively governed and managed. Conservation must uphold the rights of all involved, ensure fair and just processes, and the equitable distribution of costs and benefits. They must address the threats that degrade ecosystems, push species to extinction and disrupt ecosystem services. The IUCN Green List Standard is one key tool that can unlock success and ensure fair and effective conservation.

So while there seems to be some agreement on 30x30, what can be done from a practical point of view. We heard from IUCN and WCPA Protected and Conserved Areas experts as they clarify what counts and who counts for effective protected and conserved areas.

Agenda

• Introduction - James Hardcastle, Head, Protected and Conserved Areas, IUCN
• 30 days to COP – what’s on our wishlist for the negotiations? - Swati Hingorani, 30x30 coordinator IUCN
• Indigenous peoples’ priorities for 30x30 - Representative from International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity, IIFB
• What Counts for 30x30 - Stephen Woodley, IUCN WCPA
• Who Counts and the role of OECM - Jennifer Kelleher, Lead, Governance, Rights and Equity, IUCN
• Effectiveness – how to recognize and report it - Paola Mejia / Nick Salafsky, IUCN WCPA
• Leveraging IUCNs Green List as a standard of effectiveness for 30x30 - Khalid Pasha and Nadine Seleem, IUCN Green List Team, IUCN
• Innovative financing for 30x30 - Candice Stevens, IUCN WCPA
• IUCN Country dialogue – example from Korea - JiBoo Park, Senior Advisor, 30x30, IUCN / KNPS
• Q&A - Moderated by Swati Hingorani
• Closing remarks