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CBD Women’s Caucus Amplifies Gender Perspectives at Sub- regional Biodiversity Workshop in Nairobi

CBD Women's Caucus — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 06:58:22 +0000

By Ms.Marie Salvatrice Musabyeyezu, from Rwanda.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or opinions of the CBD Women’s Caucus

From 27 to 30 January 2026, Ms Marie Salvatrice Musabyeyezu from Rwanda, represented the CBD Womens Caucus at the Sub-regional Workshop on Biodiversity Monitoring and Reporting in relation to Target 2 of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was convened in Nairobi, Kenya, at the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD). The workshop was organized by the CBD Secretariat, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), RCMRD, and CIFOR/ICRAF. It brought together government representatives, technical experts, practitioners, and partners from 11 RCMRD Member States, creating a strong
platform for technical exchange, learning, and cooperation.

Why target 2 matters?

Highlights and Challenges

A consistent message throughout the workshop was that ecosystem restoration is not solely
a technical exercise, it is fundamentally an inclusive and fair social process. Monitoring
frameworks must therefore extend beyond biophysical indicators to capture inclusive and
fair participation, power, knowledge systems, and benefit-sharing.

Target 2 of the Kunming -Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) commits
countries to ensure that at least 30 per cent of degraded terrestrial, inland water, coastal
and marine ecosystems are under effective restoration by 2030. This ambition sits at the
heart of global efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, enhance ecosystem resilience,
support sustainable livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to climate change mitigation
and adaptation.
Yet, achieving Target 2 is not only a question of scale. It is equally about the quality,
effectiveness, and long-term sustainability of restoration efforts. Robust monitoring and
reporting systems are therefore essential not only to track how much land or water is being
restored, but also to assess how restoration is undertaken, who is involved, and what
lessons can strengthen future actions.
In this context, sub-regional dialogue and peer learning play a critical role. Countries across
the region face shared challenges, while also holding diverse experiences, tools, and
innovations that can inform collective progress. The Nairobi workshop offered a timely and
strategic space to reflect on restoration quality, strengthen monitoring systems, and
enhance collaboration across borders.

Milestone Launch and Collective Commitment

The opening day marked a significant milestone for regional biodiversity cooperation, with
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry officially launching
RCMRD as a Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Subregional Technical and Scientific
Cooperation Support Centre. This new mandate positions RCMRD to support its 11 Member
States in the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the KMGBF, reinforcing the
essential role of regional institutions in building capacity, strengthening data systems, and
facilitating technical and scientific collaboration.
The ceremony also highlighted the KMGBF as a shared global framework guiding
biodiversity action for the decade ahead. Special emphasis was placed on translating Target
2 on ecosystem restoration into national actions that are measurable, reportable, and inclusive, ensuring that restoration efforts are aligned with robust data, participatory
approaches, and long-term institutional commitment.

Focus of the Workshop

The workshop agenda centered on strengthening national and regional capacities for
monitoring and reporting on ecosystem restoration. Key areas of focus included:
*Understanding the scope and ambition of KMGBF Target 2
*Aligning National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) with KMGBF
targets
*Identifying and applying indicators and data sources for restoration monitoring
*Strengthening national reporting systems under the CBD
*Sharing country experiences, challenges, and good practices
*Exploring the role of spatial data, mapping, and geospatial tools in restoration
monitoring
Special attention was given to the Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring
(FERM), with FAO highlighted as the custodian of restoration-related information and data
supporting Target 2 monitoring and reporting. Discussions underscored the importance of
engaging with FERM to ensure coherence, comparability, and transparency across national
and regional reporting efforts.

Spotlight on the CBD Women’s Caucus

On the final day of the workshop, Marie Salvatrice Musabyeyezu introduced the CBD
Women’s Caucus and its work. She described it as a global network focused on ensuring
biodiversity policies are gender-responsive and on promoting the rights, leadership, and
knowledge of women and girls, particularly Indigenous and local women in decision-making
under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
She also highlighted the CBD women’ caucus’s leadership and involvement in the Gender
Plan of Action (GPA) and its importance for achieving all targets of the Kunming-Montreal
Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), including ecosystem restoration.
Participants were invited become members, and join the Gender and Biodiversity Champions movements, strengthening collective action for gender ejustice and inclusive biodiversity governance.

Learning from the Field: CIFOR/ICRAF and Karura Forest

The workshop included a field visit to CIFOR/ICRAF and Karura Forest, offering practical
insights into ecosystem restoration in urban and peri-urban contexts.
At CIFOR/ICRAF, participants engaged with research that connects restoration with
governance, livelihoods, and climate resilience, highlighting the importance of strong
science vs policy interfaces. The visit to Karura Forest showcased a compelling restoration journey, from a threatened landscape to a protected and thriving forest demonstrating the
impact of sustained commitment, institutional leadership, and community engagement.

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Advancing Gender‑Responsive Biodiversity Monitoring, Reporting, and Implementation in West Asia: Highlights from the Subregional Dialogue

CBD Women's Caucus — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 02:05:43 +0000

By Ms. Christina Chit Dirany, member of the CBD Women’s Caucus

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or opinions of the CBD Women’s Caucus

From December 21 to 23, 2025, in Manama, Bahrain, the CBD Women’s Caucus (CBD WC) participated in the Subregional Dialogue for countries of West Asia on biodiversity monitoring and reporting. The CBD Women’s Caucus was represented by Ms. Christina Chit Dirany from Lebanon, who actively contributed to the dialogue, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and gender-responsive approaches to biodiversity policies and actions.

The dialogue was organized by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the support of the UNEP China Trust Fund, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and The Supreme Council for the Environment of Bahrain. The dialogue brought together representatives from West Asian countries, alongside stakeholders from women, youth, and civil society organizations. The meaningful presence and inclusion of these groups in such regional processes are essential to advancing a whole-of-society approach and are critical to achieving shared biodiversity goals at national and regional levels. The dialogue is a part of regional and subregional dialogues to support Parties in updating their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). In this context the West Asia subregion countries include Bahrain, Egypt, Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran), Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, the State of Palestine, Saudi Arabia, the Syrian Arab Republic, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. At the time of the dialogue, Jordan, the State of Palestine, Yemen, Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran), and the United Arab Emirates had submitted their renewed National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), while a number of Parties had submitted national biodiversity targets. This reflects varying stages of progress across the subregion and highlights the continued importance of subregional dialogue, cooperation, and targeted support.

Discussions focused on the following five priority areas:

Women’s participation in NBSAP review processes

While some countries have engaged women’s groups and organizations in NBSAP reviews, a brief assessment by the CBD Women’s Caucus shows that women are still often excluded from consultative processes. There remains a significant gap in the integration of gender targets within NBSAPs. Strengthening women’s participation is essential to ensure that their priorities are reflected in national target‑setting and the development of action plans. Countries currently reviewing or updating their NBSAPs represent a critical entry point for embedding gender responsiveness.

Gender‑responsive monitoring

Target 23 of the Kunming‑Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is cross‑cutting, making it imperative that national monitoring frameworks capture gender‑differentiated impacts and women’s contributions across all targets. This includes the use of sex‑disaggregated indicators where possible and reporting on the component indicator for Target 23 on national implementation of the Gender Plan of Action, developed and peer‑reviewed by Parties and adopted at COP16.

Gender‑responsive reporting

Reporting on NBSAP implementation through National Reports due in February 2026 should document the roles, contributions, and impacts of women in addressing biodiversity loss. This will support evidence‑based policy interventions to strengthen gender equality within KM‑GBF implementation. In addition, the mid‑term review of the Gender Plan of Action, to be discussed at SBI in February 2026, provides another key reporting opportunity for countries.

Gender and Biodiversity Focal Points

Ensuring that every country has a Gender and Biodiversity Focal Point (GFP) is critical. The CBD Women’s Caucus has established a Gender and Biodiversity Focal Point Network to facilitate peer learning, exchange of experiences, and capacity‑building through webinars, policy briefings, and targeted support. This network supports GFPs in advancing gender responsiveness across all stages of NBSAP processes.

Building synergies with other conventions and frameworks

Gender‑responsive biodiversity monitoring and reporting should not be addressed in isolation. Stronger synergies are needed with existing gender‑related processes under other conventions and frameworks, including UNFCCC, UNCCD, CEDAW, the Minamata Convention, and the SDGs, particularly SDG 5 on Gender Equality.

Together, these priorities underscored the need to move beyond consultation toward long-term, gender-responsive implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in the West Asia subregion.

Highlights and Challenges

The dialogue also included a session led by UNEP West Asia, the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture (MEWA), and the National Center of Wildlife (NCW), introducing the proposed Regional Biodiversity and Wildlife Programme for West Asia. The session highlighted the programme’s vision and strategic objectives, its alignment with relevant CBD COP decisions, and its contribution to strengthening the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Participants shared initial reflections on regional priorities and thematic needs, contributing to the early shaping of the programme ahead of the planned regional consultation workshop in Riyadh in 2026. The programme has been developed under UNEP’s Saudi Environment Sustainability Programme, emphasizing the value of sustained regional cooperation.

Looking forward

It is essential that Parties and partners move beyond short‑term consultation and ensure the sustained and meaningful engagement of women, including grassroots women and women‑led organizations, throughout the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of NBSAPs and the Kunming‑Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Strengthening long‑term partnerships with women at community level will enhance locally grounded knowledge, improve data quality, and support more inclusive and effective biodiversity outcomes. Investing in women’s leadership, capacity‑building, and access to decision‑making spaces is critical to addressing persistent data gaps, strengthening community resilience, and advancing gender‑responsive biodiversity governance across the West Asia subregion.

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Women and girls Beyond Numbers: Advancing Gender Accountability at the 5th GBFF Council Meeting

CBD Women's Caucus — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 00:39:16 +0000

By Ms. Priyanka Pandey, Representative of the CBD Women’s Caucus to the GBF Fund Council

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or opinions of the CBD Women’s Caucus

The Fifth Council Meeting of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) was held on 18–19 December 2025, following the close of the GEF Council meeting. Unlike previous sessions, Observers to the GBFF, including the CBD Women’s Caucus, were formally invited to attend the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council, Least Developed Countries Fund ( LDC) Council, and small island developing states (SIDS) Council meetings, marking a meaningful step forward in participation. This change came as a direct instruction from the GEF CEO and Chairperson, emphasizing the need to engage Observers more systematically across governance levels.

For the CBD Women’s Caucus (CBD WC), this shift reflects a gradual but important recognition: women and civil society are not symbolic participants in biodiversity finance; they are essential knowledge holders and governance actors.

Gender Moves to the Center, But Barriers Remain

A notable highlight of this Council meeting was the stronger emphasis on gender and women’s participation, as reflected in statements from several Council Members, particularly those from Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands. Calls were repeatedly made for gender-disaggregated reporting, improved indicators, and clearer accountability mechanisms across GBFF-supported work.

The Secretariat also presented new mandatory indicators that require all GBFF-funded projects to report on gender-related data. This shift represents an important though still incomplete step toward ensuring that women’s participation moves beyond rhetoric and into measurable practice.

At the same time, longstanding political tensions continue to challenge progress. Brazil reiterated its position that GBFF programming should remain strictly framed by national legislation and objected to GEF engagement in the plastics treaty. Meanwhile, the Draft Resource Mobilization Strategy was not adopted, as several donor countries requested additional clarity on the expected financial sources, especially those related to private sector engagement. Notably, inputs from Observers, including the CBD WC, were reflected in the strategy text, even if the process remains unfinished.

The Guidelines on Actions by Indigenous Peoples and local communities, while welcomed by many members, also exposed gaps. China requested clearer guidance on how governments should engage with Indigenous Peoples and local communities, reinforcing the critical need for capacity-building and governance support, not only at institutional but also at community level.

Shifting Observer Participation: From Presence Toward Meaningful Engagement

Observers to the GBFF, including Women, Youth, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities experienced a more open and responsive environment during this meeting. Unlike previous sessions, we were consistently given the floor when we requested it, and there was a visible effort from the Secretariat to ensure our interventions were heard.

CBD Women’s Caucus had the opportunity to articulate clear gender-focused perspectives grounded in lived realities and rights-based approaches.

In our intervention Ms. Edda Fernandez Luiselli and myself Ms. Priyanka Pandey on behalf of the CBD Women’s Caucus, we emphasized that:

''Women are far more than a percentage indicator. Recognition must be matched with representation, participation, capacity-building, and direct access to funding — particularly for grassroots and Indigenous women leaders"

-Ms. Priyanka Pandey, Representative of the CBD Women’s Caucus to the GBF Fund Council

The message was simple and clear: projects designed by women will reach women.
And when women are meaningfully included, biodiversity finance becomes more just, effective, and sustainable.

What We Said and Why It Matters

During the Council discussions on the Resource Mobilization Strategy and the GBFF Results Framework, the CBD Women’s Caucus stressed that:

✔ Financing must translate into direct, accessible resources for women-led organizations, especially at the grassroots level
✔ Gender indicators must go beyond numerical participation and reflect leadership, power, and control over resources
✔ Gender-responsive approaches must be embedded across all GBFF action areas
✔ Data must be linked to learning, adaptation, and accountability, and not collected as a reporting exercise

We welcomed progress but also pointed to the persistent risk that large-scale biodiversity finance may continue to bypass women unless allocation systems intentionally correct structural inequalities.

A Changing Institutional Culture: Small Steps, Real Meaning

This Council meeting marked a clear cultural shift:

💠 Observers were acknowledged as partners
💠 Gender was present in high-level policy discussions
💠 Our proposals appeared in official documentation
💠 Engagement opportunities expanded
💠 And our constituency (CBD Women’s Caucus) representing 800+ women and allies across 120+ countries was treated with greater respect and inclusion

These may seem like procedural gains, but they matter deeply. Institutional spaces shape resources. Resources shape outcomes. And outcomes shape lives, especially for women managing biodiversity and territories on the ground.

Looking Forward: From Inclusion to Transformation

As we move toward CBD COP 17 and the mid-term review of the Gender Plan of Action, the CBD Women’s Caucus will continue to advocate for:

⭐ Full, equitable, gender-responsive participation in GBFF governance
⭐ Direct access to the funding for women’s groups not only intermediaries
⭐ Meaningful gender indicators linked to power, not just presence
⭐ Transparency in reporting on women’s engagement and benefit-sharing
⭐ Observer roles that are permanent, institutionalized, and respected

Because women are not beneficiaries of biodiversity finance, we are leaders, stewards, and rights-holders whose knowledge sustains ecosystems and communities. And when our voices shape decisions, biodiversity finance becomes not only more inclusive
but more effective, fair, and transformative.

Final Reflection

The 5th GBFF Council Meeting confirmed one thing clearly:

-Gender justice is no longer a side note in global biodiversity finance. But neither is the work finished.

-The CBD Women’s Caucus will remain present, vocal, and grounded in the experiences of women on the frontlines of biodiversity action — ensuring that the promise of the Global Biodiversity Framework is realized for women, with women, and through women.

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Key Insights from CBD women’s caucus participation at the Subregional Dialogue on Biodiversity Monitoring and Reporting in Paramaribo, Suriname

CBD Women's Caucus — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:08:26 +0000

By Ms. Whitelocke-Ballingsingh, University of Technology, member of the CBD Women’s Caucus.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or opinions of the CBD Women’s Caucus

From December 2-4, 2025, a subregional dialogue was held in Paramaribo, Suriname, convening selected Caribbean countries. The primary focus of this meeting was biodiversity monitoring and reporting, intending to support the national implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and prepare for the Seventh National Reports.

Key areas of discussion included:

Revision of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).
Development of national monitoring plans.
Alignment of national indicators with the GBF.
Guidance for the preparation of national reports.
Identification of next steps and strengthening coordination mechanisms.

The CBD women’s caucus engagements

Ms. Sherika Whitelocke-Ballingsingh from Jamaica, represented the CBD women’s caucus in the event. Two days of engaging discussions involved all stakeholders, focusing on the status of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) within countries and ensuring the inclusiveness of all people and governments. The CBD Women’s caucus engagements focused on integrating Gender Justice and Human Rights

The call for action to:

Strengthen arguments by adopting a gender-responsive and rights-based perspective.
Ensure the implementation framework fully embeds principles of gender justice and human rights.
Actively address and dismantle structural barriers and power dynamics.
Operationalise gender justice by incorporating it into planning, budgeting, and monitoring processes.

Highlits from the events

The event highlighted a range of practical support opportunities available to countries to strengthen biodiversity monitoring, reporting, and implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). UNDP emphasized the role of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, which connects countries with tailored technical and financial solutions through a matchmaking support system open to both governmental and non-governmental organizations with a minimum of ten permanent staff. This mechanism links national indicators and reporting needs with partners capable of providing targeted expertise and resources. UNEP-WCMC introduced the Target Tracker, an online knowledge hub that visualizes progress toward GBF goals at global, regional, and national levels, with particular emphasis on the “30×30” target, supporting evidence-based planning and decision-making. Additional regional and technical support was highlighted through UNEP ROLAC, which outlined assistance to accelerate KMGBF implementation across the Caribbean, alongside presentations introducing the Global Ecosystems Atlas as a global reference for ecosystem data and practical guidance on developing effective national biodiversity monitoring systems. Together, these sessions underscored the importance of accessible tools, regional collaboration, and targeted support in helping countries translate global biodiversity commitments into measurable national action.

A total of eleven countries, including two participating online, delivered country presentations during the event. These included Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname, with Trinidad & Tobago an,d Barbados joining virtually. Countries shared key milestones in their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) processes, offering valuable insights into the challenges they face, the successes achieved, and the best practices emerging across the region. These presentations fostered peer learning, encouraged regional collaboration, and highlighted practical lessons for advancing biodiversity planning and implementation.

Challenges and Successful Approaches

Countries highlighted several challenges affecting the effective implementation and monitoring of their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans. These challenges include:

Lack of a dedicated system for data recording: Countries currently rely on spreadsheets and other manual methods for data collation.
Absence of measurable indicators: Existing practices lack clearly defined and measurable indicators, in contrast to the comprehensive monitoring and evaluation typically used in biodiversity and conservation projects.
Financial and logistical challenges for Indigenous community engagement: Consultations required significant extensions of funds to cover longer engagement periods. Language barriers necessitated translation services, and budgets had to be expanded up to five times to accommodate interpreters, including travel costs. Accessibility issues and the need for face-to-face interactions further complicated engagement efforts.
Challenges with funding and procurement through the United Nations Development Programme: Inadequate communication, delays in processing, and difficulties accessing funds caused implementation delays and stakeholder fatigue.
Time constraints and limited capacity: Tight deadlines made it challenging to ensure full government-wide and community engagement. Many staff faced heavy workloads and repeated participation in multiple meetings, resulting in burnout. Timely feedback from validation sessions was noted as a positive outcome amidst these challenges.

Despite these obstacles, countries shared several successful approaches and good practices. These included integrating projects using a ridge-to-reef approach, employing remote sensing for mapping, conducting forest cover assessments using geographic information systems, and fostering regional partnerships with organizations such as the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, the University of the West Indies, and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency. Countries also highlighted the integration of biodiversity, climate change, and disaster risk reduction, system integration to include biodiversity in climate and disaster planning, and ongoing efforts to improve data management by consolidating stakeholder data into centralized databases.

Outcomes and Next Steps

The dialogue resulted in a consensus on a two-tiered deadline structure for submitting updated National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, allowing countries to account for varying stages of national preparation and internal coordination. One group will finalize and submit their strategies by February 2026, while others with more complex data or coordination challenges have an extension until before the next Cop ( #COP17Armenia) From the CBD Women’s Caucus perspective, this outcome presents an opportunity to ensure strategies are gender-responsive and inclusive, integrating lessons from the mid-term review of the Gender Plan of Action. By linking deadlines with inclusive processes, countries can achieve high-quality reporting, full ,effective and meaningful participation of women and girls especially those on the ground, and achieve the progress toward the implementation of the Target 23 and gender plan of action , setting a clear path toward effective implementation of the Global biodiversity framework.

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Highlights from the 2025 Latin America Subregional Dialogue on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration

CBD Women's Caucus — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 01:41:36 +0000

By Ms. Berta Medrano, member of the CBD Women’s Caucus. Founder and Director of Asociación GAIA El Salvador

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or opinions of the CBD Women’s Caucus

From November 17 to 21, 2025, in Bogotá, Colombia, the CBD Women’s Caucus (CBD WC) participated in the Subregional Dialogue for Latin American countries on monitoring and reporting on biological diversity, with a special focus on ecosystem restoration (Target 2 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework). The Caucus was represented by Ms. Berta Gladys Medrano Mejía from El Salvador and Ms. Rosa Cecilia Durán from Colombia, who actively contributed throughout the event. The dialogue gathered the Latin American and Caribbean Group, supported by the Subregional Center for Technical and Scientific Support – CBD Alexander von Humboldt Biological Resources Research Institute, and the Regional Center for Biodiversity CCAD, representing the countries of the Central American Integration System (SICA).

This event was co-organized by the Alexander von Humboldt Biological Resources Research Institute, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), in close collaboration with other relevant partners and with the financial support of FAO, the UNEP China Trust Fund, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

The framework of this event served to bring together Latin American parties and representatives of technical and scientific cooperation support centers established under the CBD, Indigenous peoples, local communities, women, youth, and relevant organizations to engage in dialogue, strengthen capacities, and exchange knowledge and experiences for the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) monitoring framework. This included training on the preparation of the seventh national report and the use of the online reporting tool. Support for participating countries to accelerate monitoring and reporting on ecosystem restoration in the context of KMGBF Target 2 was also addressed. The agenda also included training-of-trainers for representatives of regional and subregional technical and scientific cooperation support centers (TSCCs) and a session on the progress of KMGBF implementation in Latin America.

Implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) monitoring framework, preparation of the seventh national report

With regard to National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), countries or parties are at different stages of progress: most have NBSAPs, but there are still countries that have not updated and aligned their strategies and plans with the KMGB framework, and with the exception of four countries (Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Paraguay, and Chile), they have not integrated non-state actors into their updating process. In addition, most parties, with the exception of two countries, one of which is in the process of doing so, have not integrated target 23 and, consequently, no indicator that allows for monitoring and collecting disaggregated data through which it is possible to obtain specific information on the participation and contribution of Indigenous people, local communities women, youth and other non-state actors.

Regarding the preparation of the national report, most countries acknowledge that their action plans for the preparation of the seventh report have not considered non-state actors for various reasons, including a lack of knowledge about the mechanisms and processes for integrating these actors and their contributions. As a result, only intersectoral institutional sectors are participating in the preparation of the report, including the environment, agriculture, housing, and planning, among others.

With regard to biodiversity monitoring and restoration systems, most countries do not have robust, standardized monitoring systems, agreed methodologies, or compatible systems, and there is a lack of integration of the contributions of non-state actors and sectors such as indigenous peoples, local communities, women, youth, NGOs, and the private sector.

The CBD Women’s Caucus repeatedly insisted and emphasized that the integration and participation of Indigenous peoples, local communities, women, and youth—is essential and indispensable in planning, monitoring, and reporting, as it is part of the mandate and objectives of the CBD, the gender action plan approved by the parties, and the KMGBF, whose target 23 cuts across all 23 KMGBF targets.

Planning, monitoring, and reporting on ecosystem restoration in the context of KMGBF Target 2

The target 2, which is aligned with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, the parties are at different stages: Most do not have a baseline, plan, and/or strategy, and their respective monitoring system focus on restoration. Rather, what predominates in this area are scattered interventions by NGOs and cooperation projects, with the exception of four countries that have more cohesive plans, but whose focus is solely on the recovery of ecosystem services, with one exception, and do not integrate the other three outcomes, which are biodiversity, ecological integrity, and connectivity.

In the framework presented by the parties on restoration, there is no integration of a goal, indicator, and/or at least a gender responsich approach, with the exception of four countries that integrate gender responsiveness into the construction of strategies but not into their monitoring system, making it impossible to know exactly how women, youth, Indigenous peoples, local communities are participating, contributing, and monitoring restoration. Despite progress in relation to indigenous peoples and local communities, significant gaps remain in effectively integrating their ancestral and traditional knowledge. Indigenous and rural women are the custodians of ancestral knowledge about caring for nature, ecosystems, and biodiversity, as restoration is about care, and women are experts in this area, thanks to their ancestral knowledge.

Openness and sensitivity to integrating the socio-cultural dimension

Representatives of countries, multilateral agencies, relevant organizations, and subregional scientific and technical support centers showed sensitivity and openness to the repeated calls from the representatives of the CBD Women’s Caucus for the integration of women, youth, indigenous peoples, and local communities in the planning, monitoring and implementations processes of NBSAPs and restoration plans and strategies and their respective monitoring systems, with clear goals and indicators that allow us to know how they are participating and contributing to the KMGBF, Gender Action Plan, and CBD objectives.

A notable achievement is that, as a result of advocacy within the framework of the dialogue, it was possible to gain recognition from the parties and other relevant actors involved that there is a need to systematically integrate the socio-cultural dimension into all NBSAP processes, monitoring systems, and restoration plans, To this end, we request the support of the parties so that one of the outcomes of the subregional workshop is a recommendation to all parties in Latin America and the Caribbean to integrate the socio-cultural dimension into their NBSAPs, restoration plans, and monitoring systems, with explicit reference to the integration and active and substantive participation of women, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, youth, and children, and that allows for the visibility and recognition of their contributions to the achievement of the KMGBF and the objectives of the CBD.

We also reiterate to the subregional centers, parties, multilateral agencies, and relevant organizations our willingness to support capacity building in all matters related to gender, women, and girls, and we urge them to take advantage of our proven capacity and experience.

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Highlights: Cross-Learning Webinar on Biodiversity & Climate Gender Action Plans

CBD Women's Caucus — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 13:23:58 +0000

On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the CBD Women’s Caucus and the UNFCCC Women and Gender Constituency (WGC) convened a dynamic cross-learning online session around the Biodiversity & Climate Gender Action Plans. This vibrant session brought together Women and girls’ rights advocates from both the biodiversity and climate spaces, providing a platform to identify the gaps, share lessons, explore synergies, and strengthen coherence across the Rio Conventions. The event aimed to advance gender-transformative and intersectional advocacy, ensuring that gender responsiveness considerations remain central to environmental decision-making at all levels.

Lessons from the CBD Gender Plan of Action

The webinar began with Ms. Amelia Arreguin Prado, coordinator of the CBD Women’s Caucus, providing a detailed overview of the CBD Gender Plan of Action (GPA) and its evolution over time. The first GPA, launched in 2008, primarily focused on integrating gender within the internal work of the CBD Secretariat. The second plan, covering 2015 to 2020, expanded its scope to include policy, organizational, and national implementation, demonstrating how gender perspectives could enhance biodiversity policy effectiveness. Reflections on this second plan revealed that mainstreaming gender in policy alone was not enough to achieve transformative change, paving the way for the current CBD GPA (2023–2030).

The present plan represents a major advancement, designed as a strategic instrument with clear objectives, actionable steps, timelines, and designated actors to strengthen monitoring and accountability. It supports gender-responsive implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework,as well as other key CBD instruments such as its Resource mobilisation strategy, the Communication and education plan, and the Monitoring framework. Its three central outcomes focus on ensuring that women and girls have equal opportunity to contribute to CBD objectives, that biodiversity policy and planning are gender-responsive, and that enabling conditions, such as national capacities, data collection, public participation, and resource allocation, are in place for effective implementation.

A particularly groundbreaking element of the CBD GPA is Objective 1.5, which explicitly addresses the elimination, prevention, and response to all forms of gender-based violence within biodiversity contexts. This makes the CBD GPA one of the few environmental policy instruments globally to confront gender-based violence directly. Ms Arreguin also highlighted advocacy initiatives such as the Gender and Biodiversity Champion campaign, encouraging stakeholders to actively engage with the gender plan of action and implement its actions, ensuring it remains a living and actionable instrument rather than a document left on the shelf.

Lessons from the UNFCCC Gender Action Plan

Ms. Mwanahamisi Singano, coordinator of the Women and Gender Constituency (WGC) and policy director at Women’s Environment & Development Organization (WEDO), shared insights on the UNFCCC Gender Plan of Action (GPA). She outlined its historical context, tracing the evolution of gender considerations within the UNFCCC framework. This review included COP7 in 2001 with the first gender reference on participation, COP20 in 2014 with the adoption of the Lima Work Programme on Gender, COP25 in 2019 which combined a renewed work programme with the first Gender Action Plan, and COP29 in 2024 where the Lima Work Programme was renewed for ten years, setting the stage for adoption of the next Gender Action Plan at COP30 in Belém.

She emphasized that the UNFCCC GPA prioritizes capacity building, knowledge management, gender balance and leadership, coherent gender-responsive implementation, and robust monitoring and reporting. Lessons from past implementation revealed that National Climate Change Focal Points have been instrumental in institutionalizing gender action, yet challenges such as coordination gaps, unclear mandates, insufficient resources, and event-based approaches limited the plan’s impact. Importantly, previous iterations often overlooked intersectionality, missing rural, indigenous, urban poor, and differently-abled women.

Looking ahead, Ms. Singano stressed that the upcoming GPA aims to embrace intersectionality, ensure measurable outcomes, allocate sufficient resources, and foster stronger coherence across the Rio Conventions. She highlighted that earlier workshops had produced a draft plan with over a hundred deliverables, including some to improve coordination among UNFCCC, CBD, and UNCCD focal points. Her call to women and girls’ rights advocates was clear: push for a comprehensive, inclusive, and well-resourced Gender Action Plan in Belém (COP30), building on lessons learned from both the CBD GPA and prior UNFCCC implementation experiences.

Women’s Land Rights: A Strategic Lever for Coherence

Ms. Ilse Pelkmans, Program Manager for TMG Research, highlighted the central role of women’s land rights in achieving gender-responsive environmental action across the Rio Conventions.” Land lies at the heart of mitigation and adaptation under the UNFCCC, biodiversity protection under the CBD, and restoration under the UNCCD. Secure access to land and resources for women is not only a human rights issue but also a strategic lever for effective policy implementation, advocacy, and coherence across conventions.”

Ms. Pelkmans’ analysis of the three Gender Action Plans highlighted the recognition of gender justice as essential for environmental action, the explicit inclusion of human rights, promotion of women’s leadership in land-use decisions, technical and financial support for grassroots organizations, and the need for gender-responsive budgeting with harmonized, disaggregated indicators. Drawing lessons from the CBD, Ms. Pelkmans emphasized that secure ownership, decision-making participation, and alignment with SDGs serve as concrete examples for how the UNFCCC and UNCCD can strengthen their approaches, ensuring that women’s land rights are recognized, financed, monitored, and implemented in practice.

A Dynamic Exchange of Experiences and Strategies

The final segment of the webinar invited participants to share experiences, insights, and strategies from their advocacy at local, national, and international levels that could support the efforts for the UNFCCC GAP to be adopted and effectively implemented. Participants highlighted the importance of traditional knowledge and the often-unrecognized unpaid care work of women, emphasizing the need for policies that reflect local adaptation practices. They also discussed effective advocacy strategies, noting the value of structured escalation and engaging multiple levels of authority to ensure responsiveness and accountability.

Strengthening locally led leadership development, direct funding mechanisms, and economic autonomy were recognized as essential for driving meaningful change. Participants reflected on the value of linking formal and non-formal education with community knowledge holders, recognizing the vital contributions of local biodiversity defenders. The conversation also emphasized showcasing successful initiatives to inspire women, strengthen networks, and enhance coordination across movements and international frameworks.

In sum, this cross learning session between the Women/Gender Caucus from CBD and UNFCCC offered knowledge and practical insights that can directly inform and strengthen the implementation of Gender Action Plans, fostering collaboration and reinforcing the transformative potential of gender-responsive environmental action.

We invite you to watch the full recording of the webinar, available in English, French, and Spanish

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CBD Women’s Caucus Intervention at the High-Level Dialogue with Parties and Non-Party Stakeholders on Armenian COP17 Priorities

CBD Women's Caucus — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:14:25 +0000

On Thursday, 30 October 2025, during SB8J, the CBD Women’s Caucus participated in the High-Level Dialogue with Parties and Non-Party Stakeholders to Present the Vision and Priorities of the Armenian Incoming COP17 Presidency. This session was co-organized with the CBD Secretariat and hosted by Armenia’s Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The dialogue was moderated by Mr. Davit Knyazyan, Chief of the Department of Multilateral Policy and Development Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia. Distinguished participants included Ms. Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the CBD Secretariat, H.E. Mr. Mher Margaryan, Ambassador and COP17 Chief Negotiator of Armenia, Ms. Daniela Durán González, COP16 Presidency Representative (Colombia) Mr. Juan Carlos Monterrey-Gomez, Special Representative for Climate Change & National Climate Change Director, Ministry of Environment of Panama, Ms. Lucy Mulenkei, Co-chair of the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB), and Ms. Josefa Cariño Tauli, Policy Co-coordinator of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN).

CBD Women’s Caucus Intervention

The dialogue covered critical topics on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, financial mechanisms and resource mobilization, and the integration of traditional knowledge, innovations, and practices.

The dialogue also emphasized the urgent need to:
Build on the achievements of COP16 Colombia.
Accelerate the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (#KMGBF).
Foster synergies between the nature and climate agendas, and streamline national implementation.

During the event, Ms. Amelia Arreguín, Coordinator of the CBD Women’s Caucus, delivered the CBD WC’intervention, emphasizing the centrality of gender in biodiversity policy and action. She highlighted that COP17 offers a key opportunity to advance the midterm review of the Gender Plan of Action, a roadmap for ensuring a gender-responsive, rights-based, and inclusive implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Ms. Amelia also for “gender and biodiversity champions” within governments, institutions, and the biodiversity community, highlighting the importance of dedicated support, resources, and empowerment for gender focal points who she described as the “superheroes” that help turn commitments into actions.

The Importance of Gender-Responsive Biodiversity Action

The CBD WC underscored that a gender-responsive approach strengthens the social foundations of biodiversity action, reduces conflicts, builds trust, and ensures that conservation work advances both well-being and justice. COP17 can serve as a pivotal moment to reaffirm long-standing commitments and achieve measurable progress toward gender justice and biodiversity conservation.

Looking Ahead to COP17

The CBD Women’s Caucus praised Armenia’s commitment to inclusive, multi-stakeholder leadership and expressed confidence that COP17 will integrate gender considerations into biodiversity governance, resource mobilization, and the broader Kunming-Montreal Framework agenda.

Watch the full intervention of the CBD Women’s Caucus by its Coordinator, Ms. Amelia Arreguín

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Highlights from “Children and Youth Sowing Knowledge and Resistance: Implementing Article 8(j) from Pluri-ethnic and Biodiverse Territories”

CBD Women's Caucus — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 11:31:42 +0000

By Ms. Fatima El-aaraby, Project officer at CBD Women’s Caucus

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or opinions of the CBD Women’s Caucus

On October 28, 2025, during the first meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) (SB8J) held in Panama, youth and community leaders from across the world gathered for a side event titled “Children and Youth Sowing Knowledge and Resistance: Implementation of Article 8(j) of the CBD from Pluri-ethnic and Biodiverse Territories.” Organized by GYBN Colombia, the event provided a vital platform to highlight the perspectives of Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and local community women and youth in biodiversity conservation and the protection of traditional knowledge.

Let’s discover What Happened in the Recent Meetings!

The session began with opening remarks by Juliana and Ana María from GYBN Colombia, followed by reflections on youth-led movements advancing ecological justice. The discussion featured interventions from The CBD Women’s Caucus (CBD WC) represented by Ms. Fatima El Aaraby from Morocco. , Mr. Ameth Jhosue Rodríguez Pérez, a 17-year-old advocate from Jóvenes y Cambio Climático in Panama, and Ms. Juan Carlos Monterrey, Climate Envoy of Panama and Vice President of COP30, who provided the closing remarks for children and youth.

Throughout the talking circle, speakers shared concrete experiences in biodiversity conservation, the safeguarding of ancestral knowledge, and the importance of youth and women’s leadership in ensuring ecological and social justice. The dialogue also addressed the critical importance of Article 8(j) in recognizing and protecting the knowledge, innovations, and practices of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, emphasizing its connection with Target 22 & Target 23 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which calls for full, equitable, and meaningful participation of women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities.

Addressing Structural Barriers

The CBD Women’s Caucus highlighted that for Article 8(j) to be effectively implemented, biodiversity policy and action must be gender-responsive, human rights-based, and intergenerational. The Caucus stressed several structural barriers that continue to limit women’s and girls’ leadership and participation, including limited access to land and natural resources, underrepresentation in governance and decision-making, restricted access to direct funding opportunities, insufficient capacity-building to participate effectively in negotiations, and the absence of sex-disaggregated data.

Empowering Women through Capacity Building

To address these gaps, the CBD Women’s Caucus has developed a robust system of capacity-building, mentoring, and peer learning for women delegates. This includes pre-session briefings, simulation exercises, and daily coordination meetings during CBD negotiations to ensure that women’s voices are heard and their priorities integrated into official outcomes. For the Caucus, participation means not only being present but also having the power and resources to influence decisions and lead change.

Moving Forward

The side event reaffirmed that Women, children and youth from Indigenous people and local communities are essential actors in conserving biodiversity and protecting traditional knowledge. Implementing Article 8(j) effectively requires centering their voices, ensuring justice, and fostering collaboration across generations and territories. The CBD Women’s Caucus remains committed to working alongside these groups to ensure that biodiversity action is inclusive, equitable, and grounded in the lived realities of those who safeguard life on Earth every day.

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Women’s Voices in Action: CBD Women’s Caucus at the Regional Dialogue for Western Europe and Others Group (WEOG)

CBD Women's Caucus — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 09:18:41 +0000

By Ms.Cristina Eghenter, CBD Women’s Caucus Board of Directors member, Global Governance Policy Coordinator, WWF International

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or opinions of the CBD Women’s Caucus

From 23 to 25 September 2025, the CBD Women’s Caucus (CBD WC) took part (online) in the Regional Dialogue for the Western Europe and Others Group (WEOG) and Parties covered by the European Subregional Technical and Scientific Cooperation Support Centre (TSC), held in Brussels, Belgium, and online. The meeting, organized by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) and the European Commission’s Environment Division, gathered Parties, experts, and stakeholders to discuss progress in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), preparations for the 7th National Reports (NR7), introduction to the European subregional Technical Support Centres, related capacity needs and collaborations.

Gender-Responsive Monitoring and 7th National Reports

During the first day of discussions, In a dedicated intervention, the CBD Women’s Caucus highlighted in a dedicated intervention that gender equality is a key enabler for the KM-GBFramework’s success —supported by important decisions, Section C of the GBF, and Target 23. The presentation illustrated the various ways in which gender equality can be reported in the 7th National Reports and called on Parties to ensure the inclusion of women and girls in national consultations, integrate sex-disaggregated data, and apply the Gender Plan of Action across all stages of monitoring and reporting. The WC also reminded participants of the upcoming mid-term review of the Gender Plan of Action, stressing the need to integrate gender progress in national reports and the Global Review.

While recognizing the value of women’s, Indigenous Peoples’, local communities, and youth’s contributions to achieving the KM-GBF goals and targets, parties also acknowledged challenges in integrating non-state actors (NSAs) into reporting processes.

Strengthening Regional Collaboration and Knowledge Hubs

The following sessions on Sept 24 and 25 introduced the European Subregional Technical and Scientific Cooperation Support Centre (TSC) and the new Knowledge Hubs, designed to support 44 Parties with data, capacity-building, and governance engagement. These hubs will play a key role in implementing the KM-GBF at national and regional levels, providing technical and policy support — including for Target 23 (Gender Equality).

Slido survey results during the meeting showed that policy and knowledge capacities are most needed for advancing gender-related and human rights-related elements of targets, further underscoring the importance of strengthening regional expertise and collaboration.

Advocating for Inclusion and Traditional Knowledge

Throughout the dialogue, the CBD Women’s Caucus consistently raised the issue of traditional knowledge (TK) and the recognition of TK holders and custodians, highlighting that TK is closely linked to women of Indigenous Peoples and those of local communities, and linguistic minorities, including in rural communities, among small-scale farmers, and traditional herders. The Caucus expressed readiness to contribute to any emerging learning and collaboration platform on traditional knowledge, ensuring that women’s knowledge systems are visible and valued within biodiversity governance.

Looking Ahead

The dialogue reinforced that consistent engagement between the CBD Women’s Caucus and WEOG Parties is essential to continue to mainstream gender equality in the implementation of the GBF. The creation of regional hubs of the CBD Women’s Caucus, similar to youth networks like GYBN, will be a key next step to ensure that women’s voices continue to shape biodiversity policy and decision-making across Europe.

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Press conference at SB8J-1 : Voices of Women and Girls at the Forefront: CBD Women’s Caucus Demands Action on SB8J-1 Outcomes

CBD Women's Caucus — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 08:58:39 +0000

Panama City, 29 October 2025 —
As the first meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) and Other Provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SB8J-1) coming ton an end in Panama, the CBD Women’s Caucus shared its reflections on the discussions and outcomes, reaffirming the central role of women particularly Indigenous, local, and Afro-descendant women in the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Moderated by Ms. Fatima El-Aaraby, Project Officer at the CBD Women’s Caucus, the press conference brought together women experts and advocates who provided insights on key agenda items on behalf of the CBD WC, from governance and representation to knowledge systems and gender integration.

Building Inclusive and Gender-Balanced Governance

Ms. Elisa Marchi, from the University of Arizona and a member of the CBD WC, opened the discussion with reflections on Agenda Item 4: Modus Operandi.
She highlighted the historic importance of the meeting, noting that it represented a turning point in efforts to ensure the effective participation and representation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in biodiversity governance.

Ms. Marchi emphasized that the body’s composition must ensure gender balance, regional equity, and respect for self-determined processes, as defined by the seven socio-cultural regions recognized by the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.“This subsidiary body must guarantee the representation of Indigenous women and girls—not only as participants but as decision-makers, ensuring they have the space to share their knowledge without fear of interference or retaliation,” she said.

She also called for the creation of a dedicated financial mechanism to support Indigenous women’s participation, capacity-building, and leadership, stressing that representation without resources is insufficient for transformative change.

Embedding Gender Responsiveness in Biodiversity Implementation

Addressing Agenda Items 5(a) and 5(b), Ms. Shruti Ajit, Project Officer with the CBD Women’s Caucus, underscored the importance of embedding gender-responsive approaches into the development and implementation of guidelines related to restoration, spatial planning, and environmental impact assessment.

Ms. Ajit pointed out that women’s traditional knowledge and leadership are vital to ensuring biodiversity conservation that is both effective and equitable. She presented examples from the field where women’s engagement has transformed restoration efforts—connecting ecosystem health with food security, livelihoods, and intergenerational learning. “When women lead, restoration takes on a holistic meaning—one that includes food security, community health, and the intergenerational transfer of knowledge,” she stated.

She urged Parties to integrate gender-differentiated data, prevent gender-based violence in environmental contexts, and ensure direct access to funding for women-led initiatives.

Integrating Gender and Human Rights in the Biodiversity Glossary

Turning to Agenda Item 5(c) on updating the Voluntary Glossary of Terms, Ms. Berta Metrano from El Salvador shared that the CBD Women’s Caucus conducted an inclusive review process to ensure that the glossary reflects a strong foundation in gender equality and human rights. “A glossary that reflects equality, respect, and the interconnectedness of biological and cultural diversity is key to advancing fair and inclusive implementation,” she explained.

Ms. Metrano stressed that language shapes understanding and implementation—calling for terms to acknowledge women’s collective rights, diverse knowledge systems, and contributions to biodiversity conservation.

Recognizing Traditional Knowledge and Women’s Leadership in Reporting

Speaking on Agenda Item 6, Ms. Marie Salvatrice Musabyeyezu from Rwanda focused on the inclusion of traditional knowledge in the Global Report on Collective Progress under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

Ms. Musabyeyezu emphasized that Indigenous and local women’s contributions, particularly in seed preservation, medicinal plants, and land restoration, must be formally recognized and integrated into national and global reporting processes. “Let us listen to the voices of the women who have kept seeds alive, preserved forests, healed communities, and sustained the balance between humans and nature,” she said.

She called for gender balance to go beyond numbers and ensure meaningful representation, with mechanisms to include youth and women’s leadership in reporting processes. Ms. Musabyeyezu also recommended the creation of an informal dialogue mechanism for collecting Indigenous women’s input and providing financial support for community-led knowledge systems.

Ensuring Rights-Based Approaches and Gender Data

Across all interventions, the CBD Women’s Caucus stressed that achieving the goals of the GBF requires integrating gender responsive and human rights-based approaches into biodiversity policy and monitoring. Without these, women’s contributions remain invisible, and inequalities persist in access to resources and decision-making. “We cannot measure what we do not count,” one speaker reminded. “Gender-responsive data is not optional—it is fundamental to accountability and equitable outcomes.”

The CBD WC reiterated that Targets 1, 2, and 3 must secure women’s rights to land, water, and natural resources, support women-led initiatives, and dismantle systemic barriers to equitable benefit-sharing.

Closing Reflections: From Policy to Implementation

In its closing statement, the CBD Women’s Caucus summarized its key messages to Parties and stakeholders:

Human rights, leadership, and knowledge of women and girls, especially from Indigenous Peoples and local communities, are central to biodiversity policy and action.
Long-term, flexible, and direct biodiversity finance must be guaranteed, with allocations for women, girls, and youth through Indigenous- and community-led funds.
Full, effective, and meaningful participation of women and girls must be ensured in all decision-making spaces, respecting self-determined processes.
Traditional knowledge, especially that of women, girls, elders, and youth, must be respected, protected, and integrated into all biodiversity-related policies and actions.
The implementation of the GBF must adopt gender-responsive indicators, gender-disaggregated data, and human rights-based approaches to ensure inclusive and equitable outcomes.

Watch the full press conference ▶️

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