An international dialogue on the implementation of the CBD Gender Plan of Action
On 19 May 2024, the CBD Women’s Caucus and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity convened an international dialogue in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss gender-responsive implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) and the CBD Gender Plan of Action (GPA). Held just prior to SBI-4, the event served as an important platform to share insights and strategies for advancing gender equality in biodiversity conservation efforts.
Setting the stage for gender-responsive biodiversity conservation
The dialogue began with opening remarks from Mr Olivier Rukundo, Head of the Peoples and Biodiversity Unit, and Ms Amelia Arreguin, Coordinator of the CBD Women’s Caucus. In his address, Mr. Rukundo emphasised the importance of integrating gender perspectives into biodiversity policies, stating, “Achieving a world in harmony with nature by 2050 requires the full participation and leadership of women and girls in biodiversity conservation”.
Highlighting the collaborative nature of the event, Ms Arreguin said, “This dialogue is a testament to our collective commitment to gender equality. By working together, we can ensure that the implementation of the GPA is both effective and inclusive”.
Panel Discussion: Deep Dives into GPA Outcomes
The Dialogue featured three panel discussions, each focusing on one of the GPA outcomes. Each panel was followed by Q&A sessions and breakout groups, allowing participants to delve deeper into the specific goals, challenges and resource needs associated with each outcome.
GPA Outcome 1: Capacity building and empowerment of women and girls
The first intervention, delivered by Ms Yolanda Terán of the Indigenous Women Biodiversity Network, addressed the importance of empowering women and girls in biodiversity conservation. Ms Terán highlighted successful initiatives such as women’s agricultural projects, stating that “when women are empowered with knowledge and resources, they become powerful agents of change in their communities”.
GPA Outcome 2: Formal designation of gender and biodiversity focal points
The second intervention on voice of Ms Cristina Eghenter from WWF International, discussed the formal designation of gender and biodiversity focal points. Stressing the need for institutional support, Ms. Eghenter said, “Appointing dedicated focal points is a critical step in ensuring that gender considerations are consistently integrated into biodiversity policies and practices”.
GPA Outcome 3: Policy and legislative support for gender equality
Mr Venge Nyirongo of UN Women delivered the third intervention, which focused on policy and legislative support. He highlighted the importance of creating supportive legal frameworks, stating, “We need to advocate for policy reforms that provide women with the necessary rights and resources to actively participate in biodiversity conservation.”
Photo by Fatima El Aaraby.
Developing a joint roadmap and building networks
A key outcome of the dialogue was the development of a collaborative roadmap to COP 17, outlining key milestones and actions for the full implementation of the GPA and KM-GBF. This roadmap will guide Parties and stakeholders in their efforts to integrate gender perspectives into biodiversity policies and practices.
The dialogue also facilitated the reactivation of the Friends of Gender Equality Group, now proposed as the Gender and Biodiversity Focal Points Network. This network aims to provide peer-to-peer support and collaboration to ensure that gender and biodiversity focal points can effectively contribute to the implementation of the GPA and KM-GBF.
Expected impacts: Paving the way for long-term gender-responsive biodiversity conservation
The immediate impacts of this dialogue include increased awareness and commitment among participants, the creation of new partnerships and actionable commitments by Parties and stakeholders. In the long term, the dialogue is expected to lead to sustainable implementation of the GPA, institutionalisation of gender-responsive approaches, empowerment of women and indigenous communities, policy and legal reforms, and the creation of a repository of global best practices.
Conclusion: A collective commitment to gender equality in biodiversity conservation
The International Dialogue on Gender-Responsive Implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Gender Action Plan was a significant step forward in advancing gender equality in biodiversity conservation. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, the Dialogue has set the stage for transformative change that will ensure a more inclusive and effective approach to biodiversity conservation.
As Mr Davind Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the CBD aptly concluded, “Our journey towards gender-responsive implementation of the KM-GBF is just beginning. Together, we can build a future where both nature and gender equality thrive.
WATCH THE RECORDING HERE: https://youtube.com/live/9UTnNBoItfc
This event was possible with the generous support of the Japan Biodiversity Fund, WWF International and AVAAZ.
