Convention on Biological Diversity CoP-16

Leading Ecological Connectivity Conservation for the Convention on Biological Diversity

Representatives of the Center for Large Landscape Conservation will attend the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD/CoP-16) from 21 October – 1 November in Cali, Colombia. Under the theme “Peace with Nature,” the 196 country “Parties” to the Convention are especially tasked with reviewing implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), demonstrating alignment in their National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plans (NBSAPs), further developing the KMGBF monitoring framework, and advancing mobilization of resources for implementation.

The Center has been an NGO Observer to CBD since 2018, and consistently participates in discussions and negotiations, informs development of guidance and tools, and works with partners to undertake projects to demonstrate implementation of policies. The Center will continue contributions at the upcoming CBD/CoP-16 further emphasizing the fundamental importance of connectivity, landscape, and seascape conservation for achieving the KMGBF and other international commitments across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems.

Connectivity in the KMGBF

Ecological connectivity is a key element of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and its monitoring framework adopted in December 2022 by the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD/CoP-15). As part of these historic commitments, the KMGBF goals and targets related to ecological connectivity include:

Goal A: As a fundamental requirement for the functionality of ecosystems;

Target 1: As a key criterion for achieving “participatory, integrated and biodiversity inclusive spatial planning”;

Target 2: As part of maximizing the benefits and outcomes of restoration for entire landscapes and seascapes;

Target 3: As crucial to achieving “well-connected” protected and conserved areas to achieve 30×30 objectives;

Target 12: As important for increasing benefits from “green and blue spaces” in urban and densely populated areas; and

Target 14: As part of contributing toward “the full integration of biodiversity and its multiple values […] within and across all levels of government and across all sectors.”

Key Activities

CLLC’s activities at CBD/CoP-16 will include:

Emphasize approaches taken by more than 15 Parties to address ecological connectivity in their submitted National Biodiversity and Strategic Action Plans (NBSAPs);

Promote use of practical guidance and application of indicators of connectivity as provided in the KMGBF monitoring framework;

Recommend the need and proposal for disaggregating connectivity-related headline indicators as part of consideration of Agenda Item 10 concerning the monitoring framework; and

Contributing as an official supporter of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People.

Official Side Event | Ecological Connectivity: A Key to Powering Delivery of the KMGBF

The official side event “Ecological Connectivity: A Key to Powering Delivery of the KMGBF” , organized by the Center for Large Landscape Conservation, will take place on Tuesday, 22 October. It will highlight the importance of connectivity in addressing the interrelated challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change, and ecosystem degradation; opportunities for new National Biodiversity and Strategic Action Plans to address connectivity and more effectively meet commitments of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework; and insights and examples to inspire the integration of connectivity conservation science, policy, and best practice across ecosystems.

Questions? Contact Aaron Laur at aaronlaur@largelandscapes.org.

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Other Featured Events

Throughout the conference, CLLC will lead and contribute to various events to engage participants in sharing knowledge, enhancing understanding, and advancing collaboration for accelerating the conservation of ecological connectivity and its benefits to healthy functioning ecosystems, species, and people, including:

An event in the Nature Positive Pavilion titled “Innovations in Mainstreaming Biodiversity for Nature-Positive Infrastructure” on Monday, 21 October in collaboration with the Infrastructure and Nature Coalition;

The official side event “Action for Peace and Biodiversity” on Thursday, 24 October focused on transboundary cooperation in protected areas;

An event in the Place Quebec Action Zone called “Nature-Positive Infrastructure – Designing and Financing the Foundation for our Future” on Thursday, 24 October also in collaboration with the Infrastructure and Nature Coalition; and

Others to be added as planning progresses.

Other Events & Resources

The Center has compiled a list of events to help guide participants that would like to attend side events focused on connectivity conservation. In addition, here are some other documents and events you may find helpful: