NBSAP Accelerator Partnership paves the way for action

A dynamic and forward-thinking session at the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) Pavilion, co-hosted by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Global Environment Facility (GEF), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), tackled a pressing global issue: turning National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) into concrete, actionable steps. The session focused on how the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership can be leveraged to make progress towards the ambitious targets set by the Global Biodiversity Framework.

One of the central themes of the session was mainstreaming biodiversity into every sector of society. This approach is critical to meeting the ambitious goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework, which calls for the integration of nature conservation across industries and policy arenas.

Participants from various sectors discussed the challenges of biodiversity mainstreaming, and success stories were shared to highlight strategies that have worked. From workshops on biodiversity integration to small group discussions on national challenges and capacity-building opportunities, the focus was on creating a solid foundation for mainstreaming. Roundtable sessions zeroed in on specific sectors, such as finance, agriculture, and civil society, to explore how biodiversity can be woven into the fabric of these fields. Participants emphasized the importance of breaking down silos and ensuring cross-sectoral cooperation to enhance biodiversity conservation across all domains of human activity.

Measuring progress: building a robust monitoring framework
Tracking progress on NBSAP implementation was a major focus of the session, with a variety of experts discussing national monitoring systems and their role in effective biodiversity management. Representatives from UNEP, the World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC), and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) shared insights into data collection and monitoring frameworks.

Belgium raised the importance of conducting capacity-building assessments to address gaps in technical expertise, while the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) advocated for the use of existing resources to strengthen data collection. UNEP announced plans to develop a unified platform aimed at addressing gaps in biodiversity data, streamlining information gathering, and improving accessibility.

The European Commission stressed the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in developing user-friendly dashboards for tracking biodiversity targets. Regional cooperation was championed by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Centre for Biodiversity, which highlighted the role of knowledge sharing and the inclusion of indigenous communities in biodiversity monitoring efforts. Additionally, the Observatoire du Sahara et du Sahel emphasized the importance of scientific and technical cooperation to improve data accuracy and management. Ultimately, the session underscored that sustainable data management and global collaboration are essential for effective progress monitoring.

Catalysts for action: turning plans into reality
During a high-level panel discussion, speakers delved into the tools and strategies that can accelerate NBSAP implementation. UNDP underscored the importance of global coordination and alignment with the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) partnership, which supports climate action and biodiversity conservation. The High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People (HAC) called for increased political commitment, enhanced capacity-building initiatives, and matchmaking platforms to connect governments with technical solutions.

UNEP highlighted the significance of timely NBSAP submissions and introduced the GEF support package as a crucial resource for countries. Meanwhile, GEF emphasized the need for streamlined assessments to identify national needs and promoted the integration of gender mainstreaming into biodiversity projects to ensure inclusivity.

One of the session’s key innovations was the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership’s Matchmaking Mechanism and Facilitator Programme. This tool is designed to connect government representatives with solution providers, facilitating partnerships that can help countries overcome technical and financial hurdles. By fostering collaboration, capacity development, and innovative approaches, the session aimed to bridge the gap between planning and action.

The session’s emphasis on data collection, capacity building, and collaboration resonated strongly with CGIAR’s priorities. As a global research partnership for a food-secure future, CGIAR is committed to using evidence-based research to guide decision-making and fostering innovation in agriculture to address both biodiversity and climate challenges. The alignment between the goals of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership and CGIAR’s mission was evident, particularly in the shared focus on data-driven decision-making and fostering global cooperation.

Paving the way for action
The session at the KMGBF Pavilion showcased how the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership is making strides in turning biodiversity plans into reality. By providing the tools, frameworks, and platforms necessary to accelerate NBSAP implementation, the Partnership is a driving force behind biodiversity conservation efforts worldwide. The emphasis on capacity building, collaborative approaches, and the development of robust monitoring frameworks is helping countries make tangible progress towards a future in harmony with nature.

As the world continues to grapple with the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, initiatives like the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership offer hope and a clear path forward. By harnessing the power of data, capacity development, and global cooperation, this Partnership is paving the way for countries to meet their biodiversity goals and ensure a more sustainable and resilient planet for future generations.