Time for implementation at biodiversity COP16 in Colombia

The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is being described as an “implementation COP”, where countries are expected to present their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). During the conference, the international community will also seek agreement on monitoring, collaboration, benefit-sharing and financing mechanisms. For these efforts to succeed, they must be underpinned by robust scientific knowledge, and SEI is contributing its expertise in several key areas. Three examples include:

• Assessing the impact of trade and consumption on deforestation, food systems and biodiversity loss: SEI research, including through the Trase initiative and the Global Environmental Impacts of Consumption (GEIC) Indicator (part of the Framework’s Target 16), has advanced understanding of trade’s role in these areas.
• Developing a bioeconomy that benefits countries in tropical regions: while the G20 recently launched an Initiative for Bioeconomy, questions remain about how to design bioeconomies that benefit  local communities. SEI’s research from Africa, Asia and Latin America offers valuable insights into these considerations.
• Strengthening coastal resilience and restoring marine and freshwater ecosystems: SEI’s research highlights how marine spatial planning, sustainable blue economy principles and community-led conservation can bolster coastal resilience and support climate-smart livelihoods.

For more information

Our SEI at CBD COP16 webpage provides resources, details of SEI events, spokespeople and media contacts. You can also find more information in our guide to the UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP16). 

Events

The SEI delegation is hosting three events in Cali. For further details, please visit the links below:

• 28 October: Momentum for Target 16: enhancing collective action to reduce the global footprint of consumption equitably
• 29 October: Bioeconomy for biodiversity: challenges in value chains of non-timber forest products
• 31 October: Principles for a biodiversity-driven bioeconomy

SEI delegation at CBD COP16

The SEI delegation, consisting of 18 experts on circular bioeconomy, food systems, trade and consumption impacts, governance and ocean and water management, will be attending the conference in Cali.

For a full list of SEI experts, their areas of expertise and languages spoken, visit the SEI at CBD COP16 page. Below are the three primary spokespeople available for media engagements. You can always contact SEI’s media contacts below for guidance.

• Jonathan Green, Head of Delegation, Senior Research Fellow
  Topics: Impacts of consumption and diets on biodiversity, assessing value chains and trade related to deforestation and agriculture, nature-based solutions and the alignment between different sustainability agendas.
  On site: 24-31 October
  Language: English

• Åsa Persson, Research Director and Deputy Director
  Topics: Connections between biodiversity, climate and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  On site: 24-25 October
  Languages: English, Swedish
• Monica Trujillo, Research Fellow 
  Topics: Sustainable development strategies based on green economic growth, value chain management and biodiversity conservation, the role of the bioeconomy for sustainable development, including experiences from SEI’s Governing Bioeconomy Pathways Initiative in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
  On site: 29 October-1 November
  Languages: Spanish, English