Scottish Government in the post-2020 biodiversity framework workshop
Workshop for Sub-National, Regional and Local Governments on their role in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework
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CoronavirusGiven the evolving situation in relation to COVID-19 we have taken the decision to host the workshop online and we will not be proceeding with hosting a physical event.
We are very disappointed that we won't be able to invite delegates to travel to Edinburgh to attend the workshop as planned.
The measures that are now being taken to combat the spread of the virus by many countries around the world, and the effect that this is having on global events, mean we are now exploring with the CBD how to deliver the workshop as a consultative online process, over a longer period of time.
We will continue to work with our partner organisations and with all of you to support the development of the Post 2020 Framework and to highlight the important role of subnational governments in this.
Further notifications will follow in due course. We thank you for your patience and understanding over this time.
The Scottish Government is working with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its partners to issue invitations for expressions of interest in attending this workshop.
Background
Subnational, regional and local governments are key agents in delivering actions to address global and local biodiversity loss and to help national governments achieve the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity. They will be key actors in helping to achieve the commitments and targets set out in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. The important role of subnational, regional and local governments for biodiversity is recognised by the Convention and particularly their significance in developing the post-2020 framework.
Subnational and regional governments are able to bring influence and specific expertise to their national counterparts (in some cases states Parties), whilst sitting closer to local delivery agents, i.e. Local Government, Nature and Conservation Agencies, and non-Governmental organisations (eNGO’s). Subnational and Regional Government can support effective mainstreaming of biodiversity through these relationships. It is through effective communication, harmonization of policies and programmes, and liaison arrangements between these layers of governance that the truly transformational changes needed to reverse the loss of biodiversity will be implemented. Thus it is important to develop meaningful engagement frameworks across all levels of government.
Aims
This workshop is designed to bring together a globally balanced representation of Sub-National, Regional and Local Governments from across the world to:
- undertake knowledge exchange and sharing of information with respect to implementing the actions and enabling conditions to meet the aims and ambitions of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework;
- provide constructive outcomes for the Co-Chairs of the Open-ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, for consideration in their future work on the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, as well as for the agenda of the third meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation of the CBD.
Expected outcomes
Two main outcomes are expected from the workshop:
- a workshop report, including considerations for the further development of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework; to the extent feasible and appropriate, these proposals will cover the different elements of the framework; including goals, targets, sub-targets and indicators, means of implementation, monitoring and reporting;
- a political declaration - Edinburgh Declaration - agreed by subnational, regional and local governments, and open for signature by any other parties, setting out the aims and objectives of subnational, regional and local government for the development of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework and its implementation.
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Further details
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The workshop will be conducted in English.
We are inviting a mix of official and political representatives from subnational, regional and local governments.
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Registration
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Expression of Interest
Invitations for expressions of interest will be issued through the CBD and partner networks to sub-national Governments.
Registration
Details will be available in due course.
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Workshop programme
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The workshop programme is currently under revision due to the fact that we will not be proceeding with hosting a physical event and are instead exploring the feasibility of hosting the Workshop online.
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Contact details
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For any questions or enquiries please email:
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Our Partners
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European Committee of the Regions (CoR)
The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is the voice of regions and cities in the European Union (EU). It represents local and regional authorities across the European Union and advises on new laws that have an impact on regions and cities (70% of all EU legislation). The CoR is a political assembly composed of 350 members and 350 alternates from all EU countries (grouped by political party and headed by the President) who have been elected at local or regional level (for example as Mayors or Presidents of a region). Members come to Brussels up to six times a year to debate their opinions on proposed legislation and agree on resolutions for further action by the EU.
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Defra
The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people’s day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink. We recognise the close link between nature and climate change, and how protection and restoration of our environment can influence how we will be affected by the impacts of climate change in the future.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs
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ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability
A global network of > 1,750 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. ICLEI's dedicated global Cities Biodiversity Center works with cities & other subnational governments across the world to mainstream biodiversity and nature-based solutions into urban planning and development at the local level and to advocate for the critical role of the local and subnational government constituency in the CBD, on behalf of the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments.
ICLEI leads the Advisory Committee of Cities of the Global Partnership to the CBD and co-leads the subnational advisory committee towards a strong subnational participation in the post 2020 global biodiversity framework. Further, ICLEI is involved in the CBD Informal Advisory Group (IAG) on the Mainstreaming of Biodiversity, ICLEI hosts the “Local & Subnational Government engagement platform for advancing the Action Agenda for Nature and People and the post 2020 global biodiversity framework” and ICLEI hosts the CitiesWithNature, the official platform for local and subnational governments to connect and report on their ambitions and commitments to the Action Agenda for Nature and People, and the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework endorsed by the CBD Secretariat.
https://cbc.iclei.org/subnational-platform-for-advancing-the-post-2020-framework
https://www.citieswithnature.org/
We are working with two ICLEI Secretariats:
- i) ICLEI Africa Secretariat (South Africa) – home ICLEI's Cities Biodiversity Center; biodiversity experts who have long worked with the CBD and with local and subnational governments on urban nature and biodiversity.
https://cbc.iclei.org/
http://africa.iclei.org/ - ii) ICLEI European Secretariat (Germany) – expertise in the implementation of innovative Horizon 2020 projects that utilise nature-based solutions for biodiversity action in Europe and beyond; EU Biodiversity advocacy (SG EU Hub engagement).
https://iclei-europe.org/
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Government of Quebec
Both in Canada and internationally, the Government of Quebec is doing well in the field of biological diversity conservation. It has subscribed to the principles and objectives of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and has declared itself bound by it, by decree, since its adoption in 1992. Quebec thus undertook to implement the CBD within its territory and according to its competences, a commitment which has been translated into the adoption of numerous laws, policies, strategies and programmes over the years. Quebec is also the host of the Secretariat of the CBD since 1996.
The Government of Quebec also firmly believes in the importance of the role and action of subnational governments, federated states and regions in conserving biodiversity and fighting climate change. It participates in several networks of active subnational governments in biodiversity, and is currently coordinating – in collaboration with Regions4 – the Advisory Committee of Subnational Governments for biodiversity. M. Jean Lemire, Quebec’s Envoy for Climate Change and Nordic and Arctic Issues, is representing the Advisory Committee within the CBD and on the international scene.
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Regions4
Regions4 (formerly known as the nrg4SD) is a global network that solely represents regional governments (states, regions and provinces) before UN processes, European Union initiatives and global discussions in the fields of climate change, biodiversity and sustainable development. Regions4 was established in 2002 at the World Summit in Johannesburg and currently represents 42 members from 20 countries in 4 continents. Through advocacy, cooperation and capacity building, Regions4 empowers regional governments to accelerate global action. For more information, visit: www.regions4.org
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Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)
We are Scotland’s nature agency. We work to improve our natural environment in Scotland and inspire everyone to care more about it.
So that all nature in Scotland – our key habitats and landscapes, all our green space and our native species – is maintained, enhanced and brings us benefits.
It is the job of all of us to achieve a balance in the sensitive management of our natural world in order to maintain and enhance biodiversity.
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UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC)
The UNEP-WCMC is a world leader in biodiversity knowledge. It works with scientists and policy makers worldwide to place biodiversity at the heart of environment and development decision-making to enable enlightened choices for people and the planet. Their international team are recognised leaders in their field and have unrivalled understanding of the institutional landscape surrounding biodiversity policy and ecosystem management. Based in Cambridge, UK, UNEP-WCMC operates as a collaboration between UN Environment Programme and the UK charity, WCMC. UNEP-WCMC works closely with the CBD and other international agreements and processes, and amongst other input will support the evidence base needed for our workshop. They have also produced a useful timeline of the lead-up to CBD COP15 - https://post2020.unep-wcmc.org
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Welsh Government
The Welsh Government is the devolved government for Wales. Led by the First Minister, Mark Drakeford AM, it works across devolved areas including key areas of public life such as health, education and the environment. We recognise that our well-being of future generations are dependent upon the health of our natural resources and ecosystems. The Environment (Wales) Act 2016 ensures that we manage our natural resources sustainably and by doing so maintain and enhance our ecosystems to ensure they are able to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits, including nature based solutions to climate change adaptation and mitigation. As an active member of a number of international partnerships (The Climate Group , Regional for Sustainable Development (R4SD) and the IUCN), Wales is committed to working in partnership to tackle biodiversity loss, climate change and more broadly the support development in all regions to be sustainable.
- i) ICLEI Africa Secretariat (South Africa) – home ICLEI's Cities Biodiversity Center; biodiversity experts who have long worked with the CBD and with local and subnational governments on urban nature and biodiversity.
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