Anna Lerner Nesbitt’s Post

“We must all together deliver!” Inspiring COP16 Colombia opening statement by Susana Muhamad, Colombia’s Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development. She highlighted five key areas for the United Nations Biodiversity Conference in Cali, Colombia: -          Indigenous people to recognise their critical role and traditional knowledge -          Digital Sequence Information (DSI) on genetic resources, including to design a financial mechanism to collect and distribute revenues from the use of DSI, including a global fund -          Resource mobilization and financial decisions to ensure that financial resources are available to implement the #KMGBF agreed in COP15 in Montreal -          Monitoring system to agree on common metrics for assessing progress and whether we are fulfilling the commitments made -          Take stock on progress so far to be fully accountable to the citizens of the world Let’s heed her advice and deliver! IUCN #globalbiodiversityframework

🌍 Join us at #COP16Colombia on October 30 to discuss securing #IndigenousPeoples' rights and protecting nature, which Eriel Deranger, Executive Director, Indigenous Climate Action and member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation says is critical for the transition to a safe and just future. 👇 "When we talk about positive change, looking at human rights and Indigenous rights particularly are really critical. Indigenous rights are not in competition with #HumanRights [..] but complementary to. "Indigenous rights combine the rights of the environment into human rights and bring us into a place of collective rights, that are required for us to think of new solutions outside of the frameworks that have separated us from nature to begin with." To discuss Indigenous-led conservation and biodiversity protection especially with regards to regions where #TransitionMinerals are being sourced, join GCA Accountability Accelerator at COP16 for the event: 𝗔 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 & 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀' 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘀. Policymakers, Indigenous Peoples, mining and renewable energy companies, investors, and conservation NGOs will meet to discuss the role of 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀' 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 and addressing the unintended impacts of mineral extraction in the energy transition. We will cover business practices for responsible mineral sourcing and policy changes to support accountability in the energy transition. 🌿 📅 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: Wednesday, 30 October 🕥 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 10:30–11:30 COT 📍 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Nature Positive Pavilion (Blue Zone) 🌐 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲: English, Spanish, Portuguese. 📌 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿: https://lnkd.in/eTsbBuag 👉 See all GCA 𝗖𝗢𝗣𝟭𝟲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: https://lnkd.in/eZzVHqHN

🎞️ VIDEO & Key takeaways from our joint post-match analysis of COP16 is now published if you could not join the event or want to re-watch the insightful panel discussions https://lnkd.in/eTBCKpqY

🌍🌊 A Call from RISE UP as We Head into CBD COP 16 As the RISE UP team (Sivaja Nair and Flora McMorrin) prepares to join our partners at CBD COP 16, we are reflecting on the critical decisions that lie ahead. We, alongside other civil society organizations, are urging world leaders to place equity and justice at the forefront of every discussion. The decisions made at this conference will shape the future of our ocean—and the lives of the communities that depend on its health. #NatureIsAlsoBlue For us, this isn’t just about policy; it’s about the people and ecosystems that rely on the ocean. Here are our key priorities for the conference: ▶ Human Rights-Based Approaches – Governments must adopt inclusive approaches, ensuring human rights indicators are fully integrated into biodiversity frameworks. ▶ Support for Small-Scale Fisheries – Let’s ensure small-scale fishers are heard and policies are designed to uplift their livelihoods, while advancing gender equality. ▶ Ratify the High Seas Treaty – To truly protect our oceans, we must safeguard 30% of the high seas by 2030, while respecting Indigenous and community rights. ▶ Equitable Financing – Financial support for biodiversity efforts must reach those who need it most—Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and other rights-holders. ▶ Moratorium on Deep-Sea Mining – The health of our ocean depends on it. Let’s pause deep-sea mining until science can confirm no harm to marine ecosystems. We hope you'll stand with us in calling for these vital changes. Now is the time to act, for the future of our planet and its people. 🔗 Learn more and sign the open letter: https://lnkd.in/epbBeFVg #COP16 #OceanConservation #SSF #Biodiversity #HighSeasTreaty #DefendtheDeep #RiseUp4theOcean

Overview and highlights of the workshop on biodiversity and the environment on 17 September in Goma An awareness workshop organized by Enable the Disable Action_EDA_DPO The main objective of this event was to advocate for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in climate actions, while mobilizing young people as allies. The latter are encouraged to promote the active participation of persons with disabilities in environmental initiatives, the safeguarding of biodiversity and the adoption of renewable energy. This approach aims to ensure a sustainable and inclusive future for the entire community. Capacity building and awareness of climate issues The workshop focused on strengthening the skills of more than thirty participants, including young people and people with disabilities, on themes related to environmental protection and resilience to climate change. Director of EDA, Sylvain OBEDI K stressed that the voice of people with disabilities can resonate better if young people commit to supporting them in this fight. Speakers such as Katikomo John addressed the causes and consequences of the climate crisis while advocating for a reduction in pollutant emissions by the most industrialized countries, also calling on vulnerable nations to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Renewable energy and collaboration for a better future During the workshop, Justin Mutabesha spoke about the importance of biomass and biogas as solutions to local challenges, emphasizing the use of ecological briquettes to reduce pressure on forest resources, especially in Virunga National Park. All participants welcomed the importance of including all voices in decision-making processes in order to build resilience to environmental issues. With the support of partners such as the UNDP Rome Centre UNDP and the Italian Ministry for the Environment , Enable the Disable Action_EDA_DPO and its allies are committed to promoting sustainable development that respects and includes all members of society. Roxáni Roushas Lidya Beyene Jeanne Briggs PNUD RDC 🇺🇳🇨🇩 USAID/Democratic Republic of the Congo Kofi Annan Foundation The World Bank #InclusiveClimateAction #DisabilityandClimateChange #Youth4climate

🌵 TOMORROW: Join the Conversation on Supporting Women-Led Initiatives for Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)! 🏜️ Women are at the forefront of efforts to restore land, implement agroecology, and protect land rights – all crucial to tackling climate change and advancing biodiversity. Yet, they face numerous barriers to gaining the resources and support they need to drive meaningful change. Together with Landesa, Robert Bosch Stiftung, and the Drynet network we will explore how donors, foundations, and other funders can better support women-led initiatives in achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), focusing on challenges, collaboration, and opportunities for improved matchmaking. The event will cover: 🔹 Challenges in resourcing women-led initiatives and fostering local leadership 🔹 How funders can engage more effectively with women-led LDN projects 🔹 Opportunities to improve collaboration and matchmaking between funders and women’s initiatives This side event will offer actionable recommendations for funders, grant-making organisations, and civil society organisations to better support women-led actions for a sustainable future. 🔗 Don’t miss out on this important conversation TOMORROW: https://lnkd.in/efncTCPF #COP16 #UNCCDCSO #LeaveNoOneBehind #UNCCDCOP16 #United4Land #HerLand #AgroecologyRightNow #CivilSociety #WomenLedInitiatives Nathalie van Haren

“It’s not just about preserving, restoring, and maintaining, but also about making sure that the resources are not overused.” - Gloria Samana, Elder from the Embera People of Panamá In the latest #LandDialogue webinar on Gender, Biodiversity, and the Role of Women, five change makers came together and we explored how indigenous and local community women are pivotal in safeguarding nature, highlighting the crucial role of indigenous women in biodiversity preservation and #climateaction. Gloria Samana, Josselyn Casama , Aissatou Oumarou, Sara Omi and Cristiane Pankararu shared their experiences and wisdom, emphasising the importance of integrating ancestral knowledge into global policy frameworks. Key Takeaways: - Traditional Knowledge: Indigenous women hold invaluable knowledge about sustainable land management and biodiversity, crucial for combating climate change. - Role of Indigenous Women: They are frontline defenders of their ecosystems, often leading conservation efforts and promoting sustainable practices. - Policy Integration: There's an urgent need to incorporate indigenous perspectives into international climate policies to ensure effective and inclusive solutions. Together, they emphasised that supporting indigenous women and communities is not just an ethical imperative, but also a practical necessity for achieving global climate goals. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this important conversation. Let's continue to uplift and learn from Indigenous voices in our journey towards a sustainable future. 🌍💚 #IndigenousWomen #Biodiversity #TraditionalKnowledge #Sustainability Global Alliance of Territorial Communities Land Portal Foundation Ford Foundation

#EUWetlandPartnerships could be a great tool to advance towards the achievement of biodiversity and climate goals. Find out more https://shorturl.at/ncqP6

Why we can't talk about investing in Nature without talking about Indigenous Knowledge There’s no path to protecting and regenerating nature without Indigenous knowledge. Yet this truth is often overlooked in boardrooms and investor conferences—even those focused on nature. We simply can’t talk about investing in nature without elevating Indigenous voices. At COP16 Colombia, The Nature House had the honor of hosting Sonia Guajajara, Brazil’s first Minister of Indigenous Peoples, whose leadership is a powerful reminder of why Indigenous expertise is essential for our planet’s future. Here’s why Indigenous leadership matters—and what’s at stake: 🌲 Guardians of Biodiversity: Indigenous communities, especially in places like Brazil and Colombia, have safeguarded ecosystems for centuries. These lands are vital to our planet’s health. 🌾 Sonia Guajajara’s Historic Role: Sonia is blazing a trail, integrating Indigenous values into government policy and showing the world a powerful model for a nature-positive future. 🎋 Grave Risks They Face: Defending nature is dangerous work. Indigenous leaders confront serious threats from illegal loggers, miners, and land grabbers. Tragically, Colombia and Brazil are some of the deadliest places for environmental defenders. 🌳 The Stakes for All of Us: When Indigenous defenders are threatened, we all lose critical biodiversity and protections that benefit the planet. As we mobilize institutional investment in #nature, let’s commit to: 🌳 Standing with Indigenous Defenders: Protecting their rights is essential to our shared goals. 🎋 Valuing #Indigenous Knowledge: Rooted in deep interconnectedness, it’s key to our path forward. 🌾 Protecting the Protectors: Our resilient, #regenerative future depends on their safety and leadership. 🌲 To protect and regenerate nature, we must start with those who defend it every day. Huge thank you to Gail Gallie, Project Everyone, Imogen Fairbairn, Amy Bryson, Hari Balasubramanian, Anna Lerner Nesbitt, Nature2, Jon Hales, Dr Brad Irwin MBE for elevating Indigenous voices in your work at COP16! And thank you to my Ethic Co-founder Johny Mair who has taught me so much about the importance of this topic over the many years he's spent working on Indigenous Knowledge. #NaturePositive #IndigenousLeadership #COP16 #Colombia

If you're a local or regional government asking yourself "What comes after COP16?", look no further! Join us for this upcoming, two-part webinar on 11 December as part of the INTERACT-Bio webinar series that will explore the outcomes of #COP16 and what remains to be done for #biodiversity #finance and #protection in cities!