Biodiversity and climate change: Opportunities lost and gained on ensuring significant safeguards against False Solutions

Meenal Tatpati, Women4Biodiversity - COP 16 presented itself as a great opportunity to enhance collective action towards safeguarding biodiveristy as well as addressing climate change while tacking false and inhibitive solutions towards the same. It was to consider and adopt conclusions and recommendations provided to COP16 by SBSTTA25. It is worthwhile to note that the entire document presented by SBSTTA to COP 16 was bracketed. However it had some important considerations which highlighted the caution with which the CBD has considered the effects of, as well as the many diverse ‘solutions’ being considered towards adaptation and mitigation of climate change on biological diversity. ...

The necessary recognition and respect of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in the protection of biodiversity

Isaac Rojas, Friends of the Earth International - The close relationship between Indigenous Peoples and local communities and biodiversity is again recognised in the new 8j work plan, which aims to be more holistic, integrated and harmonised with the Global Biodiversity Framework. It also recognises, supports and values respect for their territories, traditions and traditional knowledge, so their full, effective and active participation in the implementation of the plan - and the whole CBD - is key.
The work plan would contain nine elements, each with different actions. We highlight the recognition of the importance that the territories of IPLCs are in their hands to fulfil their role in the protection of biodiversity as well as its sustainable use. The recognition and call for the protection of traditional knowledge is strengthened by highlighting the importance - and necessity - of their full and effective participation. Therefore, we believe that their rights in relation to the conservation and use of biodiversity must be strengthened, respected and implemented. ...

Gene drive monitor launched!

Did you know that gene drives are under development or have been proposed in at least 82 species? Proposals range from feral cats to the common wasp – and of course mice and mosquitos. Will it actually work? At what cost? With which risks and harm? What about biodiversity loss?
Tracking plans to genetically modify wild species at https://genedrivemonitor.org

Biodiversity Crisis or Business Opportunity? Conflicting Universes in the CBD

Nele Mariën, Friends of the Earth International - Biodiversity is rapidly declining, nearing the brink of collapse, with numerous reports highlighting its critical state. In the past two weeks, 18,000 to 20,000 people gathered - in the blue zone alone - to tackle this crisis.
But how did these massive crowds engage with one another? Were they all cooperating for the benefit of Nature? Were they carefully listening to one another?
At times, it felt as if multiple universes coexisted within a single space. There was the universe of negotiations, buried under brackets and late-night deliberations. The universe of Indigenous peoples, closely connected to Mother Earth and deeply rooted in spiritual values interwoven with Nature. The universe of NGOs, passionately speaking up against false solutions and injustices. And the universe of business people, speaking in polished terms about their role in "the solution." Whenever someone from one universe ventured to speak in another, they were often regarded as aliens. ....

A Tale of two CBDs – Trick or Treat at COP16

“Held in the world capital for salsa dancing, the COP was […] something between an eco-jamboree, a trade fair and yes, serious diplomatic negotiations. [...] It’s helpful to recognise that there was not one, but effectively two different ‘spirits’ occupying and animating the Cali COP during this season of spooks and spectres.
First, there’s ‘good old-fashioned COP’ – the spirit of CBDs past if you like. This spirit embodies the story, values, priorities, agendas and programmes that many of us CBD old-timers know too well. [...]
But there was a different kind of COP going on in Cali: COP 4.0, a Davos-style neoliberal eco-trade fair mixed with norm-setting committees for enabling emerging biodiversity markets and next-generation high-tech gadgets. From Montreal onwards a gentrifying new crowd of younger, better funded ‘green’ NGOs, financiers and philanthro-pists seemingly ‘discovered’ the CBD as if moving into a run-down but pleasant neighbourhood they hadn’t noticed before. They condensed around a biodiversity financialisation agenda of ‘nature positive’ biodiversity offsets, 30×30 conservation targets, debt for nature swaps and shiny new digital and genomic technologies
(or “innovative solutions” as some prefer to tag them. .. Continue reading at “A bigger Conversation”