Training session for civil society organisations ahead of COP17

• Laureen Calcat (French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs)
• Pierre Spielewoy (MNHN)
• Marcel Kok (PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency)
• Kinga Öllerer (HUN-REN CER)
• Sharon Ruthia (CBD Women’s Caucus)
• Ronja Fischer (GYBN)
• Joseph Karanja (UNESCO)

The presentations at a glance:

1. An introduction to the CBD and major stakeholder groups participation

This presentation introduces the context of the emergence of Rio Conventions, including the UN CBD and its role in international biodiversity diplomacy. It explains how this convention is implemented through the development of biodiversity global strategic plans, such as the KMGBF. It especially offers background information (decisions, texts) to understand the role and possible engagement of Major stakeholder groups in the Convention on Biological Diversity. 

2. The whole-of-society approach in the context of the CBD

The presentation brought up knowledge on the development of the “whole-of-society" concept, both in the international context and in global environmental governance. It introduces the role of this concept in the UN CBD, and its sense through the lenses of the Global Review process. It concludes its analysis asking the question of how to rethink the whole-of-society concept in a changing governance landscape. 

3. Advancing integration of traditional ecological knowledge holders and women in CBD processes: a researcher perspective

This presentation outlines a study focusing on the consideration by Parties to the UN CBD of the role of Indigenous and Local Communities (IPLCs) and traditional knowledge in biodiversity conservation in national reports submitted to the Convention. Based on the study's findings, it raises points for discussion regarding the recognition of traditional knowledge and IPLCs in national reports. It also makes recommendations aimed at better integrating the perspectives of IPLCs and traditional knowledge holders in 7th National Reports.

4. Major stakeholder groups involvement in the CBD. Perspectives from two organizations working on the field

These presentations aimed at introducing the work of two Major stakeholders' groups organisations: the CBD Women’s Caucus and the Global Youth Biodiversity Network. The presenters introduced the work areas of the organisations, their achievements as well as their ways to engage in UN CBD processes (statements, policy submissions, advocacy strategies...). These presentations offered concrete outputs and outcomes to engage as a biodiversity-focused organisation. 

5. Strengthening the inclusion of indigenous and local knowledge in national biodiversity policies

The presentation highlights the work led by UNESCO in embracing diverse knowledge systems to answer environmental issues. It especially focuses on the work of the LINKS programme focusing on Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK). The presentation showcases national outlooks on ILK of Biodiversity and key highlights from this analysis. Finally, it offers comprehensive elements on the BES-NET partnership initiative, aiming at leveraging diverse knowledge systems for informed decision-making. 

• Adèle Fardoux (French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs)
• Vincent Hulin (Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity)
• Chantal Robichaud (Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity)
• Ani Hakobyan (Republic of Armenia Ministry of Environment)
• Ani Kirakosyan (Republic of Armenia Ministry of Environment)
• Nadja Steinfort (European Commission)
• Sirarpi Khojabaghyan (Carota NGO)
• Yolanda López-Maldonado (Indigenous Science)
• Silje Heldt-Zaltzman (International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs)
• Christine Myrseth (Forum for Natur Norway)

The presentations at a glance:

1. Introduction to CBD implementation mechanisms

The presentation covers the UN CBD context related to planning, monitoring, reporting and review (PMRR). It introduces COP15 outcomes and what was agreed at COP16 regarding this topic. It also gives key information on the Global Review in the context of the UN CBD, its processes and timeline. Finally, it describes past UN CBD Decisions related to the Global Report elements and content. 

2. Global Review during COP17 and stakeholders’ contributions

The presentation highlights key decisions related to participation of non-state actors in the Global Review process and how non-state actors can share their commitments through national reporting tools (NBSAPs), therefore bringing knowledge to the UN CBD Global Review. 

3. CBD Mechanisms available for stakeholders’ engagement and ways to prepare for COP17

The presentation covered the key steps leading up to COP17, as well as the procedures and sequence of the different processes involved in the meeting (e.g. plenary sessions, working groups, contact groups, etc.), including opportunities for observer engagement (e.g. side events).

4. COP17 Agenda items and priorities

The presentation provided an overview of Armenia, the host country of the next COP, including its ecosystems and biodiversity. It also shared logistical information and details on the event’s communication and visual identity. Finally, it outlined the event’s priorities and highlighted opportunities for civil society stakeholders to engage, as part of the whole-of-society approach.

5. Preparing for COP17: Article 8(j) agenda items and how to engage?

The presentation explored the establishment of the subsidiary body on Article 8(j), the outcomes of its first meeting in 2025, as well as its main issues to address during next COP. Finally, it explores the way to engage in this subsidiary body.

6. Experience from traditional ecological knolwedge holders’ organisations in engaging in CBD processes and meetings (panel; four presentations)

This first panel focused on experiences from TEK holders' organisations engagement in UN CBD processes. 4 organisations from different fields and backgrounds provided inputs to the participants, highlighting how their work and approaches and how it could contribute to the UN CBD implementation. 

• Isabella Livertout (MNHN)
• Baptiste Albisson (MNHN)
• Jorge L. Ventocilla (RBINS)
• Cristina Eghenter (CBD Women’s Caucus)
• Mkrtich Grigoryan (Maqoor NGO)
• Anna Shakhnazarian (GYBN)
• Maine Monteiro (NYBN)

The presentations at a glance:

1. Capacity-building tools to engage with the CBD

The presentation introduced the capacity-building tools developed within the framework of the CO-OP4CBD project. These tools are designed to support users in understanding the history, structure, and processes of the UN CBD; while also providing practical guidance on the different ways stakeholders can engage in UN CBD activities and processes.

2. The CBD’s Technical and Scientific Cooperation (TSC) landscape and the subregional TSC Centres

The presentation explored the UN CBD’s TSC landscape, focusing on the existing mechanisms, and the TSC centers established at the regional level. It highlighted the governance and the work produced within these structures.

3. Experiences from Women and Youth organizations in engaging in CBD processes and meetings (panel; four presentations)

This second panel focused on the experiences of Women’s and Youth organizations in engaging with UN CBD processes and meetings. Four organizations presented their work and shared their contributions to UN CBD discussions, highlighting the important role that women and young people play in biodiversity governance and advocacy.