(NBSAP) held in Lima, Peru, from 24 to 29 June 2024, ECLAC played an important role in promoting integrated policies aimed at mobilizing resources for biodiversity conservation in the region. This event, which brought together representatives of governments, multilateral agencies and non-governmental organizations, had the main objective of exchanging experiences and lessons learned in the review and updating of the NBSAPs.
The meeting, which was opened with a welcome by the Minister of Environment of Peru, Juan Carlos Castro, provided a space for Spanish-speaking countries in the region to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the implementation of their NBSAPs. During the sessions, several key issues were highlighted, including the importance of integrating biodiversity into development plans and the need to strengthen institutional and governance frameworks to ensure effective implementation.
One of the most relevant points discussed was the need for NBSAPs to include budgetary markers and strong political commitments. ECLAC emphasized the usefulness of involving planning and finance ministries in the process to ensure adequate resource allocation. It was also recognized that the Global Biodiversity Framework has raised the political profile of biodiversity, promoting a broader participatory effort. ECLAC also stressed the importance of a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach to achieve successful NBSAP implementation, although it agreed with other participants regarding the challenges this entails due to limited resources and time. The need to raise awareness and train stakeholders and to institutionalize coordination mechanisms for more effective NBSAP implementation was highlighted.
During the event, various opportunities were discussed, such as the development of innovative financial mechanisms for biodiversity. ECLAC, together with other participants, explored the possibility of integrating BIOFIN’s work with other cooperation agencies to strengthen a regional vision of biodiversity financing. In addition, mechanisms such as mobilizing resources from the private sector and the financial system through green bonds and other initiatives were considered.
In addition, parallel sessions on capacity building and development were held, in which capacity needs were assessed and stakeholders were mapped in order to develop a national capacity building and development plan. These sessions also highlighted the importance of establishing institutional coordination and monitoring mechanisms, as well as creating spaces for dialogue with statistical offices and other scientific institutions.
ECLAC’s participation in this regional dialogue has strengthened ties with focal points in various countries and with international initiatives, promoting collaboration on biodiversity issues and preparations for COP 16. Furthermore, ECLAC reaffirmed its role as a key entity in promoting sustainable policies and strategies for the future of biodiversity in Latin America and the Caribbean and highlighted the importance of inter-institutional coordination and public-private cooperation in advancing biodiversity conservation, a fundamental aspect not only for the environment, but also as a driver of economic and social transformation for the region.
The event concluded with a call to action addressed to governments, the private sector, development banks and international organizations, to promote fair, inclusive and sustainable biodiversity management.
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