The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the project “Support to the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework of the European Union” organized the meeting “Support to strategic actions to initiate the implementation of the MMBKM in Latin America and the Caribbean”. The main objective of the event was to promote the integration of biodiversity into development policies, sustainable agricultural transition and innovative governance through a participatory and multisectoral approach.
During the meeting, several contradictions and tensions affecting the implementation of the MMBKM were highlighted, particularly in the goals related to climate change and biodiversity. Among the main challenges identified were conflicts between economic growth and biodiversity conservation, as well as tensions arising from the regulation of agricultural markets, planning of the marine industry and the weakness of the rule of law. In addition, the need to mobilize adequate financial resources for biodiversity conservation was underlined, an aspect that competes with other economic and social development priorities.
The experts identified several priority actions to enhance effective synergies between the different agendas. The importance of territorial planning for water resources management and ecosystem conservation was emphasized, improving the coherence of public policies. Collaboration between the public and private sectors and civil society was highlighted as crucial to promoting sustainable production and consumption practices. In addition, it was recommended to establish incentives and regulations that encourage the integration of biodiversity in business activities, sustainable tourism and responsible production.
In relation to development planning, the challenge identified was the centralization of decisions that hinders the effective implementation of environmental policies at local and regional levels. To overcome this obstacle, it was proposed to promote participatory processes that involve different levels of government and civil society. Regarding sustainable agriculture, problems such as deep-rooted paradigms in food production and the lack of integration of biodiversity in agricultural policies were highlighted. Solutions include the development of certification systems for sustainable products and the promotion of economic incentives for responsible agricultural practices.
The meeting also explored innovative governance strategies to implement MMBKM in the region. The lack of inter-ministerial coordination and strong governance structures was identified as a critical challenge. To address this issue, it was proposed to establish formal coordination mechanisms that foster collaboration between different governmental and non-governmental actors. In addition, the need to strengthen legal frameworks and promote transparency and accountability in decision-making was underlined.
ECLAC was identified as a key actor to promote alliances, generate knowledge and raise awareness among relevant actors in the implementation of the MMBKM. The main actions proposed included: (i) strengthening intersectoral coordination, involving ministries of finance and planning, and territorial actors, (ii) developing indicators and metrics that value biodiversity and (iii) establishing networks for knowledge exchange and collaboration with international organizations.
The meeting concluded with a call to action to strengthen regional cooperation and take advantage of synergies between different sustainable development agendas. The key role of ECLAC in promoting partnerships, generating knowledge and raising awareness among relevant actors was highlighted.
As a next step, a toolbox for biodiversity mainstreaming will be developed, including guidance documents, case studies and best practices. This toolbox will be presented at the 26th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Cali, Colombia.
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