The Edinburgh Declaration on biodiversity is a key milestone in the formal recognition of contributions by subnational governments (including cities and local authorities) to the achievement of global biodiversity goals and targets. At the upcoming CBD COP15 (15th meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity Conference of Parties) a goal of the Edinburgh Declaration is for Parties to formalise this role via the adoption of a Plan of Action specifically dedicated to subnational governments. This aims to ensure the ‘whole of government’ approach advocated for in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework is realised over the coming decade.
The Edinburgh Declaration builds upon the previous recognition of subnational authorities by the CBD at COP10. Can this successful story be replicated in the UNFCCC context? What were the key elements that made it happen for the CBD? Panellists will address with the audience these questions, after sharing their own experience on the Edinburgh Declaration but also on the linkages between biodiversity and climate action at subnational level.
For example, local and subnational governments play a leading role in delivering local NBS (Nature-Based Solutions) which both mitigate the effects of, and help adapt to, our changing climate. They also will play a leading role in shaping and implementing the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.
Could this be replicated for the Paris Agreement objectives?
