Subnational and local governments are invited to join a webinar and consultation on the interdependence of Nature-based Solutions and Biodiversity action.

Local and subnational governments are making their voices count in a comprehensive and participatory process supported by ICLEI to include their perspectives in a global strategy to better safeguard, conserve and restore biodiversity across the world. 

ICLEI Europe and the ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center, led by ICLEI Africa, have partnered with the Scottish Government to co-organise the "Edinburgh Process for Subnational and Local Governments on the development of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework", an online consultation that is part of the work programme of the United Nations' Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). 

The goal of the consultation is to gather the views of subnational governments on the development of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and enhance their engagement with the process, garnering support and commitment to implement biodiversity strategies at the local level.

The Edinburgh Process is an important event on the roadmap to the upcoming Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP15), where the framework is set to be adopted. 

Supported by a number of partner organisations actively involved in its preparation, the subnational consultation is running in parallel with a series of online information sessions and thematic webinars.

Webinar on Nature-based Solutions and Biodiversity

ICLEI Europe will host a webinar on the interdependence of Nature-based Solutions (NBS) and Biodiversity, to take place on Friday, 22 May 2020 at 14:00 CET.

The session, "Our Solutions are in Nature – Nature-based Solutions for Biodiversity Action", will discuss the role of NBS in providing habitats for biodiversity, helping tackle socio-environmental challenges, as well as the importance of biodiversity for proper NBS functioning and resilience. Confirmed speakers include representatives of subnational and city governments and academia.

Specific topics of discussion include the role of subnational governments in implementing NBS, rural NBS for ecosystem restoration, capacity building, and how to assess biodiversity indicators for current urban NBS. Discussions during the webinar may inform subsequent contributions to the subnational consultation process.

Nature-based interventions are considered an important component of sustainable development due to their carbon sink effect, disaster risk reduction potential, and benefits to human health and well-being. NBS have also been recognised as a central tool for biodiversity action and to enhance and restore ecosystems. 

For more information and to join the Edinburgh process and webinar, please e-mail enquiries-subnationalworkshop@gov.scot.