The dangerous deterioration of nature threatens the survival of 1 million species and affects the lives of billions of people. Halting and reversing biodiversity loss is essential for maintaining human well-being now and in the future.
The previous global biodiversity conference concluded with the adoption of the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework (the Biodiversity Plan) – a historic agreement that includes global targets to be achieved by 2030 and beyond, setting out an ambitious pathway to reach the global vision of a world living in harmony with nature by 2050.
Regions and cities are fully involved and contribute greatly to the effective implementation of the Biodiversity Plan. That is why, the adoption of decision 15/12 on engagement with subnational governments, cities and other local authorities to enhance its implementation, and the endorsement of the renewed Plan of Action on Subnational Governments, Cities and Other Local Authorities for Biodiversity (2023-2030) was a breakthrough in a long-standing challenge for local and regional authorities (LRAs) worldwide.
This decision marks an important milestone as the UN CBD officially recognized the important role of cities and regions in restoring ecosystems, protecting nature and addressing biodiversity loss. Moreover, the CoR was officially recognized as a key partner to support and facilitate the development of the Plan of Action on Subnational Governments.
Two years after the adoption of the Biodiversity Plan, it remains urgent to accelerate action and work towards achieving its goals and targets across sectors and society, to tackle the key drivers of biodiversity loss to safeguard nature and the well-being of people.
The upcoming CBD COP16 is a crucial moment to translate the Biodiversity Plan into resolute and tangible action. All Parties must revise and update their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) to the new framework in order to reach the targets. The revision of the NBSAPs should involve and facilitate the engagement of all government sectors at all levels of government.
The CoR will step up efforts to ensure that the contributions of subnational governments are being observed in the submission of EU targets to implement the Biodiversity Plan, and taken into account in the drafting and revision of NBSAPs. Key priorities of the CoR at the CBD COP16 include to:
- Support the effective implementation of the Biodiversity Plan through the Plan of Action on Subnational Governments
- Reinforce engagement with international partners
- Advocate for further synergies between UN frameworks
- Strengthen cooperation and collaboration with EU institutions
The CoR aims to participate at the 8th Summit for Subnational Governments and Cities, an official parallel event to the CBD COP16. Subnational leaders from all over the world will meet at this event to discuss priorities and collaborative approaches to bolster the implementation of the Biodiversity Plan.
The CoR delegation to COP16
Political messages