COP16 side event overview: University networks to support implementation of the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework

Decision 15/8 of the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) on capacity-building and development and technical and scientific cooperation invites universities and other institutions to support countries’ implementation of the KMGBF targets. The support of academia has subsequently been requested in recommendations made at SBSTTA 25 and 26 and SBI 4, and many agenda items to be discussed at the Convention on Biological Diversity COP16 included prominent roles for academic institutions (e.g., items 8, 10, 12, 16). Consistent and meaningful engagement with academia in support of the KMGBF is vital, yet has proved challenging. In response to this need, the Conservation and Sustainability Consortium of AcaDEmic institutions (CASCADE) was established.

CASCADE members work at the intersection of biodiversity conservation, policy, and international development in ODA-eligible countries. Given the need to support the implementation of the KMGBF at local, national and global scales, CASCADE is now forming links with academic institutions and networks in other countries and regions, establishing scientific and technical support centres to support KMGBF implementation. Institutions are committed to international knowledge exchange, technical and scientific cooperation, and capability-building for future generations of conservation scientists. We aspire to work with colleagues overseas to enable North-South and South-South collaboration through our network, and scale up knowledge exchange and capability-building for the KMGBF worldwide.

On 23 October, CASCADE hosted a side event at the Convention on Biological Diversity CoP16. This event provided an overview of CASCADE’s current structure and capability, highlighting our alignment with the identified needs and current support structures of the KMGBF. Erie Tamale, Head of Capacity Building and Knowledge Management at the CBD Secretariat, opened the event. Erie shared his views on the importance of having access to data to support the successful implementation of such an ambitious KMGBF and the central role that science and research must play in this. We shared two examples of CASCADE Knowledge Exchange projects. In one, CASCADE and partners developed a proposal for a binary indicator for the monitoring framework for KMGBF Target 5 (Ensure Sustainable, Safe and Legal Harvesting and Trade of Wild Species). The other involved a rapid evidence synthesis titled 'Behaviour Change for Achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework', which can be accessed here.

The event also heard from several partners on opportunities for academia to engage with the KMGBF and individual Parties. Speakers included representatives from Nature Positive Universities, the Association of South East Asian Nations Centre for Biodiversity, and the Seychelles Party. We concluded with a discussion on priorities and ways forward. Attendees included academics and researchers from across the world, the CBD Secretariat, NGOs, UN Agencies and other international organizations, CBD National Focal Points and members of their delegation, sub-national governments and local authorities.