Call for proposals under the BioProtect project for local/regional authorities and organisations to obtain financial and technical support for the implementation and improvement of Area-Based Management tools in order to protect and restore biodiversity.

goal(s) :

Increase the impact and increase the resilience and adaptability of solutions to protect and restore biodiversity.

• Improve tools for protecting and restoring biodiversity.

• Gather feedback from regions to refine and strengthen these solutions.

Eligibility:

• Local/regional authorities, local and/or regional organisations from EU Member States and countries associated to Horizon Europe.

• Local and/or regional authorities from associated regions from EU Member States and countries associated to Horizon Europe, except those that are part of the project consortium.

• Any other type of third party under the terms of the Horizon Europe programme, such as private profit-making organisations, higher education organisations or non-governmental organisations, are not eligible.

• In addition, it must be ensured that participating facilities are registered on the Funding & Tenders portal and have a 9-digit Participant Identification Code (PIC).

• Entities subject to EU restrictive measures pursuant to Article 29 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and Article 215 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU) are not eligible to participate as beneficiaries of the FSTP.

• The application must involve a local/regional authority.

Details:

We are looking for 5 regions to receive grants of up to €100,000 each and technical support for implementation and improvement (More on eufundingportal.eu)

The COP16 conference in Colombia brought together global leaders and experts to discuss critical biodiversity issues. Despite some setbacks and the failure to achieve some of the goals set, the event contributed to advancing discussions on nature conservation and biodiversity. Key outcomes of the conference include:

1. Financial challenges and commitments: Despite the lack of full funding for biodiversity conservation, the conference highlighted the need for increased financial commitments. Leaders stressed the need for immediate financial action to address the biodiversity crisis, with the EU pledging a €160 million package to support international efforts.

2. Impact on indigenous peoples and local communities: COP16 recognized the importance of engaging IPLCs in biodiversity solutions, creating a new “Cali Fund” to equitably share benefits from genetic resources.

3. Management of invasive alien species: The conference highlighted the need for regulations and guidelines to control invasive species, which are major contributors to biodiversity loss.

4. Policy consolidation: Countries agreed on the need for better coordination of biodiversity and climate change policies, which could bring a more integrated approach to addressing these global challenges.

COP16 confirmed that achieving biodiversity targets requires intensive cooperation and significant financial investments, with emphasis on protecting the rights and participation of indigenous and local communities. Antonio Guterres warned that protecting biodiversity is critical for the survival of our planet and humanity. Spring

The document "G20 High-Level Principles on Bioeconomy" presents ten voluntary and non-binding bioeconomy principles developed by the G20 Bioeconomy Initiative (GIB). These principles aim to support a sustainable future and economic growth for all.

Here is a summary of the key points:

• Principle 1: Bioeconomic activities should integrate and promote sustainable development in all its economic, social and environmental dimensions. They should contribute to eradicating hunger and poverty, improving health and well-being, while ensuring global food security and nutrition.
• Principle 2: The bioeconomy should be inclusive and fair, respect the rights of all persons, including indigenous peoples and members of local communities, promote gender equality and the participation of all stakeholders.
• Principle 3: Bioeconomy activities should support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in line with relevant multilateral climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement.
• Principle 4: The bioeconomy should contribute to the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable distribution of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources and related traditional knowledge, in accordance with national legislation and relevant international agreements and instruments, such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
• Principle 5: The bioeconomy should support sustainable models of consumption and production and the efficient and circular use of biological resources, while supporting the restoration and regeneration of degraded areas and ecosystems.
• Principle 6: The development of the bioeconomy should take place through the safe, secure and responsible use of science, technology, innovation and traditional knowledge, with a scientific assessment of potential benefits, risks and impacts.
• Principle 7: The bioeconomy should benefit from strong and coherent policy frameworks that support trade in bioeconomy products and services, market conditions, sustainable business models, decent work, local value creation and the participation of the private sector and civil society.
• Principle 8: Transparent, comparable, measurable, inclusive, science-based and context-specific criteria and methodologies should be used to assess the sustainability of the bioeconomy throughout the value chain.
• Principle 9: The bioeconomy should be supported by international cooperation that addresses global challenges, exploits complementary strengths, innovation and entrepreneurship, and supports financing, capacity building and the exchange of best practices.
• Principle 10: The bioeconomy should be based on country-specific approaches and implemented in accordance with national priorities and regional and local conditions.

The document emphasizes the importance of a holistic and inclusive approach to the bioeconomy that takes into account economic, social and environmental aspects. Co2AI

The UN Conference on Biodiversity COP16, held in 2024 in Cali, Colombia, brought important decisions and commitments for the protection of global biodiversity. At this conference, leaders and experts from more than 190 countries met with the aim of a new strategy for dealing with biodiversity, which is becoming more and more relevant. The talks in Cali were held under the theme "Restoring nature for the future", which highlighted the need for rapid action to protect nature and ecosystems threatened by human activity, climate change and deforestation. In this article, we take a closer look at the key agreements and their significance for the future of biodiversity.

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The importance of COP16 for biodiversity

Biodiversity is the cornerstone of life on Earth – it supports ecosystems that provide people with food, clean water, pollination, and helps regulate the climate. Yet biodiversity is under threat more than ever. The rapid furniture of species, which is focused on the area of forestry, agricultural expansion, extraordinary, and pollution, has disastrous effects on the world. The COP16 conference therefore set potential targets that are intended to halt and reverse biodiversity losses by 2050.

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Key outcomes and agreements from COP16

The Cali conference produced several fundamental commitments that have a major impact on the protection of biodiversity at the global level:

1. Protection of 30 % of the world's land and oceans by 2030

One of the main objectives of COP16 is to protect 30 % of the world's land and oceans by 2030 . This initiative, known as "30×30", aims to create a network of protected areas that provided a safe haven for plants, animals and ecosystems. The move is expected to help improve biodiversity and support the recovery of ecosystems that are key to combating climate change. States have pledged to increase investment in the protection of these areas and to protect ecological and scientific monitoring.

2. Reduction of pollution by plastics and toxic substances

The impact of plastics and toxic substances on ecosystems is considerable, especially in aquatic environments. At COP16, countries agreed on a reduction pollution with plastics and toxic substances on a global level. The agreement includes measures to limit single-use plastics and introduce ecological alternatives. Stricter regulation is also expected of chemicals used in industry and agriculture, which often end up in water and soil, damaging local ecosystems and endangering animal and human health.

3. Program for the restoration of degraded ecosystems

One of the important results of the conference is the regular program on restoration of degraded ecosystems . It is estimated that there are about 20 % and many water bodies are seriously damaged by human activities. This program aims to restore these areas through reforestation, wetland protection and improved soil health. Countries have pledged to invest in projects that support sustainable land and water management and contribute to the restoration of natural habitats for many species.

4. Sustainable agriculture and conservation of native species

Intensive agriculture is one of the main causes of biodiversity loss, which is why COP16 emphasized support of sustainable agriculture . They agreed to support techniques that minimize chemical inputs, improve soil health and use pesticides. this commitment also includes the protection of native and local species that are threatened by the intensive cultivation of commercial crops.

5. Securing the rights of indigenous and local communities

Indigenous communities and local people are key custodians of biodiversity, living close to many important ecosystems and their traditional knowledge of nature is invaluable. At COP16, a commitment was made to secure their rights and guarantee that their voice is valid in nature conservation. This commitment also includes guarantees that local communities will have access to the lands that belong to them and will have the opportunity to participate in the protection of natural resources.

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Challenges and the need for cooperation

Despite the possible goals from COP16, the implementation of these measures will not be without challenges. Achieving commitments such as protecting 30 % planets or halting ecosystem degradation requires enormous efforts not only from governments, but also from the private sector, non-profit organizations and society as a whole. Funding is a critical element, especially for the development of countries that often have the most valuable natural resources, but at the same time lack the means to protect them.

Educating the public has the same no value. Awareness of the importance of biodiversity is necessary for people to support an initiative that helps protect nature and remains the impact of human activity on the environment.

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Conclusion

The COP16 conference in Cali produced major results and decisions that can help reverse the biodiversity crisis. However, the agreed steps and commitments are only the first step on the long road to a sustainable future. If these plans can be implemented, they can lead to the restoration of ecosystems, the protection of species and the improvement of the quality of life for current and future generations. COP16 sent a clear signal that the world is ready to protect the planet and biodiversity, and showed the way how we can contribute to its preservation. Spring

As COP16 draws to a close, there is still a significant gap between ambition and funding needed to achieve the target of protecting 30 % of the world's ecosystems by 2030 ("30 x 30"). Although private funding for nature-based solutions has grown significantly in recent years, it still exists a $700 billion biodiversity funding gap.

In this context, voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) appear to be a promising mechanism to bridge this gap, especially given that markets for biodiversity credits are still in their early stages of development.

VCMs offer several key advantages:

• They provide immediate financial flows for conservation initiatives.
• They have the potential to provide up to 32 % of the global potential of nature-based solutions by 2030.
• By incorporating biodiversity considerations into carbon offset projects, VCMs can address both climate change and biodiversity loss.
• They provide a model for biodiversity credit markets to learn from and accelerate their own development.

The Rimba Raya project in Indonesia is an example of how VCMs can bring benefits to both climate and biodiversity.

Although VCMs are not flawless, their management is much more advanced than the management of biodiversity markets, allowing them to provide a basis for the development of credible biodiversity credits.

VCM also emphasized the importance of:

• Strong management and transparency.
• Robust methodologies for accurate measurement and monitoring of impacts on biodiversity.
• Involvement and strengthening of local communities.

By harnessing the dynamics of VCM, we can begin to close the gap in biodiversity financing, accelerate ecosystem protection and lay the foundations for sustainable financial mechanisms such as biodiversity credits.

While we still have a long way to go to ensure high integrity in carbon markets, their potential to generate dual benefits for climate change mitigation and biodiversity makes them a powerful tool in the fight against both crises. (CO2AI)

While climate change is hugely important and demands our attention, we seem to be forgetting about another major issue: biodiversity loss. While the COP29 climate change conference attracts the attention of the media and politicians, the COP16 conference on biodiversity has gone largely unnoticed. As many as 80% countries have not even submitted plans to achieve the goals of the UN Biodiversity Agreement.

However, the consequences of biodiversity loss are dire. Since 1970, the wildlife population has declined by 73%. Many species have already become extinct and others are on the verge of extinction. Nevertheless, it seems that the world's attention is mainly focused on climate change.

This trend is also reflected in British politics. While Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced strong public pressure to attend the COP27 climate change conference, he sent only a "natural science envoy" to the COP16 biodiversity conference. The media also devotes much more space to the climate crisis than to the loss of biodiversity.

Although these two problems are linked, and solving one helps to solve the other, completely ignoring biodiversity is dangerous.

Furthermore, focusing solely on climate change can be counterproductive. While climate change data is important, its abstract nature may not be enough to motivate people to change their behavior. More emotionally compelling stories about the human and animal sacrifices of climate change and biodiversity loss could be more effective. An example of a successful species conservation campaign is "Save the Whales", whose success was partly due to the use of a charismatic whale as a symbol.

In order to save the planet, it is necessary to pay attention to both crises - climate change and biodiversity loss. We need a comprehensive approach that takes into account all aspects of the environment and is communicated in a way that appeals to the general public. (Co2AI)

Biodiversity and climate are interconnected. The loss or deterioration of ecosystems and their plants or animals leads to the release of stored carbon into the atmosphere, which accelerates climate change. At the same time, worsening climate change is causing further loss of biodiversity (more…)

The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity began on Monday in the city of Cali and will last until November 1. With the theme of "Peace with Nature," it has an urgent task to come up with monitoring and funding mechanisms to achieve the 23 UN conservation goals agreed in Canada two years ago.

COP16 President Susana Muhamad, Colombia's environment minister, said on Friday that there had been "very good progress" in the negotiations, adding that "a lot of work has progressed this week".

Mobilizing resources remains "one of the most difficult issues," she told reporters in Cali, "because of the very different views of the parties."

UN chief António Guterres on Sunday called on the 196 signatories of the biodiversity convention to "turn words into action" and support the Global Framework Fund for Biodiversity created last year to meet the UN's goals. (More on phys.org)

Global atlas of ecosystems is the first harmonized resource for mapping and monitoring all the world's ecosystems. The Global Atlas of Ecosystems, convened by the Group on Earth Observations and launched at the United Nations Conference on Biodiversity (COP16) in 2024, will serve as an essential tool to support the conservation, restoration and sustainable management of ecosystems that are critical to addressing global environmental challenges. crisis.

Policymakers, financial institutions, private companies and even local communities will use Atlas to make informed decisions, promote sustainability and manage risk.

The Global Atlas of Ecosystems will be a game changer in how we understand, monitor, protect and manage ecosystems.

The 16th opens this week in Cali, Colombia. ^conference UN on Biodiversity (COP16), which brought together 190 participants from around the world to focus on the issue of nature and preventing its loss. What can we expect to be at the top of the agenda when the first sessions open? How does the conference aim to drive change and what should businesses be on the lookout for?

This year's Biodiversity COP will revisit one of the key outputs of COP15 two years ago - the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, also known as the Biodiversity Plan. The agreement marked a significant milestone at the COP15 conference and established four high-level goals, which are generally: preserving ecosystem integrity, substantially increasing the area of natural ecosystems by 2050, halting the extinction of known endangered species caused by human activity, and reducing extinction rates tenfold. It also set 23 targets, including the oft-discussed 30×30 target – a commitment to protect and conserve at least 30 % of land and sea for biodiversity by 2030. (Ben Stansfield, more at lexology.com)

A new EEA briefing 'Solutions to restore European agricultural ecosystems' presents examples of key ones options available to farmers, evidence-based to help restore Europe's ecosystems and increase the agricultural sector's ability to cope with the increasing impacts of climate change, such as droughts and floods. increase in productivity.

The study says that introducing some key farming practices can prove to be beneficial for farmers and local nature , as it provides better resilience and restores local ecosystems such as grasslands, hedgerows or streams.

These practices can improve the condition of semi-natural habitats, restore multifunctional and biodiverse agricultural landscapes, and reduce pressures on biodiversity through sustainable land and water management. All of these actions can benefit pollinators, species and their habitats, as well as help strengthen local resilience to the impacts of climate change. (More on eea.europa.eu)

By considering climate action separately from nature conservation, climate solutions can sometimes worsen biodiversity, stress several experts who call for a systemic approach.

"Sometimes when we try to find a solution to a problem, we risk causing damage elsewhere," explains Anne Larigauderie, executive secretary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity, which will publish a major report in December on how to reconcile climate, biodiversity, access to water or food and health.

As early as 2021, a working group between IPBES and the IPCC, its climate counterparts within the UN, explained that separate assessments of climate and biodiversity risk “at worst […] leading to actions that inadvertently prevent one or both issues from being resolved. (More on rtbf.be)

Everything you need to know about this year's three big environmental conferences. Climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, desertification and drought are deeply interconnected aspects of the planetary crisis.

With most of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) currently off track, we must act urgently to manage this crisis and secure a livable future.

This year, three major environmental Conferences of the Parties (COP) are being held over the course of six weeks.

They represent a unique opportunity to solve our most pressing problems head-on and together. The challenges we face do not exist in isolation, and neither do solutions. The outcome of the COP is crucial for our future.

Here's what you need to know.

The Biodiversity Summit COP16 starts on Monday, October 21 and runs until November 1. Unlike the climate change conferences that are held every year, the Biodiversity COPs are a rarer act, held every two years. This year's Biodiversity COP, held in the Colombian city of Cali, is therefore the first since COP15 in 2022. COP15 culminated in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which sets the path to achieving “ of a world living in harmony with nature by 2050 ". ” and contains targets for 2050, supported by targets for 2030. A crucial focus of the upcoming COP on biodiversity is the implementation of the ambitious goals and targets set out in the Framework into practice. Below are some points to be aware of before starting the COP. (Richard Hilton, Helena Campbell, more at lexology.com)

From the point of view of active forest management and maintaining or restoring biodiversity, we can observe a mutual intermingling. Synergies arise when the maintenance of forest structures that support recognized human needs for biomass production ensures the creation of diverse habitats. Nowadays, the diverse ownership structure has caused diverse land use, which leads to the occurrence of different types of forests side by side. If we want to talk about the protection of biodiversity, it is necessary to benefit from sensitive protection planning, adapted to local and regional conditions. Effective strategies must include land-use planning based on input from multiple stakeholders in a given country. Such an approach will enable the protection and restoration of wildlife corridors, thereby increasing overall biodiversity. (More on lesmedium.sk)

For supporters, biodiversity credits could free up billions in much-needed funding for nature, but critics fear a repeat of the scandals that have dogged other funding approaches to environmental protection.

Paying for protection tropical rainforests or compensation for habitat destruction is an area of growing interest, and conservation credit trading will feature at this year's COP16 UN Biodiversity Summit in Colombia this month.

The market for biodiversity credits or certificates – which monetize activities that claim to protect or restore nature – is new, unregulated and dogged by fears of "greenwashing".

Supporters say the credits could financially compensate for environmental damage caused by industry, such as when a mine or road project affects the surrounding environment.

Businesses could at least theoretically compensate for the damage by buying credits from organizations that support nature and biodiversity, for example by protecting wetlands or sustainably producing rubber. (Benjamin LEGENDRE, more at phys.org)

The human-caused extinction of hundreds of bird species over the past 130,000 years has led to a substantial reduction in bird functional diversity -- a measure of the range of different roles and functions birds perform in the environment -- and resulted in the loss of about 3 billion years of unique evolutionary history, according to a new study published today in Science.

To achieve net zero huge investments will be required, especially in the energy sector and related infrastructure, which is estimated to double by 2030 and lead to an exponential increase in electricity production from $500 to $160 trillion. But although this type of approach is important in the fight against climate change, it can also mean significant risks for biodiversity, the effects of which are already evident: the decline in the functionality of ecosystems costs the global economy more than 5,000 billion. dollars per year. This means that the world economy is losing ecosystem services worth about 6 % of global GDP each year, an amount roughly equal to the total market value of agricultural, forestry and fisheries production in 2019. (BCG and Quantis reports, more at esgnews.it)

DIVERSEED is a 7-year project focused on the restoration of priority grassland habitats shared between Slovakia and Romania and brings innovative mapping and restoration techniques that will have (more…)

The topic of biodiversity will soon be back in the global spotlight at the 16th United Nations Conference on Biodiversity (COP16) in Cali, Colombia, in October. There will be a strong focus on action and implementation of the framework agreed at last year's COP15 conference to continue progressing national commitments and actions. However, on such a global issue, collaboration is key and the involvement of the business community, as well as other stakeholder groups, will be critical to success.

In this second article in our 'Climate for Nature' series - engaging the views of executives on nature-related issues that are high on the boardroom agenda - we focus on biodiversity and how it is fast becoming a priority for business. Our Sustainability Partner Ben Stansfield talks to Dr Samuel Sinclair, Co-Founder and Director of Biodiversity, about the challenges of data collection and planning in this area, the opportunities and what to consider depending on where you are on your biodiversity journey you find. (Ben Stansfield, more at lexology.com)