The new research guide called “Toolbox for Integrating Biodiversity into Development Planning in Latin America and the Caribbean” is designed to facilitate the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. he official address held during the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) held from October 21 to November 1, 2024 in Cali, Colombia.
A practical resource for biodiversity action
“The toolkit is a dynamic resource that offers a wide range of knowledge products and empowers decision-makers to integrate biodiversity into public policies,” says Marcia Isabel Tambutti Allende, Senior Research Assistant, Natural Resources Division, ECLAC.
The toolbox is aimed at public and private actors involved in political decision-making and strategic planning, both at national and local level. It is structured in five thematic sections. Each section focuses on essential activities to ensure the integration of biodiversity in all sectors and to improve effective planning.
The many resources included include informative publications, practical tools, databases, and real-life case studies. These materials provide perspectives from experts in various fields, addressing both the challenges and solutions for incorporating biodiversity into sectoral planning.
Collaboration for Biodiversity
Developed through collaboration between the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) the EU support project for the Post-2020 Global Framework for Biological Diversity, funded by the EU and implemented by French Expertise; This toolbox represents a joint effort supported by experts from international organizations, academia, and civil society. With the help of ECLAC’s Hernán Santa Cruz Library, this initiative highlights our commitment to provide a comprehensive resource that supports communities and promotes sustainable development throughout the region.
“This box represents the continuous effort of more than five years to offer spaces to actors from different sectors and different levels of politics, and from civil society to achieve a vision of what is needed for the implementation of the Global Framework for Biodiversity. It also shows the ECLAC’s willingness to make an exception and receive support from a project instead of direct funds. We believe that with this we were able to reach more across within and outside the European Commission and we are grateful for the opportunity,” says Hugo Rivera Mendoza, Team Leader: Post 2020 Biodiversity Framework – EU Support, French Expertise.
ECLAC participation in COP16
ECLAC was a key participant in the discussion on policies for the protection of biodiversity in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Executive Secretary of ECLAC, José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, played a significant role in several high-level events, emphasizing the importance of biological diversity in the sustainable development of the region.
At COP16, ECLAC addressed critical issues linking biodiversity conservation to sustainable development. He emphasized the economic valuation of biodiversity and the bioeconomy as means of sustainable growth, together with innovative financing mechanisms such as tax incentives and climate finance for biodiversity conservation efforts. ECLAC also emphasized the interconnection between biodiversity and poverty, presenting proposals to include local and indigenous communities and environmental defenders. He also emphasized the role of biodiversity in enhancing climate resilience and adaptation, and promoting the integration of biodiversity into public policies through innovative solutions aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Read more about ECLAC’s participation in COP16 here.
What is the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and how does it relate to the toolbox developed by Marcia Isabel Tambutti Allende?
Time.news Interview with Marcia Isabel Tambutti Allende on the New Toolbox for Biodiversity Integration
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Marcia Isabel Tambutti Allende! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Your recent work on the “Toolbox for Integrating Biodiversity into Development Planning in Latin America and the Caribbean” has caused quite a stir in the biodiversity community. Can you start by telling us what motivated the development of this comprehensive tool?
Marcia Isabel Tambutti Allende: Thank you for having me! The main motivation behind the toolbox was to support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. We recognized the need for an accessible resource that facilitates decision-making across sectors, ensuring that biodiversity considerations are integrated into public policies at both national and local levels. The urgency of biodiversity loss in our region cannot be overstated, and we aimed to empower various stakeholders to take actionable steps towards sustainable development.
Time.news Editor: That’s a crucial initiative! You mentioned that the toolbox is structured into five thematic sections. Can you elaborate on the key areas these sections cover?
Marcia Isabel Tambutti Allende: Absolutely. Each thematic section addresses vital activities required for the effective integration of biodiversity. While I cannot share all the specifics, the sections cover areas such as policy-making frameworks, stakeholder engagement strategies, and mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation. By organizing resources this way, we offer a guided approach that helps decision-makers prioritize actions based on their specific contexts.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of resources, what types of materials can users expect to find in the toolbox?
Marcia Isabel Tambutti Allende: The toolbox is quite dynamic! It includes a variety of knowledge products such as informative publications, practical tools for implementation, databases that collate relevant data, and even real-life case studies that showcase successful integration of biodiversity into sectoral planning. These resources are designed not only to inform but also to inspire and provide practical solutions to the challenges many face.
Time.news Editor: Collaboration seems to be a key theme in this project. Can you discuss how various stakeholders contributed to the development of the toolbox?
Marcia Isabel Tambutti Allende: Certainly! The toolbox was made possible through collaborative efforts among the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the EU support project for the Post-2020 Global Framework for Biological Diversity, and various experts from international organizations, academia, and civil society. This collective approach allowed us to gather diverse perspectives and expertise, ensuring the toolbox is well-rounded and responsive to the needs of different actors involved in biodiversity conservation and planning.
Time.news Editor: It’s impressive how comprehensive this initiative is. In your view, what are the most significant challenges that decision-makers face when integrating biodiversity into development planning, and how does your toolbox address these challenges?
Marcia Isabel Tambutti Allende: One of the most significant challenges decision-makers face is a lack of clear understanding of how to integrate biodiversity across various sectors, given the complexity of environmental issues. Often, there is also insufficient data or case studies that provide a roadmap for action. Our toolbox addresses these challenges by offering structured guidance, practical tools, and a wealth of real-world examples that demonstrate how others have successfully navigated similar issues. We believe that with the right resources and knowledge, decision-makers can make informed choices that prioritize biodiversity.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the impact of this toolbox in the region?
Marcia Isabel Tambutti Allende: I sincerely hope that the toolbox catalyzes a deeper commitment to biodiversity in development planning and policy-making. By providing actionable resources, we aim to foster collaboration across sectors, empowering public and private actors alike to prioritize biodiversity in their strategies. Ultimately, I envision a future where biodiversity is seamlessly integrated into decision-making processes, leading to sustainable development that benefits both communities and the environment.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Marcia! Your insights into the toolbox and its potential impact are inspiring. We appreciate your dedication to facilitating biodiversity integration and look forward to seeing the positive changes it can bring in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Marcia Isabel Tambutti Allende: Thank you for the opportunity to share our work! I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and encourage everyone to explore the toolbox and leverage its resources for biodiversity conservation.