The Edinburgh Declaration on biodiversity is a key milestone in the formal recognition of contributions by subnational governments (including cities and local authorities) to the achievement of global biodiversity goals and targets. At the upcoming CBD COP15 (15th meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity Conference of Parties) the goal of the Edinburgh Declaration is for Parties to formalise this role via the adoption of a Plan of Action specifically dedicated to subnational governments. This aims to ensure the ‘whole of government’ approach advocated for in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework is realised over the coming decade.
On the 1st June from 10:30 - 12:30 CET the Scottish Government will host a hybrid event on Celebrating the role of subnational, and local governments: The Edinburgh Declaration for biodiversity, including a panel discussion and a networking brunch at the Scotland House Brussels (Rond-Point Schuman 6, 1040, Brussels, Belgium).
This event is organized in cooperation with the Edinburgh Process partners (European Committee of the Regions, ICLEI, Regions4, Government of Québec - coordinators of the Advisory Committee on Subnational Governments, ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Centre and Europe Secretariat, GoLs Group of Leading Subnational Governments toward Aichi Biodiversity Targets, NatureScot, Welsh Government, Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, DEFRA, and UNEP).
The Edinburgh Declaration builds upon the previous recognition of subnational authorities by the CBD at COP10. Can this successful story be replicated in the UNFCCC context? What were the key elements that made it happen for the CBD? Panellists will address with the audience these questions, after sharing their own experience on the Edinburgh Declaration but also on the linkages between biodiversity and climate action at subnational level.
Information on how sub-national governments and authorities can sign the Declaration will be available at the event. If you wish to attend, please register at this link.