The dialogued aimed at discussing the outcomes of the Edinburgh process and the reinforcement of the role of subnational and local communities in the elaboration and implementation of the future Global Biodiversity Framework that should be adopted during CBD COP15 in Kunming, China.
During this event, a first overview of the Edinburgh process underlined the positive dynamic of the initiative, which saw more than 150 cities and governments sign the Edinburgh Declaration and a renewed CBD engagement with the local and subnational constituencies.
Both local and national governments of China and Scotland shared some inspiration, good practices and leading programmes for biodiversity conservation at local level, in rural and urban areas, providing local populations with restored and more resilient ecosystem services. Both the countries acknowledged the various threats and risks for biodiversity, and its critical role as a direct support livelihoods and human communities.
In summary, all panellists agreed on the important role of SNLGs for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. They called for an increased cooperation, and welcomed the growing place for local communities in the negotiation process and advocacy initiatives. They recognized the SNLGs as key actors for designing and implementing biodiversity policies, through their expertise and their effective action at local and regional level.
