Timeline – 2020 - POST2020

2020

2020

International days

International Epidemic Preparedness Day

December 27

As exemplified by the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic major infectious diseases and epidemics have devastating impacts on human lives, wreaking havoc on long-term social and economic development. Global health crises threaten to overwhelm already overstretched health systems, disrupt global supply chains and cause disproportionate devastation of the livelihoods of people and the economies of the poorest and most vulnerable countries.Decline of habitat and wildlife leaves humans exposed to new, emerging diseases and conserving biodiversity can preserve human lives. More.

2 December, State of the Planet address from UN Secretary General

Watch it here.

8-9 December, EU Business Nature Summit

The European Business & Nature Summit was held on 8-9 December 2020 for two days of stimulating discussion and knowledge exchange on “Green economic recovery – Reshaping business for nature and people”.

14 December, The European Green Deal & Nature-based Solutions

The EU German Presidency organised this event which objectives are to create continued momentum towards NbS for people, biodiversity and climate and to demonstrate the potential of NbS to address our global challenges. The event tackled both the internal and external dimensions of the Green Deal, focusing on action by the EU and its Member States, but also looking beyond, into the global agenda.

15-16 December, Special virtual session for SBSTTA-24 and SBI-03 on biodiversity, One Health and COVID-19

A special virtual session for SBSTTA and SBI on the theme of “Biodiversity, One Health and the response to COVID-19”, was held on 15-16 December 2020.

6-15 November, 2nd Youth Capacity Building Training for the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

From November 6th to 15th, the Global Youth Biodiversity Network organizes online capacity building training sessions as a key component of Youth engagement Roadmap for the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

5 November, ICLEI Information Webinar Series

Reflecting on the outcome of Daring Cities: “Update on recent and forthcoming events”Register to ICLEI webinar that will be held at 10am CAT and 3pm CAT.

9-12 November, the Finance in Common Summit – Building Resilience for People and Planet

Taking place 9-12 November 2020, the Finance in Common Summit stressed the crucial role of Public Development Banks (PDBs) in reconciling short-term countercyclical responses with sustainable recovery measures that had a long-term impact on the planet and societies.

23 November – 4 December, Costa Rica + Natura private sector and civil society consultation processes

Consulting the private sector and civil society on the post 2020 biodiversity framework, financial incentives for biodiversity conservation, contributions from non-governmental organizations, the academic sector and indigenous people and local communities.

17-18 December, workshop on “Operational and legal options for the new Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)’s responsibility and transparency framework

The objective of this workshop, organized together with IDDRI, was to open a space for discussions on concrete policy paths for the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, prior to SBI3 and raised awareness on the importance of transparency and accountability as a COP15 topic of discussion.Read our publication on accountability & transparency here.

20-22 October, EU Green Week – a new beginning for people and nature

The European Union Green Week 2020 took place between 19-22 October 2020, under the theme of nature and biodiversity. The Green Week highlighted biodiversity’s many contributions to society and the economy, and the role it can play in supporting and stimulating recovery in a post-pandemic world, bringing jobs and sustainable growth. The Green Week gathered representatives from States, international organizations, civil society and a private sector, and presented an ambitious strategy for nature, showing that transformative change is possible in the post-2020 global biodiveristy framework and beyond.EU Green Week programme.

GYBN online consultation

The Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) has launched a survey that will bring together youth voices for the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework!

As the youth constituency to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), GYBN has been leading a Youth Engagement Roadmap for the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. Take the survey here.

15 September, Launch of Global Biodiversity Outlook 5

This launch preceded the local biodiversity outlook 2 on the 16th.More information here.

17 September, Post 2020 Local and Subnational Government Information Webinars #16

Reflecting on the SBSTTA and SBI special virtual sessions.

23 September, Outcomes of the Edinburgh Process: Discussing how to achieve greater integration of subnational governments

The webinar held on September 23rd set out to Parties to the Convention the outcomes of the Edinburgh Process, and discussed how to achieve greater integration of subnational governments, cities and local authorities in implementing the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.

24 September, The Nature 4 Life Hub : putting nature at the heart of development and green recovery ahead of UN General Assembly’s Biodiversity Summit

To coincide with the 75th UN General Assembly, and leading up to the UN Biodiversity Summit, UNDP, UNEP, CBD and partners are creating a four-day Nature for Life Hub — a virtual space where global and local leaders will share stories on the importance of nature for sustainable development.

24 September, Nature For Life Hub Day 1 – Sustainable Development Goals

25 September, Nature For Life hub Day 2 – Business & Finance Day

On September 25th, the second day of the Nature For Life Hub called upon the financial and business sector to disrupt business-as-usual finance practices by placing nature at the center of decision-making. The sessions charted the way forward towards transforming the economy for a better future.

28 September, Nature For Life Hub Day 3 – Global Ambition Day

28 September, Leaders’ Pledge for Nature

66 countries have come together on 28 September 2020, ahead of the Summit to send a united signal to step up global ambition for biodiversity and to commit to matching our collective ambition for nature, climate and people with the scale of the crisis at hand.

30 September, UN BIODIVERSITY SUMMIT

Heads of States and governments together with international stakeholders gathering to take action on biodiversity for sustainable development.

29 September, Nature For Life Hub Day 4 – Local Action Day

Local action is essential on nature if we are to tackle our planetary emergency; we need an all-of-society approach. We are already seeing action by youth, Indigenous peoples and local communities in every country. This set of sessions shined a spotlight on these efforts, showcasing success stories, highlighting challenges and obstacles, and showing pathways to scaling up local action to have global impacts.

7 July, World Conservation Congress Post-2020 Pavilion: Transforming the Financial System to Eliminate Nature Loss

The Post-2020 Pavilion was convened during the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Marseille, France from 07-15 January 2021. On July 7th, the Post-2020 Pavilion hosted a public virtual event on “Transforming the Financial System to Eliminate Nature Loss”. The objective of this session was to identify the new tools on nature disclosure that could help to achieve a systemic change in finance for nature under the Post-2020 Framework.

8 July, World Conservation Congress Post-2020 Pavilion, Mainstreaming impacts and dependencies in the Post-2020 global biodiversity framework

The objective of this session was to showcase how the business and finance sectors are committed to transform the way decisions are made by including the value provided by nature, people and society. The session provided evidence of the evolving recognition and acceptance of companies and financial institutions to mainstream nature into the way they do business.

9 July, World Conservation Congress Post-2020 Pavilion, Driving transformative change for high ambition in the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

This session explored the transformative change needed to position a new relationship with nature, recognizing its value as the basis for human well-being, justice and equity as well as peace and security.

10 July, World Conservation Congress Post-2020 Pavilion: Synergies between the Post-2020 GBF and other key global processes

The objective of this session was to deepen understanding about the opportunities and challenges for enhancing the coordination, cooperation and synergies between key global processes to deliver the objectives of the Post-2020 framework at both the global and national level.

15 July, World Conservation Congress Post-2020 Pavilion: Global Goal for Nature: Nature Positive by 2030

This session was convened by WWF International and partners. It addressed the importance of an ambitious, science-based global goal for nature to ensure that the world halts and reverses nature loss for the benefit of people and nature.

16 July, World Conservation Congress Post-2020 Pavilion: The Role of Protected and Conserved Areas in Achieving Global Conservation Goals

The Post-2020 Pavilion was convened during the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Marseille, France from 07-15 January 2021. On July 16th, an open webinar was organized on the role of protected and conserved areas in achieving global conservation goals. This topic is a major issue for the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework concerns area-based conservation, and what will replace Aichi Target 11 and raise global ambition.

17 July, World Conservation Congress Post-2020 Pavilion: Intergenerational Equity and the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

This Post-2020 Pavilion Virtual Biodiversity Dialogue Series session was hosted by the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN). It highlighted the youth perspective on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework with a particular focus on the importance of intergenerational equity.

2 June, Finance Watch – Embedding environmental goals at the heart of financial decision-making

On June 2nd, Finance Watch and the Club of Rome hosted an online conference on the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy 2030, Green Deal & Recovery Plan. Several high-level policymakers and expert speakers participated to this online conference, following the publication by Finance Watch of its new report, Nature’s Return.

4 June, ICLEI Information Webinar Series

June 4th webinar reflected on the journey since 2010 and provided an overview of achievements linked to the Plan of Action on Subnational Governments, Cities and Other Local Authorities for Biodiversity.

5 June, World Environment Day, Colombia

World Environment Day host country Colombia has put together a wide-ranging series of events featuring experts on biodiversity issues from across the globe. Replay of the events available here.

5 June, Possible Dialogues Program 2020 – Brazil

On the World Environment Day, this webinar launched the Possible Dialogue program. This initiative is led by the Instituto Espinhaço, which actively took part to the Post 2020 Biodiversity Framework – EU support project activities in Brazil.

ON OUR RADAR: 15 June, Building business resilience

Hosted by Paul Polman, Co-founder of IMAGINE, and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and news anchor Tian Wei, this event brought together inspiring business and world leaders and explored how making nature part of your decision-making is critical to becoming a future-fit business. Sign up their call to action for businesses around the world here before July 31st!

16 June, Euroclima+ webinar – Traditional Food

On June 19, Resilient Food Production sector of Euroclima+ programme, implemented by Expertise France, held a webinar on Traditional Food production from indigenous communities in Latin America. Our Deputy Team Leader Hugo Rivera Mendoza was among the panelists.

17 June, World Conservation Congress Post-2020 Pavilion: Addressing Biodiversity Drivers of Loss in the Post-2020 global biodiversity framework

This session explored how to raise ambition in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, specifically as regards drivers of loss. Speakers addressed key drivers such as food systems, agriculture, supply chain, conflict and unsustainable production consumption.

25 June – 10 July, Costa Rica National Workshop: “Defining Costa Rica ambitions”

On June 25th, Costa Rica launched the first national workshop of Costa Rica + Natura cycle of activity with high-level representatives from all national biodiversity instutions. It was followed by four participative break-out groups sessions running until July 3rd. Results will be presented over an online plenary session on July 10th.

30 June, World Conservation Congress Post-2020 Pavilion: Political Opportunities and Challenges for Securing High Ambition in the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

This session addressed the political dynamics underpinning the Post- 2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) negotiations. These dynamics pertain to the push for a stronger GBF that is sufficiently ambitious, science- based, rigorously implemented and duly synergized with other global processes.

23 July, ICLEI Information Webinar Series

The webinar took place on July 23rd and focused on the Edinburgh Process and the strength of global partnerships for local and subnational action on nature.

ON OUR RADAR: 27-31 July, IPBES workshop on biodiversity and pandemics

Considering the extraordinary situation caused by the novel Coronavirus and given the role that IPBES can play in strengthening the knowledge base on biodiversity links of current and future pandemics such as COVID-19 and in reaching a wide public, the IPBES Bureau and Multidisciplinary Expert Panel, after recent discussions, decided that IPBES will organize a virtual Platform workshop on the link between biodiversity and pandemics, from 27-31 July 2020.

30 July, World Conservation Congress Post-2020 Pavilion: Preparing for the UNGA Biodiversity Summit

The objective of this session was to synthesize the key conclusions from all of the Virtual Biodiversity Dialogues and to distill the most powerful joined-up messages to be transmitted to the UNGA Biodiversity Summit and then onwards to SBSTTA-24, SBI-3 and OEWG-3 negotiation sessions planned for the fall of 2020.

ON OUR RADAR: 30 July, UNESCO MAB Webinar Series: Youth Advocacy

This session has been developed and was hosted by members of MAB Youth Networks and the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN).Through discussion and interactive exercises this webinar discussed the role of youth in bridging the present and future of biosphere reserves, the involvement of youth in biosphere reserve activities and how to improve the dialogue between youth and MAB decision makers.

14 May, Post 2020 Local and Subnational Government Information Webinar – Biodiversity, food and nutrition for Health

On May 14th, 2020, the webinar addressed the links between disease outbreaks frequency linked to biodiversity loss and climate change as an urgent reminder of the need to adopt integrated approaches such as the One Health one.

Biodiversity Week: 18-22 May 2020

The slogan “Our solutions are in nature” emphasises hope, solidarity and the importance of working together at all levels to build a future of life in harmony with nature. 2020 is the year when, more than ever, the world can signal a strong will for a global framework that will “bend the curve” on biodiversity loss for the benefit of humans and all life on Earth.Check our website and social media to take a look back at our activities and our partners’ throughout this 2020 Biodiversity Week that built up to International Biodiversity Day on May 22nd.

18 May, International Day for Biological Diversity – UNESCO

UNESCO held a webinar on the 22nd of May, during the International Biodiversity Day, and set up online dialogues and conversations between experts, UNESCO networks, in particular their sites and youth networks, private sector partners and artists. The aim was to share scientific assessment of the unprecedented health crisis we are going through, but also to come together in this period of great uncertainty around common values, to share the resources on which we can rely upon to be collectively resilient and to make the necessary changes.

19 May, Youth networks mobilized during Biodiversity Week 2020

Through this week of action, the Biodiversity Week has created awareness about the building blocks of nature and ecosystems, has driven initiatives big and small, and has given youth across the globe a collaborative platform, and demanded bold action for people and nature. Youth networks intended to lead the way.

20 May, EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030: Bringing back nature into our lives

The European Commission adopted a comprehensive new Biodiversity Strategy to bring nature back into our lives and a Farm to Fork Strategy for a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system. The two strategies are mutually reinforcing, bringing together nature, farmers, business and consumers for jointly working towards a competitively sustainable future.