Just like the CBD COP15 last year, UNFCCC COP 28 was a unique opportunity for religions to draw on their networks and use their practical knowledge to tackle both climate and biodiversity crises. At the side event on December 9th in Dubai, the faith community convened again to discuss faith, nature and climate and strengthen joined-up action.
Established in 2020 in the run-up to CBD COP15, the Faith and Biodiversity UN Coordination Group aims at:
- Offering a space for faith-based organizations (FBOs) and conservation groups to network and jointly advocate for biodiversity at key international moments in order to set the stage for urgent action over the next 10 years.
- Directing members to resources on faith and conservation in alignment with the commitments made in the 2020 Biodiversity Faith Call to Action.
- Increasing FBOs understanding of biodiversity concerns and supporting urgent action in international agreements
- Supporting FBOs engagement with conservation organizations, like WWF
- Supporting the development of faith long term plans (FaithPlans) in collaboration with WWF and FaithInvest
Connecting faith with ecological awareness and care
As a member of the Nature Positive Actors coalitions, the Faith for Biodiversity Coalition organized a side-event together with WWF on Saturday 9 December at the Faiths Pavilion (Blue Zone) at the Expo-City Dubai.
Moderated by Susan Hendershot, President of Interfaith Power & Light, the event consisted of a lively discussion between the panelists, representatives of different religions and communities.
In her introductory speech, Susan Hendershot, recalled the undeniable interconnection between climate and nature: « Science shows that we can not solve one without the other[…] ».
- Gopal Patel, Director at Bhumi Global and co-convenor of Faiths for Biodiversity Coalition, jointed virtually, underlining FBOs’ commitment and determination to act:
“We want to make sure that there is not a silo approach between the 3 COPs and that FBO’s voice can be heard.“, he stated.
- Nicholas Pande, Disaster Resilience & Response Lead, Anglican Alliance, declared:
“We’re into the prophetic voice for nature. We are tackling the twin crises in ways that support the GBF implementation & contribute to mitigating climate change“.
- Alberto Pallechi, Acting Director Fait & Sustainability, World Resources Institute took the floor to point out the need of collaborative action:
“There is a growing momentum around the engagement of faith-based organisations into sustainability. We need to bridge the science-religion gap, better understand each other to better work together”.
As a decisive moment to act on climate commitments, Faiths can play an essential role in acting for climate and nature to achieve a Nature Positive, net-zero emissions and equitable future.
This message has already been voiced by the faith community at a dedicated event held at UN CBD SBSTTA25 in October 2023 in Nairobi, which our project was proud to co-organize with the Faith & Biodiversity UN Coordination Group.
This event in Nairobi was also the occasion of the launch of a new publication – Earth Restored: Joining hands with FBOs to implement the KMGBF – looking at how and why FBOs can foster a sense of shared responsibility and collective action for the well-being of people and the planet.
Beyond Belief – Linking faiths and protected areas for biodiversity conservation
Religion and spirituality are deeply grounded in care for the natural world and have led to some of the most enduring social movements in history. The values shared by religious and spiritual communities have much in common with those of nature conservation.
You may find the recording of the sessions here.
Find out more details about the Nature Positive Initiative here.
