Article
7th GEF Assembly: Summary Report (22–26 August 2023)
The Seventh GEF Assembly marked a pivotal moment for biodiversity, as members unanimously endorsed the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), which had received prior approval from the GEF Council in June. The GBFF serves as a fresh funding source for safeguarding imperiled species and their global ecosystems. During the Assembly, Canada declared a commitment of CAD 200 million to the GBFF and an additional CAD 22.8 million for GEF-8, addressing climate change, biodiversity decline, and pollution. Additionally, the UK pledged an initial contribution of GBP 10 million to the GBFF.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses the closing plenary
The GEF Assembly formally commenced on the evening of Wednesday, August 23, with First Nations representatives extending a traditional welcome to the participants on the ancestral territories of the Squamish Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, Musqueam xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, and Tsleil-Waututh səlilwətaɬ Nations.
Throughout the Assembly, along with endorsing decisions related to the GBFF, members and participants engaged in four plenary sessions and 11 roundtable discussions.
Noteworthy outcomes of the Assembly include:
- Adoption of amendments to the Instrument for the Establishment of a Restructured GEF.
- Acknowledgment of the GEF-8 Trust Fund report.
- Acknowledgment of the GEF Trust Fund report.
Leading up to the Assembly on August 22 and the morning of August 23, the following events took place:
- Youth Leaders Learning Exchange, which united young activists in panel discussions advocating for greater youth engagement and acknowledgment in light of Earth's triple planetary crisis.
- Dialogue with Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEA) Secretariats and the GEF, where Secretariat representatives of every MEA supported by the GEF highlighted key Convention outcomes and expectations of GEF assistance.
- Indigenous and Local Knowledge Event, exploring the contributions of Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) and strategies to enhance these contributions.
- Announcement of the winners of the GEF Assembly Inclusive Challenge Program, recognizing community-based and civil society actors for their role in delivering inclusive benefits for people and ecosystems.
- Launch of the Gustavo Fonseca Youth Conservation Fellowship Program.
The GEF also hosted its inaugural Partnership Forum, gathering Indigenous Peoples, youth, women, and civil society representatives to discuss ways of empowering and recognizing these groups. Through "confabs," participants explored intergenerational collaboration, women's leadership in environmental action, Indigenous stewardship of the global environment, and other key topics. Notable takeaways included calls for women's active participation, youth involvement in project design, transformation of engagement with Indigenous Peoples, and studying the overlap between Indigenous Peoples' lands and biodiversity hotspots.
As the Assembly concluded on Friday, attendees carried with them the departing words of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: "The time has come to secure a promising future for all; this is what we are accomplishing together." Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, GEF CEO and Chairperson, expressed optimism that participants would remember the Assembly's core principles: integration, inclusivity, and impact.
The GEF Assembly and its associated events took place from August 22-25, 2023, in Vancouver, Canada. Field trips on August 26 included activities such as a birding expedition supported by Birds Canada, a visit to the Capilano salmon hatchery supported by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, a walking tour of the City of Vancouver, forest bathing with the support of the University of British Columbia, and an event centered on the future of sustainable food and transportation supported by Simon Fraser University.
Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, GEF CEO and Chairperson, and Yutaka Matsuzawa, Vice-Chair, Seventh GEF Assembly
Summary of GEF Assembly Proceedings and Associated Events
Youth Leaders Learning Exchange: The Youth Leaders Learning Exchange took place on Tuesday, August 22. CEO Rodríguez emphasized the importance of reimagining the GEF's operational methods, recognizing the necessity of comprehensive government and societal involvement. He elaborated on the meanings of each approach and underscored the need to integrate this comprehension in the forthcoming replenishment phase.
Three Strategies for Ocean Conservation: This keynote address was presented by Rashid Sumaila from the University of British Columbia. Unveiling insights from his book "Infinity Fish," he expounded on the concept of fish as a renewable asset that, when managed sustainably, can provide perpetual support to humanity. During the subsequent discussions, attendees and Sumaila emphasized the significance of providing equitable educational access to all genders, involving youth, women, and Indigenous leaders in problem-solving.
Youth Leaders Learning Exchange Panel: A panel discussion expertly moderated by Aileen Lee from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
Frankie Marquez, representing the Ocean Wise Conservation Association, highlighted how Ocean Wise channels the passion, discontent, and outrage of youth towards addressing challenges such as overfishing, climate change, and plastic pollution. Skw’akw’as (Sunshine) Dunstan-Moore from TLKemchEEn advocated for adequate resources to enable Indigenous Peoples' participation in conferences and ensuring their voices are heard. Dunstan-Moore urged youth to confront individuals with their realities to drive transformative change.
Marina Melanidis, a member of Youth4Nature, drew attention to the first-ever global youth policy statement, which exposes greenwashing and calls for a fairer distribution of power and resources. Sophia Yang, representing Threading Change, underscored the necessity of continuous support mechanisms to encourage more sustainable clothing choices.
Ray Kiliho, part of Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots, shared the organization's mission to cultivate empathetic citizens, stressing the perils of apathy. Naina Agrawal-Hardin, a student from Yale University, illustrated the role of climate litigation through case studies, highlighting its reliance on youth, traditional knowledge, and local Indigenous wisdom.
Responsible, Inclusive and Transformative Governance panel
Indigenous and Local Knowledge Gathering: Facilitated by Rosina Bierbaum, GEF STAP Chair, this event took place on Tuesday, August 22. Bierbaum outlined the event's purpose, which was to explore the contributions Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) can provide and how to enhance these contributions. Eduardo Brondizio from Indiana University highlighted that if the GEF seeks the cooperation and backing of IPLCs to amplify global environmental benefits, it must address the broader aspirations and challenges IPLCs face beyond just environmental aspects.
Arctic and Northern Regions: Monica Medina, CEO of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), moderated this segment. Judith Dax̱ootsú Ramos from the University of Alaska Southeast delved into Indigenous knowledge, including the stories guiding the interaction with and practices involving wildlife and the natural world. Jackie Qatalina Schaeffer from the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium emphasized the significance of oral traditions and integrating Indigenous knowledge into Arctic building designs. Eli Enns, CEO of the IISAAK OLAM Foundation, discussed the interconnectedness of Indigenous Peoples.
Amazon Region: Moderated by Avecita Chicchón from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. Valerie Hickey from the World Bank underscored the human-human conflicts, expressing concern over the loss of lives of those defending the Amazon. She emphasized the necessity of amplifying the voices of Indigenous Peoples in local decision-making processes. Mariana Varese from WCS and the Secretariat of Aguas Amazónicas emphasized the importance of collaborative learning.
Corine Vriesendorp from the Field Museum talked about how the museum combines threats affecting Amazon communities to provide a comprehensive analysis of opportunities and recommendations, weaving various strands of knowledge together.
Alfredo Vargas, President of the Federación Nativa del Río Madre De Dios y Afluentes, emphasized the significance of ancestral knowledge and the economic needs of Indigenous communities.
Engagement with MEA Secretariats and the GEF: CEO Rodríguez initiated this dialogue on Tuesday, August 22, by expressing the GEF's openness to discussing all aspects of its operations and encouraging innovative, unconventional thinking. Moderator Chizuru Aoki from the GEF invited panelists to delve into crucial convention outcomes and their expectations regarding GEF support.
Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions Secretariat, highlighted recent achievements such as the compliance mechanism of the Stockholm Convention and the listing of plastic additives.
David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the CBD Secretariat, highlighted the GEF's assistance in translating the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) into national targets. Monika Stankiewicz, Executive Secretary of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, anticipated decisions pertaining to the GBFF at the upcoming fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP5) to the Minamata Convention later this year.
Louise Baker, Managing Director of the Global Mechanism at UNCCD, discussed the emphasis on implementation with targets set by 130 countries. She emphasized the operationalization of these targets as a significant area for GEF support.
Daniele Violetti from the UNFCCC Secretariat recollected recently adopted decisions on funding arrangements for loss and damage and the establishment of the Global Goal on Adaptation under the Paris Agreement. He also highlighted ongoing efforts related to a "just transition," carbon markets, and doubling adaptation finance.
Maria Socorro Manguiat, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Ozone Secretariat, noted 145 ratifications of the Montreal Protocol's 2016 Kigali Amendment and advancements in the transition from hydrofluorocarbons to alternatives with lower global warming potential.
GEF Partnership Forum: The inaugural GEF Partnership Forum, which took place on Wednesday, August 23, established a platform for dialogue among Indigenous Peoples, youth, women, and civil society representatives to explore ways in which the GEF can promote their empowerment and recognition. Gabriella Richardson Temm from the GEF initiated the session, and Carleen Thomas of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation welcomed the attendees.
Prisca Daka from the Global Youth Biodiversity Network in Africa urged the GEF to enhance its support for and engagement with youth, advocating for youth participation as observers in the GEF Council. Devi Anggraini from the Women in Global South Alliance emphasized the importance of considering Indigenous women's perspectives and prioritizing projects led by women's groups. Alisi Rabukawaqa-Nacewa from the GEF Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group (IPAG) urged the GEF to challenge its existing perceptions and approaches.
Sano Akhteruzzaman, Chair of the GEF Civil Society Organization (CSO) Network, called on the GEF Secretariat to empower CSOs with the capacity to directly collaborate with the GEF and access funds within shorter timeframes.
CEO Rodríguez proposed the goal of positioning the GEF as the foremost strategic financial partner for civil society and a catalyst for generational change.
Inter-Generational Fireside Conversation: This session was skillfully moderated by Emilie Leclerc, who invited attendees to reflect on the destructive impacts of recent and ongoing wildfires, as well as the role of fire as a space for community gathering, connections, and storytelling.
Mary Jane Enchill from the HATOF Foundation shared the transformative effect of GEF-supported journalist training on environmental degradation. Skw’akw’as (Sunshine) Dunstan-Moore emphasized the importance of infusing narratives with empathy and emotions.
Damaris Fabiola Quijivix Monzón, a GEF Small Grants Programme Youth Grantee from Guatemala, attributed the creation and growth of her local non-profit organization to the talent and dedication of young individuals.
Grethel Aguilar, Acting Director General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), revealed her realization of humanity's interconnectedness with nature through interactions with Indigenous Costa Ricans. Yemi Michael Katerere from the African Civil Society Biodiversity Alliance spoke about the loss of access to wild foods due to land expropriation, pushing local people into the status of "illegal harvesters."
Forum Conversations: The event featured three informal "Forum Conversations."
Inter-Generational Collaboration for Our Future: The initial part of this discussion, moderated by Gabriella Richardson from the GEF, addressed how the GEF Partnership could better involve youth. Panelists recommended:
- Ensuring inclusivity in project design and execution.
- Providing updates on youth engagement at the upcoming Assembly.
- Establishing youth forums in each region.
- Offering capacity-building programs.
- Granting funding and resources to youth organizations.
- Amplifying existing youth networks without duplication.
The subsequent part examined strategies for engaging youth on a longer-term basis. Panelists proposed solutions to challenges, including:
- Ensuring non-English speaking youth voices are heard.
- Exploring the potential for a dedicated funding window for youth-led projects.
- Requiring youth inclusion in the design and execution of GEF-funded projects.
- Offering funded youth engagement opportunities that lead to career pathways.
Women's Leadership in Environmental Action: During this segment, Verona Collantes-Lebale from the GEF moderated the first part, delving into women's leadership and gender-responsive actions in environmental programs.
Scovia Ampumuza Faraja from the CBD Women’s Caucus and the Global Youth Biodiversity Network highlighted a tree-planting project that improves water quality, a resource women often work hard to obtain. Maria-Helena Semedo from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) underscored that women are predominantly engaged in the agrifood system and advocated for a transformative approach that begins with empowering women.
The second part, moderated by Ana Di Pangracio from the CBD Women’s Caucus, focused on advocating for women's rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment in environmental policies, plans, and financing. Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UNEP, urged education to shift cultural and legal norms harmful to rural women. Nguavese Tracy Ogbonna from the GEF CSO Network in Nigeria lamented the influence of science-ignoring cultural and religious practices.
Indigenous Guardianship of the Global Environment: This conversation, guided by Lucy Mulenkei from the Indigenous Information Network, featured Giovanni Reyes from the Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas (ICCA) Consortium in the Philippines, who highlighted the GEF’s assistance in leveraging Indigenous knowledge to define ICCAs. Yolanda Teran from the Indigenous Women Network for Biodiversity stressed the importance of holistic work to elevate Indigenous Peoples' rights. Aliou Mustafa from the Indigenous Peoples and Rural Development Association in Cameroon emphasized the necessity of inclusive collaboration and intergenerational efforts supported by the GEF.
Sharing Experiences and Proposing Change: During the main Partnership session, Susan Waithaka from the GEF moderated as rapporteurs from the three conversations shared the key insights.
The Inclusive GEF Assembly Challenge Program: Chizuru Aoki introduced this novel funding initiative, granting up to USD 100,000 to each of the 23 winners. Representatives from the twelve winning organizations briefly introduced their projects.
Closure of the Partnership Forum: Concluding the inaugural GEF-organized Partnership Forum, CEO Rodríguez emphasized the theme of inclusion, asserting civil society's rightful place in the "main hall" of the GEF Assembly.
In response to CEO Rodríguez's call for a more all-encompassing financial mechanism that adopts a comprehensive societal approach, GEF Council Chair Tom Bui from Canada announced his endorsement of the proposal to integrate civil society, Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth as integral components of the GEF family.
L-R: Rosina Bierbaum, Chair, GEF Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP); Juha Uitto, Director, GEF Independent Evaluation Office (IEO); Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, GEF CEO and Chairperson; Yutaka Matsuzawa, Vice-Chair, Seventh GEF Assembly; and
Opening Ceremony of the Seventh GEF Assembly and Initial Statements
The Assembly commenced on the evening of Wednesday, August 23. Following a captivating drum and vocal performance and welcome remarks from the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil Waututh Nations, Emilie Leclerc introduced the Dignitaries' Party representing the Canadian Government. CEO Rodriguez acknowledged that the world's systemic crisis demands a comprehensive approach and urged the inclusion of non-state actors.
Steven Guilbeault, Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, affirmed Canada's support for the GEF and commended the establishment of the GBFF. He encouraged governments, philanthropies, and other stakeholders to contribute to the GBFF before the next CBD COP in 2024.
Opening Statements took place on Thursday, August 24. Chair Ahmed Hussen stated that the GEF has the opportunity to foster stronger partnerships, endorse locally-driven and inclusive initiatives, and champion ideas backed by evidence and proven effectiveness. CEO Rodríguez called for a fresh systemic approach that incorporates the perspectives of civil society.
Assembly Administrative Matters
These administrative matters were addressed on Thursday, August 24, and Friday, August 25.
Appointment of the Chair and Vice-Chairs: On Thursday, the Assembly appointed Ahmed Hussen from Canada as the Assembly Chair, and confirmed Prakash Sharan Mahat from Nepal as Vice-Chair from recipient countries, and Yutaka Matsuzawa from Japan as Vice-Chair from non-recipient countries.
Approval of the Agenda and Arrangement of Work: On Thursday, the Assembly approved the agenda (GEF/A.7/01/Rev.01; GEF/A.7/02/Rev.02) and the work plan presented by Chair Hussen.
Revisions to the Instrument for the Establishment of a Restructured GEF: On Friday, Vice-Chair Mahat introduced this item (GEF/A.7/08), highlighting that amendments to the Instrument must be endorsed by consensus by the Assembly upon the Council’s recommendation, after considering input from the Implementing Agencies and the Trustee.
Numerous countries welcomed the amendments and GEF-8 commitments. Argentina, FAO, the US, Germany, and Samoa emphasized the significance of an amended Instrument, asserting that it could play a role in the High Seas Treaty's financial mechanism to assist countries in fulfilling their commitments.
Argentina and Italy commended the evolution toward a more accountable, flexible, and transparent Instrument. Botswana underlined the importance of adaptation to changing circumstances for a progressive entity like the GEF.
Italy proposed leveraging public resources to expand private sector participation. India called for enhanced emphasis on renewable energy, disaster risk reduction, and water security. Thailand encouraged the GEF to persist in its use of integrated approaches that yield multiple environmental benefits concurrently.
Ethiopia, noting substantial recent capacity development, asked the GEF to reconsider its System for Transparent Allocation of Resources (STAR) for the country. Regarding governance, Uganda recommended using smaller groups of countries, rather than large blocs (e.g., African Group, LDCs), to more efficiently allocate resources for maximum impact. The GEF CSO Network recommended augmenting visibility through educational components in integrated programs, assigning specific roles and responsibilities for stakeholders in each program to foster accountability, and continuous monitoring for real-time enhancements during program implementation.
Decision: The Seventh GEF Assembly, recalling paragraph 34 of the Instrument for the Establishment of the Restructured GEF, and taking into account the GEF Council's recommendations for proposed amendments to the Instrument in Decisions 37/2022 and 14/2023:
- Approves by consensus the revised text of the Instrument presented in Document GEF/A.7/08;
- Calls upon the GEF CEO/Chairperson to distribute this amended text to the Implementing Agencies and the Trustee, urging their adoption in line with their respective rules and procedural requirements;
- Invites the CEO/Chairperson of the Facility to communicate to all Participants the effectiveness of the amended Instrument upon approval by the Implementing Agencies and the Trustee.
Report on the Eighth Replenishment of the GEF Trust Fund: On Friday, August 25, CEO Rodríguez shared that GEF-8 negotiations (GEF/A.7/04), conducted entirely in a virtual environment due to the pandemic, resulted in a historic sum of USD 5.33 billion. Japan, the US, and Germany highlighted their contributions, reflecting their pride and confidence in the GEF's accomplished record, competitive advantages, and forthcoming work programs. Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Colombia stressed the enduring importance of integrated approaches.
Tanzania, Togo, and the Philippines urged enhanced efficiency, including timely project proposal submissions and reduced project approval delays. Syria expressed hope that the upcoming cycle would no longer exclude the country from GEF activities.
The Assembly duly acknowledged the report.
Report on the GEF Trust Fund: On Friday, Vice-Chair Mahat conveyed to the Assembly that the GEF Trust Fund's Trustee had compiled a report titled "GEF-7 Funding Retrospective" (GEF/A.7/05/Rev.01), documenting the resources allocated to the GEF Trust Fund during GEF-7. The Assembly acknowledged the document.
Report on GEF Participants: On Friday, August 25, Vice-Chair Mahat highlighted that paragraph 14 of the GEF’s Instrument requires the Assembly to periodically review GEF participants. He presented the roster of participants (GEF/A.7/03/Rev.01), underscoring that the GEF presently encompasses 186 participants. The Assembly took note of the report.
Report on Credentials: On Friday, the Assembly acknowledged the report (GEF/A.7/10).
Statement by the GEF Independent Evaluation Office: On Friday, Juha Uitto, Director of GEF IEO, presented the Seventh Overall Performance Study (OPS) or "comprehensive evaluation" (GEF/A.7/06). Commemorating the IEO's 20-year presence, Uitto affirmed that the evaluation furnishes insights into what works, where, how, and why. He commended the GEF bodies for incorporating IEO findings into decision-making, such as the establishment of an innovation fund in response to an OPS7 recommendation. Uitto concluded by assuring continued relevant and timely inputs from the IEO as GEF programming evolves.
The Assembly acknowledged the report.
Statement by the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel: On Friday, Bierbaum reported on emerging signals, trends, and drivers (GEF/A.7/07). She highlighted trends such as 2023 being the warmest year on record, ocean heatwaves impacting marine life and intensifying storms, a 70% reduction in wildlife populations, and ongoing deforestation and pollution. She also noted public pressure for action, the erosion of social cohesion, the emergence of circular economy transformations, the influence of citizen science, and the advent of new biomaterials for plastics and textiles. STAP recommendations covered aspects like reinforced regulatory frameworks, inclusivity, policy coherence, innovation, knowledge management, and collaboration through "whole-of-society" partnerships.
Statement by the Representative of the CSO Network: On Friday, the GEF CSO Network shared the CSO statement, emphasizing the necessity of innovative approaches to tackle the environmental crisis through the utilization of cutting-edge technologies.
Statement by the Youth Representative: On Friday, the Youth representative presented suggestions, notably advocating for youth representation and engagement in GEF processes and endorsing capacity-building endeavors.
Statement by the Women and Gender Caucus: On Friday, the Caucus advocated for gender-responsive GEF programming, reforms ensuring equitable access to funds for women, streamlined funding procurement mechanisms, and amplified women's voices to ensure effective policy implementation.
Statement by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities: On Friday, IPLCs recommended diverse approaches for streamlined access to facilitate flexible engagement of various Indigenous Peoples and communities with funds. They cautioned against traditional preservation methods potentially leading to dispossession or displacement.
Presentation of the Chair’s Summary: On Friday, the Assembly acknowledged the Chair’s Summary (GEF/A.7/Summary).
Summary of High-Level Roundtable Discussions: On Friday, Richard Bontjer, Australia, reported (GEF/A.7/Inf.02/Rev.01) on key themes on transformative governance derived from the 11 Roundtables.
Ratification of the Council Decisions on the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund
The Assembly considered this matter (GEF/A.7/09) on Thursday, August 24. David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the CBD, urged all participants to mobilize resources for GBFF disbursements to developing nations prior to CBD COP 16.
Canada and the UK pledged USD 200 million and GBP 10 million as initial contributions, respectively, and encouraged others to contribute at their earliest convenience.
Decision: The Assembly endorsed Council decision 09/2023 establishing the GBFF. GEF members expressed appreciation for GBFF establishment and conveyed statements accordingly.
Plenaries: Three plenary sessions were convened on Thursday, August 24, and Friday, August 25.
Addressing Global Environmental Degradation through Integrated Solutions: Tackling the topic of global environmental degradation, this Thursday plenary session was led by Rosina Bierbaum, STAP Chair. Serving as the "disruption speaker," Carlos Nobre, University of São Paolo, delved into the flaws of the development model that fails to value standing forests, juxtaposing it with agroforestry services that can yield considerably higher incomes compared to traditional farming or pasture.
Panelists contributed insights on sustainable management practices, potential trade-offs inherent to integration, and novel tools or technologies capable of realizing comprehensive solutions.
Partnerships for Financing a Healthy Planet: Chizuru Aoki, representing GEF, guided the discussions in this Friday plenary. Valerie Hickey from the World Bank assumed the role of the "disruption speaker" and highlighted the perturbation caused by COVID-19, emphasizing the critical nature of financial resources for developmental progress.
In the subsequent panel discourse, Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of UNCCD, emphasized the importance of managing funding partnerships in a manner that is responsive to the needs of the partnership's constituents. Lori Kerr, CEO of FinDev Canada, underscored the existence of a USD 700 billion deficit in nature-related investments and emphasized the role of emerging markets and private capital in addressing the biodiversity crisis.
Regarding the involvement of diverse stakeholders, Achim Steiner, Administrator of UNDP, called for concerted action to redirect taxpayer funds away from fossil fuel subsidies. Maruma Mrema noted the enhanced involvement of civil society and the private sector in the biodiversity regime after learning from past experiences.
Addressing the matter of augmenting funding and private sector participation, Gerd Müller, Director General of UN Industrial Development Organization, pointed out the glaring gap between global military expenditures and development aid. Helen Crowley, Managing Director of Pollination, advocated that companies reconsider risk and return perspectives to uncover opportunities for value creation, increased resilience, and greater impact.
Responsible, Inclusive, and Transformative Governance for a Healthy Planet: Moderated by Peter Seligmann, CEO of Nia Tero, this Friday plenary explored responsible, inclusive, and transformative governance. Seligmann emphasized the pressing need to address the planet's environmental crises with a sense of urgency.
Sonia Guajajara, Minister of Indigenous Peoples from Brazil, highlighted the growing importance of solidarity in international relations. In her "disruption" speech, she emphasized that the costs primarily stem from climate change impacts rather than efforts to mitigate them. Referencing the GBFF, she called for comprehensive shared governance mechanisms involving recipient countries.
Responding to Seligmann's query on governance transformation, panelists offered insights and examples concerning community engagement and elevating community voices in critical discussions. Ray Kiliho, representing Jane Goodall's Roots and Shoots, highlighted youth's multifaceted roles, including government accountability, grassroots monitoring, and technological curation. He suggested that GEF establish systematic youth representation through a dedicated advisory group. Ruth Spencer, Local Community Representative from Antigua and Barbuda, emphasized trust-building through active community engagement and participation in project inception.
Grethel Aguilar, Acting Director General of IUCN, predicted accelerated progress when resources are directly allocated to communities. Barbara Creecy, Minister of Forestry and Fisheries and Environmental Affairs from South Africa, called for addressing the power imbalance within international bodies, recognizing that the wealth of the Global North was often derived from the resources of the Global South. Naoko Ishii, University of Tokyo and former GEF CEO and Chairperson, advocated for reshaping the global economic and financial system to align with values that appreciate natural and human capital, ensuring compensation for safeguarding the global commons.
When asked about changes they wished to see in the GEF to effectively address planetary crises, Kiliho called for a concrete GEF plan for youth engagement and youth access to GEF financial resources. Ishii highlighted the need for an inclusive governing mechanism within the GEF. Aguilar advocated for greater access to funds for CSOs and increased funding for the GBFF. Guajajara underscored the importance of GEF support for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).
Closing of the Assembly
The conclusion of the Assembly took place on Friday. In his closing remarks, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau drew attention to recent wildfires in Canada and other extreme events worldwide, attributing them to climate change and the loss of natural environments. He firmly rejected the notion of having to choose between enhancing our quality of life and preserving nature, emphasizing that both objectives are intertwined and mutually reinforcing. Trudeau highlighted Canada's commitment, announced at CBD COP 15, to undertake four major projects led by Indigenous communities aimed at safeguarding nearly one million square kilometers of land and water. These initiatives will simultaneously foster a conservation-based economy, where land stewardship becomes a viable career option. He called upon the global community to follow suit in their respective regions. Trudeau celebrated the establishment of the GBFF and acknowledged Canada's initial contribution of USD 200 million. In closing, he urged collective action, emphasizing the importance of working together, as exemplified by the Seventh GEF Assembly.
CEO Rodríguez expressed his hope that participants would depart with three fundamental concepts in mind: integration, inclusivity, and impact. He underscored the pivotal role of civil society in environmental protection and emphasized that inclusivity is the key to achieving greater environmental impact.
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26 w
Awesome blog. I have read and thought about what you said. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work! https://dinosaurgames.io
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35 w
Thank you for sharing. I am honoured to share my latest Ambassador PEPA L'Humanitaire at UNECOSOC with special consultation's "State of Women and Sustainability" statement and my research "work in progress" paper via Professor Anietbiet. It is important that we as Women in Global Leadership for Sustainability work together to protect the Biodiversity and its Indigenous link to cultural heritage for all lives on the Anthropocene! Yes, I second my venerable Colleagues and esteemed Excellencies motions in so far as there must tailored made solutions to protect the Sustainable cultural development of the GlobalSouth and so far the economic management models of the GlobalNorth had been negligent in permitting Fossil Fuels agenda to bully, abuse and corrupt the Social, Economic and Cultural guardianships of my Indigenous Stakeholders and their legal bids to protect the Biodiversity of their natural resources through legal interventions like Millieudefensie v. Shell (2022).
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35 w
Me parece muy interesante los resultados de este evento, me gustaría participar como integrante de estos grupos, cómo puedo formar parte?
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35 w
Thanks for sharing all these insights! It's pretty remarkable that they reached these results and that much money has been pledged by Canada and UK, though it seems like a drop in the big oceans of fossil fuels investments