Cali, Colombia – The Biodiversity Law & Governance Day 2024, held on October 26 during COP16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Cali, convened over 2,000 participants from 132 countries, showcasing global collaboration to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). In a landmark gathering of legal, policy, academic, and civil society leaders, the event addressed pressing biodiversity challenges through a series of expert panels, roundtables, and workshops, culminating in the prestigious Global Biodiversity Law & Governance Leadership Awards ceremony.

This year’s award recipients were celebrated for their exceptional contributions to biodiversity law, governance, and conservation worldwide:

• Sir Partha Dasgupta, Frank Ramsey Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of Cambridge, was honoured for his influential work on the economic value of biodiversity, transforming global perspectives on nature’s critical role in economic systems and policymaking.
• Hon. Ivonne Higuero, Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), was recognized for her leadership in integrating biodiversity conservation within international trade, safeguarding endangered species, and advancing biodiversity-friendly policies globally.
• Judge Prudence Tangham Galega, Former Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment, Cameroon, and Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), received the award for her contributions to environmental governance in Africa and her advocacy for science-based biodiversity policies.

These awards celebrate individuals whose work exemplifies commitment to biodiversity protection, sustainability, and equity, serving as inspiring models within environmental governance and policy.

Event Highlights and Themes

The event brought together high-profile speakers, including Prof. Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger (University of Cambridge), Prof. Patricia Kameri-Mbote (UNEP Law Division), and Prof. Jorge Cabrera (University of Costa Rica), who led discussions on advancing legal and policy frameworks essential to the GBF’s success. Key themes explored included:

• Nature-Based Solutions and Sustainable Resource Use: Panels highlighted the role of nature-based solutions in addressing biodiversity loss and climate change, emphasizing integrated approaches to sustain both natural resources and community livelihoods.
• Indigenous Knowledge and Environmental Democracy: Workshops explored partnerships with Indigenous communities, acknowledging their pivotal role in biodiversity stewardship and environmental governance.
• Biodiversity in Armed Conflicts and Ecocide Law: Roundtables discussed the intersections of biodiversity law with international humanitarian law, focusing on the protection of biodiversity in conflict zones and the emerging recognition of Ecocide Law as a tool for climate and biodiversity justice.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, Prof. Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, co-chair of the BLGD-2024, noted, “Through this gathering, we witness the power of law and governance as essential pillars in achieving global biodiversity targets. It is our shared responsibility to equip communities and policymakers with the legal tools to drive sustainable change.”

Prof. Jorge Cabrera, co-chair of the BLGD-2024, added, “Biodiversity Law & Governance Day is more than just an event – it is a call to action. Together, we are building a collaborative foundation to secure the world’s biodiversity for future generations.”

Building a Community of Practice

The Biodiversity Law & Governance Day also aimed to foster a robust global community of practice among academics, government officials, civil society leaders, and young advocates. Initiatives like the Democratising Education for Global Sustainability & Justice Programme will further this objective by expanding access to online courses on sustainable development law, creating pathways for knowledge sharing and capacity-building among future biodiversity law and policy leaders.

Looking Ahead

The event underscored that only through collaborative action, grounded in the latest scientific knowledge and inclusive governance approaches, can the GBF’s ambitious targets be achieved. Looking ahead to COP 17, the Global Biodiversity Law Initiative will continue its work with partners to foster multisectoral dialogue on how legal frameworks can effectively advance biodiversity conservation. The Biodiversity Law & Governance Day has established a vital platform for this ongoing collaboration.