Second regional dialogue on biodiversity mainstreaming across agricultural sectors in Europe and Central Asia

10.00 – 12.00 CEST

The interlinked climate change and biodiversity-related crises top the charts of short-term and long-term risks the world will face over the next decade. The restoration, conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity are critical to addressing global environmental challenges, building our resilience to multiple shocks and stresses and enhancing the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.

Against this backdrop, and building on the First Regional Dialogue held in 2021, the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia is organizing a Second Regional Dialogue on Biodiversity Mainstreaming across Agricultural Sectors in Europe and Central Asia on 22–23 May 2023, within the framework of the United Nations International Day for Biological Diversity.

It was requested by the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) this past year (COP15) that countries revise and update their national biodiversity strategies and action plans in alignment with the Global Biodiversity Framework goals and targets by the next meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP16).

The aim of this event is to strengthen countries’ commitments to biodiversity for food and agriculture action through updated national biodiversity strategies and action plans as priority instruments to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and build the resilience of agrifood systems.

EXPECTED RESULTS

• Awareness is strengthened on Global Biodiversity Framework targets and national commitments with the resilience benefits of biodiversity for agrifood systems.
• Knowledge and best practices are shared on tools for raising the profile and integration of biodiversity for food and agriculture in updated national biodiversity strategies and action plans.
• The Regional Action Plan on Mainstreaming Biodiversity across Agricultural Sectors in the Europe and Central Asia region for 2022–2023 is reviewed and priorities for future actions (2024–2025) are defined.

TARGET AUDIENCE

• National policymakers, Convention on Biological Diversity focal points, technical staff from relevant ministries
• Farmers, researchers, civil society and private sector representatives and technical experts, including representatives of youth, women and Indigenous Peoples
• FAO technical staff in regional, subregional and country offices

STRUCTURE

The event will be divided into two days. The first day will focus on exploring the benefits of catalysing biodiversity action at the country level. The second day will provide guidance on mainstreaming biodiversity for food and agriculture in national policy instruments and conclude with consultations to define the priorities for regional support in the next biennium.

LANGUAGE

The event will be held in English and Russian. Simultaneous interpretation will be available.

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