• Partnering • Progress • Peace •
1500+ delegates in attendance
250+ governors, mayors & subnational leaders
80+ countries represented
The 8th Summit for Subnational Governments & Cities: Taking Action for Biodiversity brought together Governors, Mayors, and other subnational leaders from across the globe to collaborate with national officials and key stakeholders during the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16).
The 8th Summit took place on 26 October 2024 in the main plenary negotiation hall, and was widely applauded as a true demonstration of a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. The discussions centered around local and regional biodiversity initiatives, aimed at supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the Plan of Action outlined in Decision 15/12.
Additionally, Plaza Quebec at COP16, funded by the Government of Quebec, provided a vibrant space for all of the Major Groups, including subnational and local authorities, to hold dynamic sessions and discussions for the full two weeks of the COP.
As Mayor of Cali, it’s an honor to be host of this historic moment, at a crucial point in time, in which nature is asking us to take important measures. It’s not a choice, but an imperative need, and not one that falls to a single country or government. Our planet is demanding we do more – and cities are at the center of this discussion. Cities are, and will be, the epicenter of change: We have the creativity, talent and will to protect our planet, starting right here in cities.
~ Alejandro Eder, Mayor of Cali, Colombia
8TH SUMMIT THEMES
PARTNERING
Bridging the Biodiversity Finance Gap: Partnering for Nature
This session focused on addressing the critical financial shortfall for biodiversity initiatives by fostering collaboration between subnational governments, cities, private sector actors, and Multilateral Development Banks. Discussions revolved around innovative financial mechanisms and partnerships that can mobilize resources and increased investment to support biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts at various levels.
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PROGRESS
Whole-of-government solutions: Showcasing implementation progress made in urban and territorial action for biodiversity
Participants reflected on the strides made toward implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the Plan of Action on Subnational Governments, Cities and other local authorities (2023–2030) under Decision 15/12. The session highlighted urban and territorial actions taken to advance biodiversity conservation and shared updates on how various biodiversity-related conventions and agendas are being carried out across different regions.
In order to achieve progress in the implementation of the Biodiversity Accord, we need to promote a new paradigm in multilateral negotiations. Non-state actors and subnational governments are part of the solution and should receive direct funding.
~ Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO and Chairperson of the Global Environment Facility
PEACE
Living in harmony & making peace with nature: Sharing innovative practices
This session showcased innovative practices and successful examples from local and subnational governments, emphasizing how different stakeholders are fostering sustainable development and peaceful coexistence with nature. Presentations demonstrated how these approaches are contributing to biodiversity conservation while promoting harmony between communities and ecosystems.
The future of our planet is dependent on local actors. We must recognize the value of nature. We must make peace with nature.
~ Alfredo Coro, Mayor of Del Carmen Philippines and Political Lead of ICLEI’s Biodiversity Portfolio