The 12th annual meeting of the Global Partnership for Business and Biodiversity (GPBB) took place in Cali, Colombia, during COP-16. Representatives from GPBB member organizations convened to discuss progress and explore collaborative strategies for further integrating the private sector into biodiversity conservation under the Global Biodiversity Framework.
The meeting opened with a leadership transition, as the outgoing Chair of the GPBB Executive Committee reviewed achievements under her tenure. The incoming Chair for the next biennium highlighted her desire that the GPBB focus on showing the value of increased positive impacts, as opposed to simply reducing negative ones.
Sequently featured updates on the Positive Incentives Collaborative Project (PICP), which has compiled 27 case studies from 14 countries. Participants also reviewed progress at COP-16, particularly regarding mainstreaming biodiversity into economic sectors. The adoption of Decision 16/13 underscored the importance of collaboration between the private sector, governments, and other stakeholders.
Participants discussed the role of the private sector in developing and implementing National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). Case studies from Brazil and Japan illustrated effective approaches, including inclusive consultation processes and structured recommendations for stakeholder engagement. Members heard outstanding examples of regulations to support biodiversity, exemplified by the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, which mandates sustainability reporting for large companies.
The meeting concluded with proposals for a GPBB report compiling examples of business engagement in revising, creating, and implementing NBSAPs on business engagement and a call for continued collaboration among members.
Agenda of the Meeting
Presentation
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