Mechanisms for Implementation

Navigating the Convention on Biological Diversity: what local and subnational governments need to know

ICLEI, supported by the Secretariat, has organized and launched a webinar series focusing on the important role local and subnational governments play in CBD processes.

While these webinars are primarily organized and led by ICLEI, they are also a part of the broader Communities of Practice Webinar Series, created by the CBD Secretariat to support the implementation of Target 14.

The first session of this webinar series will introduce participants to the structure and processes of the Convention on Biological Diversity, including its Conference of the Parties, subsidiary bodies, and its relationship with other multilateral environmental agreements and the Rio Conventions. It will also explain how the local and subnational governments constituency engages in negotiations, highlighting the historical role of ICLEI; how negotiations work in practice; and how city and regional representatives can participate strategically. Webinar participants will gain practical guidance on engaging effectively in CBD processes and understand what cities and regions can expect from attending COPs.

The first webinar session will feature the following speakers:

• Bianca Lisboa Brasil, Programme Manager: Mainstreaming, CBD Secretariat
• Frédérique Pellerin Catellier, Senior Advisor, Biodiversity and Natural Resources Ministry of International Relations and Francophonie, Government of Québec
• Ingrid Coetzee, Director of Biodiversity, Nature, and Health, ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center
• Kobie Brand, Deputy Secretary General, ICLEI and Director, ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center

This session will be held on May 6 2026, at 13:00 UTC.

For registration, please access this link.

The second session in the series will explore how the Convention on Biological Diversity translates global ambition into implementation through the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). It will highlight key CBD decisions relevant to local and subnational governments, such as Decision 15/12 and its Decade Plan of Action. The session will also introduce current initiatives focusing on local and subnational biodiversity action to be presented at COP17 and explain how CitiesWithNature and RegionsWithNature contribute to monitoring progress and contribute toward the global review of collective progress in the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

This session will be held on July 8 2026, at 13:00 UTC.

For registration, please access this link.

Please note that the list of speakers will be published on this webpage once available.

This final session will focus on the critical role of cities and regions in the global biodiversity agenda, specifically how their collective voice and ambition are presented during CBD COPs. Central to this engagement is the Summit for Subnational Governments and Cities, an official parallel event and a proud tradition that has championed local action for 17 years. Beyond reflecting on this legacy, the session will provide essential practical information regarding the 9th Summit, offering participants a roadmap for participation. Finally, the session will facilitate a strategic discussion aimed at shaping a common position for local and subnational governments, ensuring a unified and powerful message is carried forward to COP17.

This session will be held on September 9 2026, at 13:00 UTC.

For registration, please access this link.

Please note that the list of speakers will be published on this webpage once available.