The critical role of women environmental human rights defenders, especially those from Indigenous peoples and local communities, in protecting biodiversity and the environment cannot be overemphasised. Decision 15/10 of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity recognises the need to protect and support these defenders, who often face significant risks and challenges in their efforts. The recently adopted Gender Action Plan (2023-2030) emphasises the importance of eliminating gender-based discrimination and violence, with a special focus on women environmental human rights defenders and park rangers. Against this background, this event aims to highlight the vital contributions of these defenders and to explore concrete actions and strategies for their protection and discuss policy recommendations for their recognition and empowerment in the context of the evolving Article 8(j) work programme.

Decision 15/10 highlights the need to address the intersecting ways in which gender inequalities are compounded for women and girls, with a focus on those from Indigenous peoples and local communities. Despite their integral role in biodiversity conservation, women and girls from Indigenous peoples and local communities often face discrimination and marginalisation in decision-making, access to resources and recognition of their traditional knowledge. The Gender Action Plan specifically highlights the importance of empowering these women and supporting their meaningful engagement. This event seeks to align with the COP decision and the Gender Plan of Action by providing a dedicated platform to discuss how to ensure the effective protection and recognition of women environmental human rights defenders.

Among the goals of the Gender Action Plan is a clear commitment to identify and eliminate gender-based discrimination and violence in relation to control, ownership and access to sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity. This includes the recognition and protection of women environmental human rights defenders. The event will focus on this specific goal and explore policy recommendations, best practices and international cooperation mechanisms to protect these defenders. This event  will provide a platform for women, experts, allies and stakeholders to share experiences and strategies to ensure that women environmental human rights defenders, especially women from Indigenous peoples and local communities, can continue their important work without fear of discrimination or violence.

Objectives:

1. To highlight the central role of women environmental human rights defenders, especially those from Indigenous peoples and local communities, in biodiversity conservation.

2. To explore concrete actions, best practices and mechanisms for the protection and recognition of women environmental human rights defenders, with a particular focus on those facing gender-based discrimination and violence.

3. To discuss and formulate policy recommendations and strategies that can integrate the New Programme of Work of the Article 8j Working Group and the CBD Gender Action Plan to strengthen the protection and empowerment of women environmental human rights defenders.

Target Audience:

The roundtable welcomes the active participation of a diverse audience, including rights-holders, experts, policy-makers, practitioners and advocates interested in the intersection of gender justice and biodiversity conservation.

 

Format:

- Panel discussion followed by a Q&A session

- Interpretation (English/Spanish/French) will be provided

- Live graphical coverage (tbc)

- Live webcast (tbc)

- Catering (tbc)

 

Key topics to be covered:

This event aims to provide a platform for experts, activists and stakeholders to discuss and formulate actionable recommendations for the protection and recognition of women environmental human rights defenders, with a particular focus on women from Indigenous peoples and local communities. It is in line with the COP decision and the objectives of the Gender Action Plan and strengthens the commitment to gender equality and human rights in the context of biodiversity conservation.

 

1. How can the international community better recognise and protect the critical work of women environmental human rights defenders, particularly those from Indigenous peoples and local communities?

2. What are the specific challenges and risks faced by these defenders, and what strategies can be implemented to mitigate these risks and support their efforts?

3. How can the Gender Action Plan be effectively implemented to ensure the elimination of gender-based discrimination and violence against women environmental human rights defenders?