This side event will explore the intersection of human rights and the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). A specific focus will be placed on the Core Human Rights Principles for Private Conservation Organizations and Funders  and their role in ensuring equity and justice in biodiversity conservation. The event will also introduce the Locally Led Action principles, a set of principles agreed at a UK government-sponsored conference in September 2024, and grounding the work it will share the outcome of the Gender and Data Conference - Advancing Gender Equality through Strategic Data Insights.

Together, these principles are intended to complement planning, policy, and decision-making initiatives through a rights-based approach to delivering the KM-GBF and help us promote conservation efforts that serve both people and the environment.

Objectives:

1. To introduce and discuss the UNEP Core Human Rights Principles for Private Conservation Organizations and Funders  and their practical implications.
2. To present the new principles for locally-led, gender-responsive biodiversity actions agreed at a UK government-sponsored conference at Wilton Park in September 2024.
3. To present the key recommendations from the Gender and Environment Data Conference - Advancing Gender Equality Through Strategic Data Insights”
4. To foster collaboration among stakeholders, promoting dialogue on advancing human rights-based conservation and identifying strategies for the whole, effective and meaningful implementation of the KM-GBF

Structure: Keynote address, case presentations, panel discussions, and interactive audience engagement.

Event Structure:

1. Welcome and Keynote Address (10 minutes):
Objective: Set the tone for the session by highlighting the intersection of human rights and biodiversity conservation

Welcome remarks from the moderator. (Mrinalini Rai, Women4Biodiversity)

2. Section 1: Introduce Wilton Park principles for locally-led, gender-responsive biodiversity actions (10 minutes):
Objective: Present the set of principles agreed upon at a UK government-sponsored conference in September 2024

• Presentation by Dilys Roe (Leads IIED’s work on biodiversity-poverty and social just conservation) introducing the Wilton Park Principles - TBC
• Discussion of the principles’ relevance to IP&LCs and women and the broader conservation community. A brief response from a women representative (Rodah, PACEP, Kenya).

3. Section 2: Introduction of the Core Human Rights Principles for Private Conservation Organizations and Funders  (10 minutes):
Objective: Present the UNEP’s Core Human Rights Principles and explore how they can contribute to equitable and effective conservation.

• Presentation by John Knox (the first United Nations special rapporteur on human rights and the environment) introducing the Core Human Rights Principles for Private Conservation Organizations and Funders.
• Discussion of the principles’ relevance to IP&LCs and women and the broader conservation community, including a brief response from an IPLC representative. (Eh Htee Wah, ICCA- Rep)

4. Section 3: Introduce the key recommendations from the Gender and Environment Data Conference - Advancing Gender Equality Through Strategic Data Insights” (10 min)

‘Objective: Present a working paper on “Advancing Human Rights-based Approaches to Target 3 Implementation.”

• Presentation by Alejandra Duarte (Research & Policy Associate, Women4Biodiversity)
• Discussion of the principles’ relevance to IP&LCs and women and the broader conservation community. A brief response from a women representative or policy expert (Ciara Daniels, Gender and Environment Speciality, UNDP)

5. Open Discussion & Panel Q&A (10 minutes):
Objective: Facilitate an interactive discussion on how to integrate human rights principles

• Panel discussion with experts from IP&LCs, human rights organizations, conservation practitioners, and policymakers.
• Moderated Q&A from the audience (both in-person and virtual participants).

7. Closing Remarks and Next Steps (5 minutes):
Objective: Summarize key points and outline follow-up actions.

• Closing Remarks by Venge Nyringo ( International Specialists (Climate Change, Sustainable Development and the Rio Conventions) at UN Women)
• Speaker to briefly summarize the discussion.
• Next steps: Identification of potential follow-up actions and opportunities for collaboration.

Contact : mrinalini.rai@women4biodiversity.org

Communications: sumina.subba@women4biodiversity.org