Co-hosted by Women4Biodiversity and UNEP (TBC), IIFB (TBC), ICCA Consortium (TBC)

CONTEXT 

Adopting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) in 2025 during COP15 marked a pivotal step toward addressing biodiversity loss through inclusive, rights-based, and gender-responsive approaches. Central to this framework is the recognition of the critical contributions of Indigenous Peoples and local communities to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. 

Following COP 16, the Programme of Work on Article 8(j) and other provisions related to indigenous peoples and local communities to 2030 (Decision 16/4) was adopted. This landmark programme reflects a commitment to place indigenous peoples' and local communities' rights, knowledge, and governance systems at the core of biodiversity policy and achieve effective implementation at all levels. The Programme of Work emphasises the need for holistic, equitable, and gender-responsive approaches, recognising that women, girls, and youth are vital actors in biodiversity conservation actions. It also explicitly acknowledges indigenous peoples' and local communities' spiritual and cultural values, their rights to traditional lands and knowledge, and the importance of co-produced, intergenerational systems for biodiversity governance.

Under Element 1: Conservation and Restoration, Task 1.1 of the Programme of Work mandates the development of voluntary guidelines, with the full and effective participation of indigenous peoples and local communities, to strengthen the legal and policy frameworks for the implementation of KMGBF Targets 2 and 3, particularly in relation to indigenous and traditional territories. Target 2 focuses on ensuring that at least 30% of degraded terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine ecosystems are under effective restoration by 2030, these restoration initiatives must be implemented considering a gender-responsive approach to ecosystem restoration, planning and implementation to catalyse positive change in social inclusion, food security, local governance and women’s economic empowerment. Actively involving women in restoration initiatives ensures benefits from diverse perspectives and traditional ecological knowledge that can enhance the resilience and sustainability of restoration efforts. 

Their exclusion undermines the effectiveness, equity, and sustainability of biodiversity outcomes. The development of the Task 1.1 guidelines presents a crucial opportunity to embed gender-responsive elements that address their rights, roles, and knowledge systems; aligning it implementation with Targets 22, 23 and the Gender Plan of Action to achieve gender equality and participatory governance.

In this context, the side event will provide a space for dialogue and technical exchange on how to integrate gender into the Task 1.1 guidelines and ensure that the implementation of Targets 2 and 3 is both gender—and rights-based.

OBJECTIVE OF THE SIDE EVENT

• Highlight the importance of including gender in developing the guidelines under Task 1.1 for implementing Targets 2 and 3.

• Explore challenges and opportunities for integrating gender and rights-based approaches into the governance under Target 3 and actions under Target 2.

• Share best practices and case studies showcasing women's leadership and traditional knowledge in biodiversity restoration and territorial governance.

INTENDED AUDIENCE

The target audience is Parties to the CBD via their designated Gender-Biodiversity Focal Points and National Focal Points; Indigenous People, local communities, women leaders, organisations and technical experts supporting gender equality, restoration, and territorial governance.