The implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) depends on integrated approaches that address the interconnected challenges of biodiversity loss, pollution and human health. It presents opportunities to mainstream pollution and toxic substances, including mercury, into biodiversity planning and targets (e.g., Targets 3, 7, 9 and 10 on harmful substances, sustainable use, and restoration). Effective implementation requires cross-convention coordination to ensure policy coherence, and technical synergies.  Decision MC-6/16 presents opportunities to address health concerns of women and children in implementing the Minamata Convention on mercury.  

CBD Decision 14/4 and Decision 16/19 of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) requested the Executive Secretary, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), to develop integrated science-based indicators, metrics, and progress measurement tools on biodiversity and health. Following this mandate, a composite indicator on the mainstreaming of biodiversity and health interlinkages is in progress of being developed, structured around a 156-question progress measurement tool, and methodologically modeled on indicator 23.CT.2 of the Gender Plan of Action.

Agenda Item 13 of CBD COP17 emphasizes strengthened cooperation between the CBD and other MEAs and international bodies. The Minamata Convention on Mercury contains decisions (MC-5/17 and MC-6/20) and a Roadmap for enhancing co-benefits from implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by 2030 that identify linkages between mercury pollution, biodiversity loss, and human health — especially through artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). The roadmap in the publication was presented to the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties in 2025 (UNEP/MC/COP.6/20). COP-6, in decision 6-18, welcomed the roadmap and encouraged Parties and other relevant stakeholders, as appropriate, to carry out the actions suggested in it.

This side event will bring together policymakers, technical experts, Indigenous Peoples, women's organizations and civil society. By combining practical experiences on mercury reduction, biodiversity conservation and health monitoring, the discussion will identify concrete pathways for incorporating gender-responsive, human rights-based and One Health approaches into national implementation and reporting. 

OBJECTIVE

1. Increased awareness among CBD Parties and stakeholders of the Minamata–GBF linkages and the need for integrated implementation, and sharing examples and lessons on addressing ASGM that advance both mercury reduction and biodiversity targets, with gender-responsive approaches.
2. To highlight the importance of disaggregated data, gender statistics, and gender-specific indicators in biodiversity and health monitoring frameworks to accurately measure progress in the mainstreaming of biodiversity–health interlinkages, and to explore how a gender-responsive and human rights-based approach can strengthen the biodiversity and health progress measurement tool. 
3. Mobilize commitments from Parties, MEAs, donors, and civil society to integrate pollution and human health considerations into national GBF implementation plans

INTENDED AUDIENCE

CBD Parties and national CBD focal points, Minamata Convention Parties and focal points, representatives of other MEAs, UN environment and development agencies, donors, women’s organizations, ASGM community representatives, Indigenous and local community delegations, researchers, NGOs.

FORMAT

• 1.5 hour run time
• Live moderated discussion (cameras on) with pre-drafted questions with/for speakers in advance, and live (vetted) Q+A with the audience
• Presentation slides will be used only to welcome and close the webinar (e.g., virtual housekeeping; objectives of webinar series/session) 
• Live translation (English/Spanish/French) will be available

 

PROPOSED AGENDA

 

Time	Activity	Detail
11:30-11:35	Welcome and context setting	Women4Biodiversity/ Vital Voices
11:35 - 11:55	Topic 1: Overview of the composite indicator methodology Topic 2: Experiences and lessons learned on the collection and use of disaggregated biodiversity and health data Topic 3: Human-rights, equity and knowledge systems approaches to biodiversity and health strengthening and  monitoring. Topic 4: Opportunities and practical recommendations for integrating gender considerations	Topic 1: SCBD   Topic 2: UN Women   Topic 3: WHO & GYBN   Topic 4: CARPIN
11:55 - 12:15	Presentation of study findings Presentation on mercury-biodiversity linkages Case study 1 Case study 2	Minamata Secretariat representative   Scientific expert on mercury–biodiversity linkages   Government/national focal point with integrated GBF-Minamata action (case study)   Representative from women’s ASGM network or community leader (gender case study)
12:15-12:35	Vital Voices: Discussion themes: Biodiversity conservation as a foundation for human health and well-being. Women's leadership in biodiversity governance, conservation, and nature-based solutions. Inclusive partnerships and men’s allyship approaches that strengthen women's participation and decision-making. Integrating gender equality, health considerations, and social inclusion into GBF implementation and NBSAPs.	Panelists: Vital Voices Network women Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment Armenia Corps MenEngage Global Network
12:35-12:55	Q&A	Participants
5 mins	Closing	Women4Biodiversity