The success of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) depends on countries turning ambitious NBSAP targets into action that is adequately financed, locally grounded and supported by strong governance and accountability mechanisms. However, key implementation barriers including limited mandates, insufficient budgets, weak data, fragmented coordination, and exclusionary decision-making continue to constrain progress. Addressing these challenges requires stronger cross-sector collaboration that empowers women, Indigenous Peoples, local communities and other stakeholders to fully participate in decision-making or contribute their knowledge and leadership to biodiversity action. 

Building on Targets 22 and 23, the side event will demonstrate that inclusive, rights-based and gender-responsive approaches are not an add-on, but a strategic enabler to more effective, equitable and sustainable biodiversity outcomes. Drawing on concrete country examples, the session will distil lessons from countries supported by different projects and partners, including the NBSAP Accelerator Partnerships project on “Accelerating Systemic Change for Gender Equality and Biodiversity Conservation through NBSAPs“, the GIZ Global Project on GBF Implementation, the GEF Umbrella Programme to Support NBSAP Update and the 7th National Reports, BIOFIN and others. 

Through country exchange, engagement and collective reflection, the session will invite participants to consider what action is needed to update NBSAPs and begin implementation. By connecting project-based learning with the broader “Global Report on Collective Progress in the Implementation of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework”, this side event will contribute to discussions at COP17 on how to accelerate GBF implementation and position gender equality as a driver of effective, inclusive, and sustainable biodiversity action. 

Participants will leave this session with a deeper understanding of how countries are integrating gender into NBSAPs and institutional frameworks, how women’s priorities are informing biodiversity targets, actions and indicators and how gender-responsive approaches are being translated into biodiversity policy and practice.