Confirmed:

• CIRAD – Centre de coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, France (contact organization)
• IUCN International and ESARO
• Conservation International
• Gabon government - Wildlife and Protected Areas Division
• NGO A Tree for You, in partnership with Impulso Verde

Proposal currently under discussion with additional potential co-hosts:

• UNEP
• Kenya Wildlife Conservancy Association (KWCA)
• Agence Française de Développement (AFD)
• CGIAR Landscape Alliance (CIFOR-ICRAF)

 

Description of the side-event: objectives and issues to be addressed

 

In the Global South, expanding agricultural land to meet the food needs of growing populations while simultaneously creating additional areas exclusively for nature conservation, as advocated by land-sparing approaches, is becoming increasingly difficult due to growing pressures on land and natural resources. In addition, the current context of interconnected environmental, social, economic and political crises, places growing pressure on Indigenous People and Local Communities (IPLCs)’ livelihoods and requires them to navigate in increasingly complex and uncertain conditions.

In this context, local responses to the global environmental crisis should promote the coexistence of people and nature across shared landscapes. By supporting biodiversity, livelihoods, and cultural values, such approaches can help deliver effective and equitable nature-based solutions (NBS), advance Targets 3, 5, and 10 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This vision is reflected in the theoretical frameworks of ‘shared earth’ and ‘social-ecological system health’ or “healthy territories”.

Achieving this vision in bioculturally rich landscapes requires integrated territorial approaches that support the well-being of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), promote biodiversity-friendly agriculture and natural resource use and maintain ecological functions. Approaches such as other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs), agroecology or innovative incentives for nature-based practices can contribute to the implementation of Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, while also supporting broader objectives, including the sustainable use of wild species for the benefit of people (Targets 5 and 9), biodiversity-friendly and sustainable agricultural production systems (Targets 10 and 11), and the recognition and strengthening of biodiversity stewardship by IPLCs (Target 22). Multi-stakeholder platforms, such as living labs, can support the co-design of interventions and the integration of traditional and scientific knowledge systems.

Recognizing the inseparable relationship between people and nature, and the importance of fostering their coexistence within territories, this side event will explore land-sharing approaches as pathways to support ecological functionality, cultural values and sustainable livelihoods in bio-culturally diverse territories.

 

This side-event will:

 

• Explore how approaches supporting sustainable use, production, biodiversity conservation and ecological functions can be integrated within the same territory, with a particular focus on agro-sylvo-pastoral practices adapted to different ecosystems that can simultaneously contribute to the well-being of human populations and to biodiversity conservation. Showcase “shared territories” outside protected areas, from agricultural and forestry landscapes, rangelands, fishing and hunting areas, to illustrate how well-functioning social-ecological systems can support livelihoods while maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Discuss which monitoring and evaluation frameworks can capture synergies and trade-offs among human and non-human actors and identify the contexts in which interventions are most effective? Three to four case studies among the following will be presented and discussed.

 

• Case study 1: Kenyan conservancy in semi-arid savanna (KWCA, tbc)
• Case study 1 bis: Zimbabwean Community Conservancy in semi-arid savanna (SWM, tbc)
• Case study 2: Gabon wildlife management in humid forests (Gabon - Wildlife and Protected Areas Division, tbc)
• Case study 3: Agro-sylvopastoral model in the Colombian Andes (A tree for you and Impulso Verde) (tbc)
• Case study 4: Landscape management of forest fallow lands in Peruvian Amazonia - FABRIKS (Landscape Alliance, tbc)

 

• Explore the role of different knowledge systems, especially traditional and local knowledge as well as the knowledge held by different social groups (e.g., across genders and generations) in shaping and sustaining these practices. Another important dimension is the integration of local and scientific knowledge systems to support adaptive governance and strengthen resilience in the face of global changes.

• Examine the conditions that enable governance systems to be both effective and equitable. A key challenge lies not only in recognizing territories that already deliver positive biodiversity outcomes, but also in strengthening governance systems so they can deliver, sustain and enhance these multiple benefits over time.

• Particular attention will be given to governance systems rooted in environmental justice, ensuring that local cultures and knowledge are recognized and can continue to inform management and decision-making over time.

• Examine factors that can enhance the contribution of OECMs to the achievement of Target 3 of the KMGBF, along two reciprocal questions: 1. How do the characteristics of these agro-sylvo-pastoral practices align with the characteristics/criteria for OECMs? And 2. How would OECM recognition support and strengthen these agro-sylvo-pastoral practices?  Particular attention will be given to the extent to which existing criteria and processes align with the priorities and expectations of IPLCs, and to how greater recognition of their governance systems, management practices and rights could strengthen engagement with OECMs and support their broader uptake.

• Assess financing mechanisms for sustainable practices: Achieving a balanced relationship between people and biodiversity across territories requires benefits that reward environmental stewardship, including financial mechanisms linked to ecosystem services and other benefits. Particular attention will be given to the economic viability of these systems and to mechanisms that sustain conservation efforts over the long term by rewarding both outcomes and good practices.

 

 

1 - Opening remarks

• Welcome by the organizers and introduction to the objectives of the side event.

2 - Setting the scene: the rationale and added value of land-sharing approaches

• Framing the discussion in the context of the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and broader biodiversity, climate and sustainable development agendas.
• Why these approaches matter for reconciling biodiversity conservation, sustainable production, ecosystem functions and human well-being.

3 - Panel 1 : From principles to practice: experiences from the field

• Short case studies showcasing ongoing initiatives from different countries, regions and ecosystem types.
• Perspectives from governments, IPLCs, civil society and other stakeholders on “shared landscape”/ ”multifonctinal landscapes” / ”regenerative landscapes” / and other territorial approaches.
• Interactive discussion highlighting enabling factors, lessons learned and replicable practices.

4 - Panel 2 : Scaling up integrated territorial approaches: policy and implementation challenges

• Roundtable discussion on the remaining barriers and opportunities for scaling up land-sharing approaches.
• Topics may include policy coherence and cross-sectoral coordination; governance across local, national and global levels, with a particular focus on contributions to the implementation of the KMGBF and other international commitments; financing mechanisms; partnerships; knowledge sharing; and more.
• Exchange with participants on priorities for future action.

5 - Concluding remarks

• Summary of the main takeaways and key messages.
• Reflections on opportunities for collaboration and next steps to strengthen integrated territorial approaches in support of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.