1.    Title

From Buffer Zones to Biodiversity-Positive Landscapes: Agroecology and Human-Wildlife Coexistence in Protected Area Landscapes

2.    Why this Session is Timely at COP17

The Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework calls for moving beyond protected-area management towards integrated landscape approaches that combine biodiversity conservation, community livelihoods and sustainable production systems. This side event demonstrates a practical implementation pathway through the ongoing SuATI Protected Area Landscapes Scoping Study, linking protected-area management, agroecology, women-led institutions and community-based landscape governance. The discussion directly contributes to implementation of GBF Targets 3, 4, 10 and 21 by presenting practical experiences that can inform Parties seeking scalable approaches for biodiversity-positive landscapes.

3.    Why this Proposal is Different

Unlike conventional side events centred on project presentations, this session is structured as an evidence-informed strategic dialogue. It draws upon an ongoing SuATI assessment in Manas National Park (Assam) and Panna Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh), bringing together government, academia, protected-area authorities, development partners and community representatives to identify practical implementation pathways and launch concrete follow-up products.

4.    Subjects

Protected Areas; Agricultural Biodiversity; Ecosystem Restoration; Sustainable Use of Biodiversity; Community-based Conservation; Landscape Management; Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities; Agroecology.

5.    Global Biodiversity Framework Targets

Target 3 – Protected Areas
Target 4 – Human–Wildlife Coexistence
Target 10 – Biodiversity-friendly Agriculture
Target 21 – Knowledge and Evidence.

6.    Description

This official side event presents an emerging India–Germany cooperation model for transforming buffer zones and agricultural landscapes surrounding protected areas into biodiversity-positive landscapes. Building on the ongoing SuATI Protected Area Landscapes Scoping Study in Manas National Park (Assam) and Panna Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh), the session explores how community-led livelihoods, agroecology, Natural Farming, women-led institutions, forest–farm interface science and human–wildlife coexistence can jointly support implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Rather than a sequence of presentations, the event is designed as a moderated strategic dialogue supported by an evidence trigger, followed by an interactive panel focused on practical implementation, partnerships and future cooperation.

7.    Objectives

• Present the India–Germany cooperation model.
• Share emerging evidence from the SuATI assessment.
• Demonstrate community institutions as biodiversity implementation partners.
• Explore agroecology and Natural Farming for biodiversity-positive landscapes.
• Strengthen dialogue on science, evidence and community-based monitoring.
• Launch follow-up partnerships.

8.    Proposed Format

90-minute official side event comprising welcome remarks, COP17 framing, evidence trigger, moderated strategic panel, audience interaction and closing reflections.

9.    Host Organisation

Ministry of Rural Development (DAY-NRLM), Government of India and GIZ

10.                  Co-organisers

GIZ India – SuATI Programme
NABARD/JIVA
Assam Forest Department
Manas National Park Authority
Assam Royal Global University

11. Expected Outputs

1. COP17 Partnership Note.
2. Evidence Brief.
3. Manas Biodiversity-Positive Landscape Pilot Concept.
4. Community-Based Landscape Evidence Framework.
5. India–Germany Learning Platform.

12. Keywords

Protected Areas; Agroecology; Human–Wildlife Coexistence; Buffer Zones; Landscape Governance; Community Institutions; Biodiversity-positive Landscapes; India–Germany Cooperation.