The series of seminars on nature conservation in development cooperation has been held at the International Academy for Nature Conservation Isle of Vilm since 1999. It is jointly organized by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and KfW on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the International Academy for Nature Conservation, Isle of Vilm, of the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN). The first seminar “Biodiversity conservation for human wellbeing” presents an overview and update of the most relevant concepts. Based on a combination of practical examples, tools and trends in biodiversity conservation for human wellbeing and development, it provides a good platform for exchanging experiences and updating. The second seminar is devoted to the in-depth consideration of a specific topic identified as being of particular interest. Based on on-going discussions in inter- national biodiversity policy fora, the topic “Biodiversity-friendly business: How does it work?” was chosen for 2022.
The language of both seminars will be English.
Venue
Both seminars will take place at the International Academy for Nature Conservation Isle of Vilm (see https://www.bfn.de/en/international-academy-nature-conservation-isle-vilm), an island in the Baltic Sea next to Ruegen Island. The Isle of Vilm has been a protected area for many centuries.
Target group
The target group of the seminars are practitioners at the interface of development cooperation, biodiversity conservation and climate change (GIZ, KfW, BMZ, BMUV, consulting companies, foundations, NGOs, universities, partner organizations).
The number of participants is limited to 20 for the seminar “Biodiversity conservation for human well-being” and to 25 for the focus seminar. The framework conditions of the seminar will be constantly adapted to the current Covid-19 situation. This may lead to a review of the number of participants. For those applicants who are based abroad, please familiarize yourself with the Covid 19 entry regulations of Germany in order to assess whether you will be able to travel and attend https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/coronavirus/2317268)
Biodiversity-friendly business: How does it work?
(10-15 July 2022)
Background
In July 2021, the first official draft of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework was released which will be adopted during the upcoming second phase of the UN Biodiversity Conference in September 2022 in China. Twenty-one action targets have been formulated so far that intend to reduce threats to biodiversity, promote its sustainable use and benefit sharing to meet people’s needs by 2030. In contrast to climate change mitigation efforts, the business sector is still poorly involved in the CBD process and the issue of sustainable use needs more emphasis within the CBD. Conservation is frequently considered as an obstacle to economic development and not as the basis for development.
The action targets of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity proposed framework that relate to the business sector and financing of biodiversity conservation call, among other things, for:
• redirecting, repurposing, reforming or eliminating incentives harmful for biodiversity, in a just and equitable way, reducing them by at least $500 billion per year
• a $200 billion increase in international financial flows from all sources to developing countries.
At the same time, more and more companies commit to minimizing environmental harm also related to biodiversity in supply chains, notably deforestation. In addition, EU due diligence regulations on human rights and the environment in supply chains and, specifically one on deforestation and forest degradation are on the horizon. That is why this year’s seminar will focus on the economic aspects of and incentives and instruments for biodiversity conservation and explore private sector perspectives and approaches towards biodiversity-friendly supply chains as well as relevant regulation.
During the seminar, participants will discuss how development cooperation can support govern- mental partners and other key stakeholders in finding their role between regulation and motivation, how to create enabling conditions and how to promote the cooperation of the business community with local stakeholders and communities.
Objectives
Participants
• Understand the business side of conserving, sustaining and / or restoring biodiversity and ecosystems
• Develop an understanding of forthcoming EU due diligence regulations relevant for biodiversity in supply chains
• Are familiar with financial instruments that support the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of biodiversity, such as impact investment, green bonds, and access and bene- fit-sharing
• Have an overview of the functions and value of various private sector tools and instruments to foster biodiversity in supply chains
• Understand the vast economic and societal potential that lies in the valorization of biological resources and ecosystems services, but also know about the challenges faced by SMMEs and biodiversity-based businesses to make use of this potential.
• Are aware of the obstacles and barriers of promoting and regulating biodiversity-friendly value chains and have discussed options on how to overcome them
• Are sensitive towards equity issues, including gender transformative approaches and with regards to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, in a whole of society approach
• Are inspired to contribute to the transformation of consumption and production patterns in order to reduce the drivers of biodiversity loss and to collaborate with the private sector to apply market-based approaches in biodiversity conservation, restoration and sustainable use
• Develop recommendations for strengthening the collaboration with the private sector for implementation of the new Global Biodiversity Framework within development cooperation
A related field trip will take place in the middle of the seminar.
2nd seminar (10-15 July):
approx. 980 € per participant (including full board and lodging)
The final fee can only be set by mid May 2022. A late cancellation of your registration within 30 days prior to the start of the seminar will imply a fee of about 500 € in case no substitute can be found. There are no reductions possible. When applying, applicants should have clarified that they / who will bear the costs of attending (incl. travel costs).
Application
Selection of participants will take a number of criteria into account (institutional and geographical balance, gender balance, relevance for work, relevant experience, participation in previous semi- nars, etc.).
Deadline for the application: 31 March 2022
For questions, please contact Martina Finger (martina.finger@bfn.de)
Confirmations will be sent out by 30 April 2022