Rio de Janeiro Joins the Advisory Committee on Subnational Governments and Biodiversity (AC SNG) to the CBD

Regions4 is delighted to announce that Rio de Janeiro State has officially joined the Advisory Committee on Subnational Governments and Biodiversity (AC SNG). This marks a significant milestone as Rio de Janeiro becomes part of a platform dedicated to amplifying the voice of subnational governments in the global biodiversity agenda.

A New Chapter for Biodiversity Advocacy

The AC SNG, recognized by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) through Decision X/22 of COP10, is a crucial platform for subnational leaders. It allows them to influence global biodiversity negotiations and ensure the successful implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at COP15 in 2022.

Coordinated by Regions4 and the government of Quebec since 2017, the Committee has been instrumental in fostering regional collaboration and advocacy. Rio de Janeiro joins a diverse group of regions, including Aichi, Andhra Pradesh, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, Basque Country, Campeche, Catalonia, Fatick, Gangwon, Goias, Gossas, Jalisco, Lombardy, North Rhine Westphalia, Ontario, Palawan, Paraná, Québec, São Paulo, Scotland, Sichuan, Wales, and Walga.

Leading by Example

“Joining the Advisory Committee is a crucial step for Rio de Janeiro, providing a platform to expand our efforts in preserving biodiversity, combating deforestation and promoting sustainable solutions. By setting a precedent for other regions, we aim to make a significant impact on the global biodiversity agenda and ensure that nature is at the heart of global decision-making,” said Mr. Cláudio Castro, Governor of Rio de Janeiro.

Rio de Janeiro is committed to ambitious environmental targets, including conserving at least 30% of land and ocean areas as protected areas by 2030 and increasing the coverage of native vegetation to 40% by 2050. These targets position Rio de Janeiro as a leader in the fight against deforestation and environmental degradation.

Looking Ahead to COP16

This year is particularly significant as we approach the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) for biodiversity, taking place from October 21 to November 1, in Cali, Colombia. COP16 is the first meeting since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), also known as the Biodiversity Plan.

Governments will gather to review progress, align National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) with the new framework, and focus on implementation.  The theme for COP16, “Peace with Nature” emphasizes the need to shift from models of extraction and overexploitation to ones that foster harmony with nature. This theme offers a unique opportunity for subnational governments, including Rio de Janeiro, to showcase their efforts in integrating biodiversity considerations and nature-based solutions into various sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and urban planning.

Rio de Janeiro’s participation in COP16 will provide a platform to share its innovative strategies and successes in environmental management. It also offers an invaluable opportunity for other regions to learn from Rio de Janeiro’s leadership. The state’s commitment to the 30×30 target and its efforts to combat deforestation align perfectly with the goals of the Biodiversity Plan, making it a model for other regions to follow.

The AC SNG’s partnership network, including the European Committee of the Regions, the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, the Consortium of Provincial Governments of Ecuador, and the Ecological and Forestry Applications Research Centre (CREAF), will provide Rio de Janeiro with additional support and collaboration opportunities. The Group of Leading Subnational Governments (GoLS) and the Regions4 Biodiversity Learning Platform (R4BLP) further enhance the Committee’s operational capacity, offering Rio de Janeiro a robust framework for advocating for biodiversity initiatives and more importantly, learning from other regions also committed to the Biodiversity Plan.

A Vision for the Future

As we welcome Rio de Janeiro to the AC SNG, we look forward to the state’s active participation in the upcoming Biodiversity COP16. This collaboration promises to bring forth innovative solutions and strengthen partnerships essential for the successful implementation of the Biodiversity Plan at the subnational level. Regions4 celebrates the invaluable potential of subnational governments to achieve the global biodiversity targets and pave the way for a sustainable future.

Together, we can make a profound difference. Rio de Janeiro’s commitment to preserving our planet’s biodiversity is a driving force and an example for other regions to follow. Let’s work hand in hand to ensure that nature remains at the heart of global decision-making, creating a harmonious and sustainable world for future generations.

Read More:

– Advisory Committee on Subnational Governments and Biodiversity (AC SNG)
– Regions4 at COP16