In the face of the climate and biodiversity crises, subnational governments emerge as dynamic hubs of innovation, with the capacity to pioneer local and inclusive solutions. Our publication, ‘Transformative Multilevel Action: Subnational Solutions for Climate & Biodiversity’, part of the #TransformativeAction series published by Post2020 Biodiversity Framework – EU Support project explores their pivotal role as laboratories for sustainable and long-term change. The publication is now available in English, French and Spanish. 

Unlocking Synergies at the Subnational Level 

The key message of the policy brief underscores the critical role played by subnational governments in navigating the intertwined challenges of the climate and biodiversity crises. To effect transformative change, the publication emphasizes the imperative to capitalize on impactful actions taking place at the regional level by supporting their implementation, and facilitating the replication, scaling up, and expansion of successful policies and practices. 

Strategic Recommendations for Transformative Change 

The document outlines strategic recommendations to propel transformative change for Nature & People:  

• Disseminating scientific knowledge and capacities by tailoring capacity-building opportunities for diverse stakeholders and government levels and enhancing technical and scientific capacities to implement approaches that mainstream biodiversity. 

• Promoting transformative governance at all levels by encouraging subnational governments to actively engage in reporting and monitoring, aligning these efforts with international frameworks.  

• Enhancing cross-sectoral solutions by empowering subnational governments to implement integrated approaches, nature-based solutions, and ecosystem-based strategies. 

• Speeding up financial flow by advocating for global finance accessibility at all government levels, leveraging subnational governments to channel funding to local stakeholders and implement existing strategies and prioritizing public-private partnerships to enhance adaptability to various financial mechanisms. 

“Our policy brief, now accessible in English, French, and Spanish, is crucial for highlighting the importance of subnational leadership. It helps us understand why they play a key role in achieving the goals of the Biodiversity Plan, the objectives of the Paris Agreement, and the Sustainable Development Goals in a coordinated manner. Spreading the word in these languages opens new possibilities that we are excited to explore on the road to Biodiversity COP16” – Renata Gomez, Biodiversity Programme Manager

Gearing up for Biodiversity COP16 

Biodiversity COP16 to be held in Colombia from 21 October to 1 November 2024, is the moment in which all signatories to the Convention will present their updated and revised National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) in alignment with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), recently renamed The Biodiversity Plan. This process is a key opportunity to include a whole-of-government approach to NBSAPs for their successful implementation on the ground. 

COP16 will also look at the first two years of the Biodiversity Plan and will provide an opportunity to amplify the vision, experience, and leadership of regions. Incorporating these solutions in the current revision and updating process of NBSAPs and providing them with the conditions to build upon their best practices, is key to accelerate implementation of the Biodiversity Plan and be at peace with nature. 

Watch the videos below to learn more about Target 12 and 18 of the Biodiversity Plan (KMGBF)

Access the full policy brief in English, French and Spanish.