Statement by the Group of Leading Subnational Governments toward Aichi Biodiversity Targets (GoLS)
SBI-3 Informal Session, March 10th and 11th 2021
Agenda item 9: Options to enhance planning, reporting, and review mechanisms with a view to strengthening the implementation of the Convention
Honorable Chairs, co-chairs, and distinguished delegates,
I am taking the floor on behalf of the Advisory Committee on Subnational Governments, coordinated by Regions4 and the Government of Québec, ICLEI, the Group of Leading Subnational Governments towards the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, the European Committee of the Regions, and the Edinburgh Process Partners.
We would like to reiterate the important role that subnational governments, cities and local authorities play in the conservation of biodiversity, and to recognize their contribution in planning, monitoring, reporting and reviewing the Convention. In this regard, we would like to take this opportunity to officially reply to the co-chairs’ questions on the involvement of subnational governments under this item.
A great step towards a mainstreaming approach would be to encourage subnational and local governments to adopt commitments at their level. In this regard, we believe that the Action Agenda for Nature and People should strengthen linkages with the CitiesWithNature online platform to foster engagement and reporting commitment by subnational and local governments to the Post-2020 GBF. Local and subnational BSAPs could be the tool used to identify our contributions to the global targets.
In addition, specific templates and guidance would be welcomed for subnational and local BSAPs and for sharing reports on these commitments. Those reports could be shared through their national governments or independently via an online tool that could be developed, with the provision of adequate support. Opportunities to increase engagement of subnational governments, cities and local authorities, an to enhance linkages with other processes and conventions, including the SDGs and the UNFCCC, should also be provided. Nevertheless, our constituency recognises that this process should minimize reporting burden and encourage action.
Finally, to build back better and redesign our share future in harmony with nature, we encourage all parties to adopt a whole-of-government approach by recognizing the important contribution of all levels of government, including subnational, at every step of the implementation of the Post-2020 GBF
We look forward to discussing these points further and continuing the good work together.
Thank you!