Reflecting on the journey since 2010: Overview of achievements

Reflecting on the journey since 2010 – overview of achievements linked to the Plan of Action on Subnational Governments, Cities and Other Local Authorities for Biodiversity – 4th June 2020.

The following brief presentation was delivered:

• Launch of New Document: Overview of Achievements Following the Adoption of Decision X/22’-Ms. Kobie Brand- Global Director, ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center (CBC)

We are proud to release and share a unique document that captures some of the many achievements at the global, national and subnational levels following the adoption of Decision X/22 on the Plan of Action on Subnational Governments, Cities and Other Local Authorities for Biodiversity 2011-2020. The document can be found .

This overview of achievements, compiled by ICLEI’s Cities Biodiversity Center (CBC), highlights some of the key initiatives taken by CBD Parties and a host of international organizations and networks over the past decade, to strengthen the role of local and subnational governments in contributing to the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It also places the spotlight on the rich and varied contributions by many local and subnational governments across the world.

The many achievements captured in this document illustrate actions local and subnational governments have already taken to contribute to global biodiversity targets. It provides a sound foundation and justification for a more ambitious and active role for local and subnational governments in the implementation of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. The overview is based on a desktop study and provides a snapshot of some of the many successes and achievements related directly, and indirectly, to the adoption of Decision X/22 at the 10th Conference of Parties, held in Nagoya, Japan in 2010. The impressive list of achievements and successes makes a strong case for a renewed and significantly stepped-up dedicated decision on local and subnational action in support of the new global biodiversity framework, and a more ambitious plan of action to institutionalize implementation at the subnational and local levels of government.

We are aware that the list of achievements captured in the overview of achievements is not exhaustive. Therefore, we invite you to submit additional information for consideration if you wish, so that we can build a more comprehensive record of achievements. As we aim to have a more comprehensive version ready before COP 15, suggested additions must be submitted on the Google Form before 15 August 2020.

Following the presentation of this document, the webinar consisted of an exciting open discussion to reflect on the local and subnational government advocacy agenda since 2006. In this discussion, we were joined by a panel of speakers who have walked the journey with ICLEI for many years, including:

• Ms. Kobie Brand- Global Director, ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center (CBC)
• Mr. Oliver Hillel- Programme Officer, Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD)
• Ms. Susanne Nolden-Department of International Affairs and Global Sustainability, City of Bonn, Germany
• Mr. Grant Pearsell- Director and member of City Planning’s leadership team, City of Edmonton (retired)

To access further resources mentioned in the webinar, please refer to the following links: 

• The link to past webinar recordings in the series
• For more information on the Edinburgh Process, visit the event website.
• To register to participate or make an enquiry on the Edinburgh Process, mail enquires-subnationalworkshop@gov.scot
•  Links to ICLEI’s CBC website, the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), and CitiesWithNature.
• Other important documents and information related to this webinar series can be found on the 

For a summary of the webinar by our generous supporting partner at the Post 2020 Biodiversity Framework- EU Support Project, please click here.

If you have questions, comments or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us at timothy.blatch@iclei.org.