Aichi Target 11 and beyond: Roadmap for South Asia sub-region

Participation in this event is by invitation only.

Background

The Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) Aichi Target 11 focuses on the conservation of areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services through protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECM). It comprises two quantitative and seven qualitative elements that member countries are obliged to work on. CBD has grouped all parties or member countries into 12 sub-regions. The South Asia sub-region includes nine member countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Effective coordination, communication, and knowledge sharing among the member countries in the sub-region is vital for the timely achievement of the targets and deliverables. A collective effort is needed to achieve the targets within the given timeframe of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020. Capacity building of member countries is also crucial to ensure appropriate initiatives are taken. Further, it is important to review progress, share learnings, analyse challenges, and discuss a way forward prior to the 15^th Conference of Parties (CoP15), to be held in Kunming, China, in 2021.

About the dialogue

The CBD Secretariat has assigned two coordination agencies – the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India – to help speed up implementation of all priority actions and achievement of the targets in the South Asia sub-region. The organizations, together with the CBD Secretariat, are organizing this virtual regional policy dialogue for CBD focal persons and other government officials.

Objectives

The virtual policy dialogue aims to bring parties together and facilitate discussion on Aichi 11. The specific objectives are as follows:

1. Review progress, share learnings, and analyse challenges in achieving Aichi Target 11 for all parties in the South Asia sub-region
2. Discuss the agenda for CoP15 and a way forward for conservation of protected areas and OECMs beyond 2020
3. Identify needs and opportunities for technical and financial support and strategies to build alliances with funding and knowledge partners for capacity building and sustainable funding

Expected outputs

1. Progress against country and global Aichi targets reviewed, lessons learned, and good practices adopted by parties compiled
2. Gaps, challenges, and opportunities for strengthening technical capacity and financing mechanism known and needs and priorities identified
3. Views of parties regarding the agenda for CoP15 and post-2020 protected areas and OECM conservation and management strategies documented

Concept note Agenda