UNEP plays a key role in fostering synergies among biodiversity-related Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), serving as a convener, facilitator, and technical advisor. As the host of key MEA secretariats, UNEP promotes collaboration and coordination across conventions. Through initiatives like ____,_____,_____, including capacity building, data sharing, and policy guidance, UNEP supports countries in integrating MEA obligations into national frameworks and enhancing the coherence of global efforts to achieve sustainability and environmental goals.
Background
Countries have negotiated and committed to various biodiversity-related MEAs over the past decades, such as The Convention on Biological Diversity, CITES, and the Convention on Migratory Species. These and other MEAs collectively aim to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity. However, with more obligations under these agreements, there is a need to enhance alignment and collaboration among all biodiversity-related MEAs.
Aligning efforts under the three RioIO conventions – the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) – is also crucial for addressing the interconnected challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change, and land degradation.
Enhanced collaboration leads to more coherent policies and strategies, maximizing resources while reducing duplication of efforts. Through fostering synergies, countries can more effectively meet international commitments and create integrated solutions for sustainable development.
NBSAPs and NDCs
Aligning National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) is critical for addressing both biodiversity loss and climate change in a coherent and effective manner. NBSAPs, developed under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), outline national priorities for biodiversity conservation, while NDCs, under the Paris Agreement, focus on climate action commitments. By integrating these two frameworks, countries can leverage nature-based solutions (NbS) that simultaneously enhance biodiversity, sequester carbon, and strengthen resilience to climate impacts. Such alignment fosters synergies across policy frameworks, streamlining national efforts, and maximizing benefits for both biodiversity conservation and climate mitigation.
