3 June 2013
Trondheim Conference Focuses on Biodiversity Mainstreaming
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Hosted by the Norwegian government in cooperation with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank, the seventh Trondheim Conference on Biodiversity was held from 27-31 May 2013 in Trondheim, Norway, under the title 'Ecology and Economy for a Sustainable Society.'

Trondheim Conference on Biodiversity31 May 2013: Hosted by the Norwegian Government in cooperation with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank, the seventh Trondheim Conference on Biodiversity was held from 27-31 May 2013, in Trondheim, Norway, under the title ‘Ecology and Economy for a Sustainable Society.’

The Conference focused on the first goal of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, adopted by the CBD Conference of the Parties (COP) and endorsed by several conventions, which addresses the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society. Participants considered the ways in which biodiversity contributes to a sustainable society, and the ways in which a careful alignment and mix of policies, incentives and business strategies can help deliver development pathways that lead to a more sustainable society.

A Co-Chairs’ report of the Conference, titled ‘Moment of Opportunity,’ will be transmitted to the CBD Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA). The Co-Chairs’ report captures the key messages arising from the Conference under sections on: seizing the opportunity to invest in biodiversity for human well-being and development; recognizing and measuring the true values of biodiversity; understanding the interplay between ecology, economy and society; and aligning policies, incentives and business within safe ecological limits.

Also launched at the meeting was the Guidance Manual titled, ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) Country Studies,’ which offers technical and operational guidance and examples on how countries can incorporate nature and biodiversity that contributes to economic growth and development into policy decisions, as well as how to conduct a TEEB country study.

Since 1993, the Trondheim Conferences on Biodiversity have sought to enhance cross-sectoral dialogue on biodiversity research and management, and to establish the best possible scientific basis for policy and management decisions in relation to the CBD implementation. They have provided important input to the CBD by focusing on the multidimensional nature of the implementation of the Convention and recognizing that biodiversity-related issues are relevant for sustainable development. [IISD RS Coverage of the Conference][Conference Website][Conference Presentations] [Publication: The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) Country Studies]


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