On 25 October, side events taking place during the 2024 UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP 16) emphasized that the energy transition should not come at the expense of biodiversity conservation. Participants also highlighted the need to ensure science plays a role in policymaking and the potential for enhancing synergies between climate and biodiversity actions.

The Forum on Energy Transition Promoting Biodiversity Conservation stressed the need for the energy transition to ensure that biodiversity and ecosystem integrity are conserved. During, the event, which was organized by the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO), attendees were presented with different ways the transition to clean energy can be harmonized with biodiversity conservation goals.

Hongyu Lin, GEIDCO, presented his organization’s report on the ‘Coordinated Governance of Energy, Climate, and Biodiversity,’ which outlines: the connection between energy, climate, and biodiversity; a systematic programme for ending climate change and conserving biodiversity through energy transition; measures for biodiversity conservation in energy and power project construction; and policy suggestions for coordinated governance of energy, climate, and biodiversity. GEIDCO’s List of Energy Transition for Biodiversity was also highlighted as it showcases ten projects (selected from over 130 projects) that were recognized for their innovation and effectiveness, not only for biodiversity conservation, but also for their role in engaging more businesses in ecological conservation. 

A representative of 3Bee Technology for Biodiversity emphasized that technology can help protect biodiversity through technology facilitating monitoring and regeneration and is a key asset for a sustainable energy future. A representative from Colombia outlined their plan, ‘Mission Transmission,’ to modernize the country’s electrical network.

Another event urged using the scientific assessment reports produced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) as a basis to build synergies between biodiversity, climate change, and resource use. The event stressed that they provide critical, policy-relevant information intended to inform policymakers at all levels who are seeking to address these interlinked crises. The event also underscored the need for policymakers and practitioners to incorporate scientific findings into policy and decision making.

A representative of Brazil stressed the importance of ensuring information from sound science is translated into a user-friendly format so people can see and understand the direct impact the climate situation has on their lives. Another speaker lamented the failure to learn from the COVID-19 pandemic about the connections between biodiversity, science, and health. The event was organized by the Government of Colombia.

The German Development Agency (GIZ) organized an event on strengthening and implementing synergies between climate and biodiversity action, including through aligning countries’ National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement on climate change. Panelists shared their countries’ experiences and discussed opportunities for and challenges to creating solutions to jointly implement NBSAPs and NDCs.

One speaker underscored that mobilizing resources is one of the toughest challenges to overcome and called for a more prominent role for financing. Another shared that the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) provides an opportunity to build bridges between climate and biodiversity.

Panelists were asked to: discuss the alignment of NBSAPs and NDCs in their countries; elaborate on the opportunities and challenges they face; and share concrete steps they are taking and/or going to take. Representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Colombia, Madagascar, Brazil, and Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) then shared their experiences.