Leveraging Local and Global Action for Nature Towards the UN Biodiversity Conference COP17 | From Geneva to Yerevan | International Day for Biological Diversity

About this Event

The Seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17), the Twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, and the Sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Nagoya protocol on Access to Genetic Resources – also commonly referred to as the 2026 UN Biodiversity Conference – will convene in Yerevan, Armenia, from 19 to 30 October 2026.

The 2026 edition of the International Day for Biological Diversity – celebrated every year on 22 May, commemorating the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992 – will focus on “Acting locally for global impact”. In the lead-up to the UN Biodiversity Conference – which will be held under the theme of “Taking Action for Nature” – this year’s International Day for Biological Diversity campaign will help connect local initiatives with the 23 global targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), focusing the world’s attention on the importance of applying the whole-of-society approach adopted within the Framework.

While governments that adopted the KMGBF at COP 15 are in the driver’s seat, collective progress in implementation depends on the mosaic of local efforts carried out by everyone. Applying the whole-of-society approach includes ways to enlist, enable, empower and leverage contributions of actors other than national governments: Indigenous Peoples and local communities, sub-national governments, cities and other local authorities, women and youth groups, businesses and financial institutions, and other civil society groups, among others.

To mark the day, the Geneva Environment Network and its partners are organizing the traditional Geneva celebration to showcase the role of Geneva in leveraging local and global action for nature.

In preparation for the 2026 UN Biodiversity Conference, leading experts from key Geneva-based UN institutions and processes speaking at the Geneva Celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity provided updates on preparations for this major milestone. They also reflected on the need for inclusive, participatory and impactful whole-of-society action for nature, including through local mobilization for the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). The event also offered a forward-looking perspective on the priorities, vision and expected outcomes of the Conference, including through a dedicated high-level intervention by the incoming Presidency of COP17, outlining ongoing preparatory efforts and key directions toward Yerevan.

The celebration featured Lightning Talks where experts from various Geneva-based institutions showcased how they are leveraging local and global action for nature.

The event was preceded by a light breakfast and networking opportunity.

Welcome & Opening

By order of intervention.

Arnold KREILHUBER

Director, Europe Office, UN Environment Programme | Chair

H.E. Amb. Gustavo GALLÓN

Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

Astrid SCHOMAKER (Video Message)

Executive Secretary, UN Convention on Biological Diversity

High Level Panel on Preparations for the UN Biodiversity Conference COP17 | From Geneva to Yerevan

By order of intervention.

Gabriela BLATTER

Head, International Climate and Biodiversity Policy Section, Federal Office for the Environment, Switzerland | Chair

H.E. Amb. Mher MARGARYAN

Special Envoy for the Armenian Presidency of the CBD COP17

Ivonne HIGUERO

Secretary-General, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

Musonda MUMBA

Secretary General, Convention on Wetlands

Sonia PEÑA MORENO

Director, Centre for Policy and Law, International Union for Conservation of Nature

Daudi SUMBA

Chief Conservation Officer, WWF International

Astrid PUENTES RIAÑO

UN Special Rapporteur on the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment

Geneva Leveraging Local and Global Action for Nature | From Geneva to Yerevan

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Driving Local Action for Global Impact

Nicola SCHOENENBERGER | Director, Geneva Botanic Garden

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Driving Local Action for Global Impact

Aline BLASER | Lead, Biological Corridors Programme, Canton of Geneva

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Promoting Nature-based Solutions in the ECE Region

Nicholas BONVOISIN, Chief of the Operational Activities & Review Section, Environment and Forests Division, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)

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Nature-Positive Action at the Heart of Finance

Ivo MULDER | Head, Climate Finance Unit, UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

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Acting for Nature to Protect Our Health

Cristina ROMANELLI | Programme Officer, Biodiversity, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization (WHO)

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Biodiversity, Jobs and Just Transition: Supporting Decent Work in Nature-based  Solutions

Maikel LIEUW-KIE-SONG | Senior Specialist, Employment-Intensive Investments, Employment Investments Branch, International Labour Organization (ILO)

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Aligning Trade Policies with Biodiversity Goals

Lorena JARAMILLO | Economic Affairs Officer, Trade, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Branch, UN Trade and Development

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Centering Indigenous Peoples and Knowledge in Biodiversity Action

Ghazali OHORELLA | Human Rights / Legal Consultant, International Indian Treaty Council

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Driving Local and Global Nature Action through Standards

Sophie BRUCHEZ | Programme Manager, Environmental Sustainability, International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

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Advancing Human Rights in Biodiversity Action

Benjamin SCHACHTER | Coordinator, Environment and Climate Change Team, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

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Nature is Everybody’s Business

Nadine McCORMICK | Senior Manager, Nature Action, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)

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Strengthening the Science-policy Interface for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service

Mialy RANN ANDRIAMAHEFAZAFY | Science-Policy Officer, University of Geneva | IPBES Transformative Change Assessment Lead Author

Closing

H.E. Amb. Hasmik TOLMAJIAN

Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

Highlights

Video

Live at the International Environment House II

Summary

Welcome & Opening

Arnold KREILHUBER | Director, Europe Office, UN Environment Programme | Chair

The event was opened by Arnold Kreilhuber who welcomed participants for joining at the International Environment house in Geneva for International Biodiversity Day. The network and influence present in the city of Geneva helps to address biodiversity loss holistically, and in the context of interconnected environmental crises.

The International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated globally at the end of May, this year under the theme of acting locally for global impact. This day raises awareness of the role of biodiversity in each of our lives and for the planet as a whole, which is especially important for the collective effort that is required to address the issue of biodiversity loss, and meet the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, as well as the SDGs within the next four years.

This year’s celebration serves as a reminder to act with urgency as we lead up to the UN Biodiversity Conference in Yerevan, Armenia.

H.E. Amb. Gustavo GALLÓN | Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

H.E. Amb. Gustavo Gallón notes how biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, and land degradation are not just isolated issues, but interconnected crises affecting peace, development, health, food security and human rights. This is reflected in Colombia’s views on biodiversity – it’s seen as fundamental to communities, cultures, livelihoods, and future generations.

He reflects on Colombia’s COP16 presidency in Cali, and highlights progress on biodiversity governance, participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, biodiversity-climate linkages, and the Cali Fund. H.E. Amb. Gallón places further emphasis on how biodiversity conservation is inseparable from social justice, equity, and human dignity.

Colombia made efforts in Geneva to strengthen links between biodiversity and human rights, including cooperation with Costa Rica at the Human Rights Council. He reaffirms the support for environmental defenders, Indigenous knowledge systems, and community participation. He also expressed confidence in Armenia’s leadership of COP17, and called for continued ambition in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and concluded that protecting biodiversity is essential for peace, dignity, and sustainable development.

High Level Panel on Preparations for the UN Biodiversity Conference COP17 | From Geneva to Yerevan

H.E. Amb. Mher MARGARYAN | Special Envoy for the Armenian Presidency of the CBD COP17

The theme of “Acting Locally for Global Impact” reflects the need to translate global biodiversity ambitions into local implementation. The ecological, economic, and cultural importance of biodiversity is highlighted, including its role in agriculture, water resources, disaster resilience, rural development, and cultural heritage.

H.E. Amb. Margaryan announces that Armenia will be hosting a Leader’s Summit on Biodiversity during COP17, bringing together heads of state, scientists, cultural figures, Indigenous representatives, and international organizations. COP17 will be a critical opportunity to conduct the first global review progress under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and to identify areas where implementation must accelerate. A key priority of the Armenian presidency will be maintaining momentum on implementation, strengthening political commitment, and fostering international cooperation. Additionally, a record number of national reports have been submitted, providing the basis for assessing global progress and informing future action.

Strong emphasis is placed on resource mobilization and biodiversity finance, underlining the need for more accessible, predictable, transparent, and coherent financing mechanisms. H.E. Amb. Margaryan calls for stronger collaboration between governments, financial institutions, development partners, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, scientists, and the private sector to support biodiversity goals.

H.E. Amb. Margaryan stresses the importance of nature-positive investment, alignment of financial flows with biodiversity objectives, and innovative financing approaches. There is a need to strengthen synergies between biodiversity, climate, and land restoration agendas, particularly as the three Rio Convention COPs converge. Knowledge sharing, technical dialogue, capacity building, traditional knowledge, and the participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities are all vital.

He commends Colombia’s COP16 and expresses Armenia’s intention to build on progress related to transparency, inclusion, implementation, and cooperation. Armenia’s commitment to stakeholder inclusion, including women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, academia, business, and subnational authorities, is reaffirmed.

COP17 should serve as a platform for practical solutions, partnerships, and the exchange of successful approaches from around the world. H.E. Amb. Margaryan concludes by expressing confidence that biodiversity remains an area where multilateral cooperation can deliver meaningful results, and reaffirms Armenia’s commitment to hosting an inclusive, action-oriented, and implementation-focused COP17.

Ivonne HIGUERO | Secretary-General, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

Higuero reflects on the theme “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” emphasizing that international biodiversity commitments ultimately depend on implementation at the local level. The role of local communities in wildlife conservation is highlighted, and it is noted that sustainable and legal wildlife trade can provide socioeconomic benefits while supporting species protection. CITES, (brief explanation of what CITES is?), connects local stewardship, national decision-making, and international markets to promote both biodiversity conservation and human well-being.

At CITES COP20 in Samarkand, parties reaffirmed their commitment to supporting implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Higuero highlights amendments and resolutions adopted at COP20 that strengthened cooperation between CITES and other biodiversity-related conventions and frameworks, and describes COP20 as an example of strong political leadership and regional cooperation, particularly through the adoption of the Samarkand Declaration and a regional action plan.

Some successes supported by CITES included species recovery efforts and sustainable-use approaches that contribute to KMGBF targets on species conservation. International efforts have been made to strengthen conservation and management of threatened species through improved monitoring, information sharing, traceability, and cooperation. Emphasis on how effective implementation of biodiversity commitments depends on collaboration across institutions, governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations. Cooperation with fisheries and management bodies, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and other partners to ensure that internationally traded aquatic species are harvested and traded legally and sustainably, is discussed. Higuero stresses the importance of enforcement in combating illegal wildlife trade and wildlife crime.

The work of the international Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC), including partnerships with Interpol, the World Customs Organization, the World Bank, and UNODC, are highlighted, and some examples of international enforcement operations and initiatives to share intelligence that strengthen cross-border cooperation against wildlife trafficking are shared. Higuero concludes that while the biodiversity crisis is global, effective solutions often begin locally, and are strengthened through international cooperation, science, and shared commitment.

Musonda MUMBA | Secretary General, Convention on Wetlands

Water is present everywhere on the planet, and biodiversity is dependent on a functional hydrological cycle. There is great importance in acting together at once, as well as the importance of working together with the CBD in a sixth joint work plan for the scientific and technical review panel of the convention. This governance body has been responsible for delivering important work, such as the Global Wetland Outlook, which has substantial input from the CBD and other sister MEAs. The Global Wetland Outlook looked at evaluating nature – the cost of losing biodiversity, the cost of losing a wetland – and how synergies matter. It is also noted that biodiversity is experienced most directly at the local level, where communities interact with ecosystems as part of everyday life.

Mumba closes by mentioning the importance of the convention in cities – the convergence of life and biodiversity in cities can often go unnoticed. Synergy is not a word to be taken lightly: we must commit to working collectively in business, communities, young people, women, and Indigenous Peoples, and commit to synergizing this convention with other conventions.

Sonia PEÑA MORENO | Director, Centre for Policy and Law, International Union for Conservation of Nature

Biodiversity is not only about conserving nature, but about conserving the diversity of life itself, as biodiversity has essential value, and strengthens human well-being and sustainable development. Action for nature must begin locally –  meaningful change happens on the ground, and scales up to the global level. COP17 comes in a critical moment – four years after the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It will be a major review of global progress as we move towards 2030, and an opportunity to accelerate implementation. Key issues to be addressed during this COP will include: progress towards GBF targets, monitoring and indicators, resource mobilization and biodiversity finance, the Cali FInd, biodiversity-climate linkages, biodiversity and health, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and cooperation across conventions and organizations.

Moreno notes that the three COPs of the Rio conventions converging are an opportunity to deeply reflect on the synergies agenda, what it means, and how we can connect the agendas between different MEAs and COPs. Emphasis is put on the concept of turning “synergies” into concrete action and cooperation, and references the momentum generated at the COP16 in Cali, described as the largest COP to date.The strong political engagement and inclusive participation achieved in Cali, and the high expectations for Yerevan, are also noted.

The IUCN has been involved in the CBD process since its origins and helped shape some of its early foundations. Biodiversity conservation and implementation of the CBD remain central to IUCN’s work, with members repeatedly reaffirming their support for the GBF through resolutions adopted at World Conservation Congresses. Through its programme of work, the IUCN supports governments in implementing biodiversity commitments, it provides: scientific expertise, technical guidance, biodiversity data, monitoring tools, and support for measuring progress toward targets.

IUCN promotes integrated responses to interconnected environmental crises, and emphasizes that biodiversity loss, climate change, and land degradation cannot be addressed separately. The organization works closely with Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and also supports improved participation in decision-making and greater access to conservation finance. IUCN promotes nature-based solutions as a way of connecting the objectives of the Rio Conventions, and highlights the links between the GBF, the SDGs, and the Paris Agreement.

IUCN is working closely with Armenia and welcomes the country’s recent membership in the Union. The organization commits to supporting the Armenian presidency in delivering a successful COP17. IUCN provides expertise in: protected and conserved areas, species conservation, invasive alien species management, ecosystem restoration, monitoring frameworks and indicators, and nature-based solutions. Moreno highlights key IUCN knowledge products, including: the Red List of Threatened Species, the Red List of Ecosystems, and the Green List.

IUCN’s diverse membership includes governments, agencies, NGOs, and Indigenous People’s organizations. This broad membership allows IUCN to convene diverse voices and build consensus. The organization plans to organize and support activities before, during, and after COP17. Regional work in Eastern Europe and Central Asia will continue to strengthen collaboration and show local successes. Moreno concludes by reaffirming IUCN’s commitment to working with Armenia and all stakeholders to ensure a successful and lasting legacy from COP17.

Daudi SUMBA | Chief Conservation Officer, WWF International

WWF commends Armenia’s preparations for COP17 and recognizes the importance of the upcoming conference. COP17 will be the first COP to review collective progress in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the difficult global multilateral context in which the COP is taking place is also acknowledged. WWF analysis of submitted National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans suggested that implementation is not currently on track. WWF identifies a significant ambition gap between current commitments and biodiversity targets. COP17 will be critical for addressing implementation challenges and accelerating progress.

Maintaining ambition must remain a central priority. Emphasis is put on the importance of resource mobilization and means of implementation. WWF calls for decisions that can help correct course and accelerate biodiversity action, and highlights the need to reform financial and economic systems to support biodiversity conservation. WWF supports stronger dialogue between finance ministers and environmental ministers to advance implementation. WWF also notes opportunities to engage institutions such as the World Bank and IMF in biodiversity financing discussion, and calls for reforms that support sustainable supply chains, reduce deforestation, and encourage sustainable production and consumption. Deforestation-free beef supply chains between Brazil and China as a practical approach to addressing biodiversity loss is provided as an example.

Emphasis is placed on the importance of a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to implementation. Armenia’s focus on inclusive conservation as a COP17 priority, and highlights the importance of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in biodiversity conservation is welcomed. WWF notes the growing role of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in achieving biodiversity targets, and suggests that many countries may rely on OECMs rather than traditional protected areas to meet conservation commitments, and calls for greater direct accass to biodiversity finance for Indigenous Peoples and local communities. WWF also notes that Indigenous Peoples manage a significant proportion of the world’s biodiversity-rich areas while receiving only a small share of biodiversity funding, and supports the use of human rights-based approaches in biodiversity conservation.

Finally, WWF calls for breaking down institutional and ministerial silos, and emphasizes the need to align national development and economic policies with biodiversity objectives. WWF advocates for mainstreaming biodiversity across government agendas rather than treating it as a separate issue, and reaffirms WWF’s commitment to working with the CBD Secretariat and the Armenian presidency. Sumba concludes by expressing support for a successful and implementation-focused COP17.

Astrid PUENTES RIAÑO | UN Special Rapporteur on the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment

Puentes re-emphasizes that biodiversity, environmental protection, and human health are deeply interconnected. There is significance in International Biodiversity Day coinciding with the closing of the World Health Assembly, and the relationship between biodiversity conservation and the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is underlined. The right to a healthy environment is now widely recognized internationally, and Puentes describes this right as a tool for connecting different policy areas, including biodiversity, climate and human rights.

There is hope that the right to a healthy environment will be integrated into both the COP17 process and its outcomes, and it is noted that healthy ecosystems and biodiversity are core elements of this right. The additional components of this right, such as the access to information, public participation, and access to justice should be incorporated into biodiversity planning and implementation processes.

Emphasis is put on the importance of Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, women, children, youth, and other groups – their participation is important not only because they are rights-holders, but because they possess valuable knowledge and experience. It is argued that these knowledge systems remain underutilized in biodiversity and climate decision-making. Puentes also highlights the importance of considering both present and future generations.

COP17 will take place after countries have had time to reflect on the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Puentes references the recent UN General Assembly resolution related to the ICJ advisory opinion, and highlights that the advisory opinion recognizes biodiversity and the Convention on Biological Diversity as relevant to states’ obligations. This creates opportunities to strengthen implementation and cooperation, and connects biodiversity protection to broader legal and human rights obligations.

Puentes references her work on the relationship between ocean and human rights, and underlines the importance of oceans, wetlands, water systems, and broader ecological processes. The BBNJ Agreement entering into force is significant, and Puentes encourages further ratification. Marine biodiversity protection as part of a holistic approach to environmental governance, is also presented.

Looking ahead to COP17, Puentes emphasizes the importance of international cooperation, and encourages the use of the right to a healthy environment as both a legal obligation and as a practical tool. She expresses willingness to work with Armenia, the COP Presidency, and other stakeholders, and concludes by calling for COP17 to deliver meaningful solutions, including stronger protection for environmental human rights defenders.

Open Discussion

H.E. Amb. Leslie Satrukent RAMSAMMY | Permanent Representative of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

opens by reflecting on International Biodiversity Day. He recalls hearing, as a young teacher in Guyana, about dramatic wildlife population decline, and notes that biodiversity loss has worsened significantly since then.

The participant highlights the importance of ocean conservation, and notes that healthy oceans support food security and provide a major source of protein, drawing on his experience with fisheries discussions at the WTO. Fish stocks continue to decline despite decades of negotiations, he warns. The participant then speaks from a health perspective as a former Minister of Health, stating that biodiversity is the “heart of life on Earth”, and argues that protecting biodiversity is essential for human survival and well-being.

The launch of the Biodiversity Alliance, initiated by Guyana together with other countries and leaders, is mentioned, and participants are invited to engage with the initiative. The initiative aims to support implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The participant closes by reiterating that biodiversity is in crisis, and calls for collective action across issues including plastics, fisheries, agriculture, and biodiversity conservation, urging participants to arrive at COP17 with a unified commitment to protect biodiversity.

Cristina ROMANELLI | WHO

Romanelli states that International Biodiversity Day should inspire concern, as well as hope and determination, and emphasizes the importance of taking collective actions. She asks how COP17 will strengthen leadership and cross-sectoral collaboration between biodiversity and human health, and invites Armenia to explain how biodiversity conservation will be connected to human health during the preparations for COP 17. Romanelli also asks whether there are opportunities for organizations and stakeholders to support these efforts before the conference.

Documents

• Presentations made during the event

Links

• International Day of Biological Diversity 2026 | CBD
• From Geneva to Yerevan | International Geneva @ UN Biodiversity Conference
• International Day for Biological Diversity | GEN
• Addressing Biodiversity Loss and the Role of Geneva | GEN