Video 
In collaboration with the Berlin Urban Nature Pact (Berlin Pact), this final session of the INTERACT-Bio webinar series on “Access to Finance” will explore the outcomes of COP16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and their implications for local and regional governments. While COP16 achieved progress in areas such as strengthening the role of indigenous peoples and local communities, it fell short in advancing a comprehensive resource mobilization strategy to meet the ambitious financing goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The US$163 million pledged by national and subnational governments thus far remains far below the estimated US$200 billion needed annually to implement the GBF, highlighting the urgent need for increased ambition and sustained financial commitments.
The session will begin with reflections from the ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center on COP16 and its implications for subnational governments in light of the financing challenges. A representative from the Berlin Pact will then share perspectives on the Pact’s vision, emphasizing the critical role of cities in driving global biodiversity efforts. We will also hear from international cities that have signed the Pact alongside other cities and regions championing urban nature. They will discuss their aspirations, strategies, and innovative approaches to securing financing and leveraging investments to meet their biodiversity commitments.
This session seeks to inspire more local and regional governments to join the Berlin Pact and spark meaningful discussions on practical solutions for funding biodiversity initiatives in the post-COP16 landscape.
Session I speakers include:
- Preciousstone Raputsoa, Municipal Manager, Waterberg District Municipality, South Africa
- Bernd-Ulrich Netz, Head of Nature Conservation and Green Spaces, City of Hamburg, Germany
- Bettina Scheiderbauer, Head of Department “Nature conservation and Geodata” within MA 22, City of Vienna, Austria
- Ferdinand Schmeller, Project Manager at MA 22, City of Vienna, Austria
- Ingrid Coetzee, Director of Biodiversity Nature & Health, ICLEI Africa & ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center (recorded)
- Florian Freutel, Senior Expert, Biodiversity & Nature-based Solutions, ICLEI Europe
- Olga Horn, Senior Officer, Nature-based Solutions & Biodiversity, ICLEI World Secretariat
Session II speakers include:
- Sandra Naumann, Chief Biodiversity Officer, City of Berlin, Germany
- Andres Marmolejo Egred, Head of the Cooperation and International Affairs Office of the Environmental Authority in Cali – DAGMA, City of Cali, Colombia
- Brett KenCairn, Senior Policy Advisor for Climate & Resilience, City of Boulder, USA
- Ingrid Coetzee, Director of Biodiversity Nature & Health, ICLEI Africa & ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center (recorded)
- Daniela Rizzi, Senior Expert, Nature-based Solutions & Biodiversity, ICLEI Europe
The webinar takes place on Wednesday, 11 December 2024, at two different time options:
