United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity

Strategic Governance and Financing for Biodiversity and Climate Resilience: Shaping an Sustainable Future

Yvette Ramos: WOMENVAI, University of Lisbon – Aura Bustillo, University of Lisbon – Susana Viseu, Business as Nature – Mauricio Mira, DAGMA – Rubén Junca, Societal Dimensions to Shape a Sustainable Future

October 22, 2024, 8pm UTC

Blue Tone Cali Valle del Cauca, Colombia

United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity

INTRODUCTION & CONTEXT

WOMENVAI (Women and Men in Environment and Artificial Intelligence), an organization accredited under the consultative status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is deeply committed to advancing the principles of conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, in alignment with the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Women need to take a crucial role in Climate Change and biodiversity impacts of the technological processes that adapt and mitigate it. We see in literature that decisions made by women tend to be formed with a more holistic perspective compared to men. With this said, the effort needed for a full integration of women socially, economically, culturally and politically, is more urgent than ever.

As we contribute with our delegation to the CBD COP16 and associated meetings, we bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, having actively engaged in global initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and gender equality. Notably, we have organized and participated in numerous international events, including the UN Ocean Conference 2022, UN Water Conference 2023, COP27, COP28, the UN Summit of the Future and many others.

WOMENVAI’s mission and goals, as outlined in our bylaws, reflect our dedication to fostering equality in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), spearheading strategic projects that link new technologies with environmental issues, and fostering international cooperation with other NGOs, scientific, and technical institutions. Our core values of being non-political, non-religious, inclusive, fun, empathic, pragmatic, and smart guide all our endeavors. By fostering collaboration and leveraging our diverse expertise, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the collective efforts towards biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

« Strategic Governance and Financing for Biodiversity and Climate Resilience: Shaping a Sustainable Future », speakers and panellists will discuss paradigms which can contribute to a long-term planning of the future, codesign a frame for a better governance aligned with climate action. 

ABSTRACT

As global efforts intensify to combat climate change and biodiversity loss, effective governance and innovative financing mechanisms have become essential pillars for success. This event will explore the intersection of strategic governance and financing solutions that drive biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. With a focus on the role of international cooperation, public-private partnerships, and financial instruments such as green bonds and biodiversity credits, the discussion will highlight actionable strategies for sustainable development.

Experts from diverse fields will address how strategic planning and financing are critical to achieving long-term environmental goals, aligned with the objectives of COP16. Attendees will gain insights into policy frameworks, financial innovations, and best practices that can shape a resilient and sustainable future for ecosystems worldwide. Join us in this fireside chat to explore cutting-edge approaches to biodiversity protection and climate action, ensuring a balanced integration of nature, technology, and governance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The role of governance and finance in biodiversity and climate resilience strategies.
  • Innovative financial tools for supporting environmental sustainability.
  • Best practices for integrating biodiversity into long-term planning and investment strategies.

AGENDA

  • 2pm                     Opening remarks, Yvette Ramos – WOMENVAI, University of Lisbon 
  • 2:05pm               Introduction and moderation, Aura Bustillo, University of Lisbon
  • 2:10pm               Round Table with Susana Viseu – Business as Nature, Mauricio Mira – DAGMA, and Rubén Junca – Societal Dimensions to Shape a Sustainable Future
  • 2:40pm               Conclusive words
  • 2:45pm               Closing and group photo

ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS

Our session, « Strategic Governance and Financing for Biodiversity and Climate Resilience: Shaping a Sustainable Future », will bring together a diverse group of partners and experts from various sectors, ensuring a holistic discussion on governance, financing, and biodiversity.

Yvette Ramos, principal cofounder and president WOMENVAI (France) : as the lead organizer, WOMENVAI brings a unique platform of international women and men in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), committed to advancing sustainability, biodiversity, and technological innovation. Yvette Ramos, MSc. Eng.-MBA Human Resource & Change Management is currently 3rd yr-PhD in Climate Change & Sustainable Development policies at the University of Lisbon, Portugal.

Aura Bustillo, Advisor to the Cali Mayor’s Office: Administrative Department of Environmental Management, University of Lisbon – IST, Portugal

Ruben Junca, Advisor to the Cali Mayor’s Office will present Beyond Nature, where he integrates society’s economic and territorial dimensions in strategic governance for climate resilience —University of Lisbon—ISCP, Portugal.

Susana Viseu, President Business As Nature (Portugal) will present innovative approaches to sustainable business practices that align with environmental conservation and social responsibility. Insights on integrating nature-inspired solutions into organizational frameworks, fostering biodiversity conservation, and promoting regenerative business models and importance of women’s leadership in driving these initiatives for inclusive decision-making processes will be addressed. 

Johanna Jeukendrup, Academic coordinator at the Galilee International Management Institute, entrepreneur for Health Promotion, Education and Training), University of Lisbon – ICS, Portugal.

Mauricio Mira, Director of the Administrative Department of Environmental Management, Cali, Colombia. Describe how local governance structures can promote biodiversity and climate resilience through strategic planning and financing.

ABOUT WOMENVAI and its partners 

The NGO WOMENVAI established in January 2018, proposed for the Special Consultative status ECOSOC to the United Nations, is a unique platform gathering women and men together in STEM* to build and bring sustainable solutions for a better world, aligned with the SDGs. Our Goals are (a) represent the interests of women in STEM globally (b) strengthen their role in our society in a sustainable and inclusive way (c) build on diversity and create innovative synergies, particularly in areas with high technological added value, to benefit sustainable development and environmental issues (d) enable international cooperation between national organizations of women engineers and scientists, (e) promote a balanced and modern life for all, respectful of professional equality between women and men. *STEM= Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths. More on www.womenvai.org

Academic Institutions – We have partnered with leading universities, such as the University of Lisbon (Portugal), to bring academic insights into the intersection of biodiversity, governance, and financial mechanisms. Experts in climate resilience and environmental policy from these institutions will contribute research-driven perspectives.

Private Sector and Finance Experts – Representatives from innovative green finance organizations, such as Business As Nature, will share insights on how businesses can align their strategies with biodiversity conservation and climate resilience, focusing on financing solutions like green bonds and biodiversity credits.

Local Government – We will engage policymakers from local governments in Colombia, such as representatives from the Administrative Department of Environmental Management of Cali to provide insights on how international and local governance structures can promote biodiversity and climate resilience through strategic planning and financing.

Join online : https://meet.google.com/apm-fhxq-waz