The technical advisor and coordinator of the CEBDS biodiversity thematic chamber, Henrique Luz, participated in the event “BIO2020: Brazilian Perspectives for the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework”.
The meeting, held between February 4th and 6th, promoted by the Secretariat of Infrastructure and Environment (SIMA) aimed to formulate contributions from Brazilian governments and local actors for the renewal of commitments to the global conservation of biological diversity.
Ecosystem restoration and recovery of native vegetation, sustainable and wildlife-friendly production and consumption; circular economy and nature-based solutions are some of the topics covered.
Government spheres, representatives from the public, private and academic sectors, and segments of civil society, such as youth and traditional peoples, participate in the debates.
“The success of this new relationship depends on the mobilization of local actors from around the world. The Government of São Paulo was one of the first to mobilize and implement what was agreed in Paris in 2019, and this event is a way of fighting for the common good,” said Elizabeth Chouraki, from the “Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework” project, supported by the European Union.
“One of the biggest challenges is the need for coordination between the different stakeholders in the region and the creation of a new model of economic development and public management that deviates from what is normally practiced in these environments. It is a change in culture that requires a great deal of effort in education and engagement of leaders. We need to invest in order to explore our potential in the Bioeconomy,” says Henrique Luz, technical advisor and coordinator of the CEBDS biodiversity thematic chamber.
COP15 on Biological Diversity
BIO2020 is a preparation for the upcoming COP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The COP will take place in China in October. To this end, the event resulted in the São Paulo Charter, with a compilation of its discussions, which will be taken to the conference.
Letter from St. Paul
Due to the importance of Brazil's participation in the global biodiversity scenario, the São Paulo Letter aims to suggest contributions to support the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity in its task of reaching a global agreement focused on nature and people, which can be recognized by the 196 signatory countries of the Convention, including Brazil.
The São Paulo Charter is a document signed by the organizers of BIO2020. It highlights instruments such as the creation and management of Protected Areas and the use of innovative mechanisms such as the immediate application of environmental compensation in ecological restoration actions, sustainable use and benefit sharing, divided into the five themes that will guide the event and will be explored in depth in its parallel sessions.
Companies make a commitment to biodiversity
The Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS) has the Brazilian Business Commitment to Biodiversity. The document, which has already been signed by 12 large companies associated with CEBDS, defines nine goals for 2030, focusing on prevention, mitigation, compensation, and information generation and sharing.
The following are already signatories to the Commitment: Anglo American, Bayer, Boticário, BRK Ambiental, Eletrobras, Equinor, Furnas, Natura, Philip Morris, Shell, Suzano and Votorantim Cimentos.
“The objective of the Commitment is to increase the engagement of the Brazilian business sector, seeking the support of other companies, whether they are our members or not. This commitment is an important milestone that will be taken to the COP15 on Biodiversity, in 2020, in China”, says Marina Grossi, president of CEBDS.
By joining, the CEOs of these large companies include biodiversity conservation in their business strategies and commit, for example, to measuring their impact and dependence on environmental services.
The initiative is part of a global movement that aims to develop actions to contain the high rates of species extinction and restore the planet's vital natural systems, Business for Nature (Business for Nature). Brazil is home to the greatest biodiversity on the planet, with more than 20% of the total number of species. Due to its position, the country has a special contribution to make in meeting national and international biodiversity protection goals.
