The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Training Course

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Training Course

Introduction

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a landmark international treaty that fundamentally reshapes how nations, businesses, and communities approach biodiversity conservation. Adopted at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the CBD establishes a global framework for protecting ecosystems, species, and genetic resources. This course delves into its three core objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. As environmental challenges like habitat loss, climate change, and pollution intensify, a deep understanding of the CBD is essential for professionals seeking to contribute to a sustainable future.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Training Course offers a comprehensive and practical exploration of the CBD's principles and protocols, including the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing (ABS). Participants will gain critical knowledge on implementing international and national biodiversity strategies, navigating complex legal frameworks, and leveraging nature-based solutions to achieve conservation goals. The course focuses on the latest developments, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), providing participants with the tools to actively engage in global biodiversity governance and drive impactful change in their respective fields.

Course Duration

10 days

Course Objectives

1. Define and differentiate the three core objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
2. Analyze the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and its 23 targets for global conservation.
3. Explain the principles and mechanisms of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing (ABS).
4. Evaluate national implementation of the CBD through National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).
5. Assess the role of indigenous peoples and local communities in biodiversity conservation and governance.
6. Examine the link between climate change, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity loss.
7. Identify the legal and ethical implications of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety for genetically modified organisms.
8. Formulate strategies for mainstreaming biodiversity into corporate and government policy.
9. Explore the concept of nature-based solutions (NBS) and their application in sustainable development.
10. Discuss the role of digital sequence information (DSI) and the ongoing debate around benefit-sharing.
11. Apply the Precautionary Principle to biodiversity management and policy-making.
12. Analyze the financial mechanisms and biodiversity finance required for successful CBD implementation.
13. Communicate the economic and social value of natural capital and ecosystem services.

Organizational Benefits

• Equips staff with the knowledge to navigate and comply with international and national biodiversity laws, reducing legal and reputational risks.
• Demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship, enhancing brand image and stakeholder trust.
• Enables organizations to proactively assess and mitigate business risks related to biodiversity loss, such as supply chain disruptions and resource scarcity.
• Positions the organization as a leader in sustainability, attracting environmentally conscious clients, investors, and talent.
• Fosters a culture of innovation by encouraging the development of nature-positive products, services, and business models.

Target Audience

1. Government Officials and policymakers from environmental, agriculture, and foreign affairs ministries.
2. Corporate Sustainability and CSR professionals in multinational corporations.
3. Environmental Consultants and non-profit organization staff.
4. Legal and Compliance Officers focused on environmental law and international treaties.
5. Academics and Researchers in environmental science, ecology, and international relations.
6. Development Practitioners working on projects related to sustainable development and natural resource management.
7. Indigenous Peoples and Local Community Leaders engaged in biodiversity issues.
8. Students pursuing advanced degrees in environmental policy, law, or science.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Foundations of the CBD

• Historical context: The Rio Earth Summit and the birth of the CBD.
• The three pillars: Conservation, Sustainable Use, and Access and Benefit-sharing.
• Key terms and definitions: Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services, and Genetic Resources.
• Structure of the Convention: Conference of the Parties (COP), Secretariat, and subsidiary bodies.
• Case Study: The journey of the Convention from Rio to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Module 2: The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)

• Overview of the GBF: Goals, targets, and implementation mechanisms.
• Key targets: 30x30 target for protected areas, pollution reduction, and harmful subsidies.
• Monitoring and reporting: The role of national targets and reporting.
• Aligning national policies with the GBF.
• Case Study: A countryΓÇÖs strategy for implementing Target 3, the "30x30" goal, focusing on challenges and successes.

Module 3: The Nagoya Protocol on ABS

• Defining Access and Benefit-sharing (ABS): Genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.
• Core principles: Prior Informed Consent (PIC) and Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT).
• The role of the ABS Clearing-House.
• Benefit-sharing models: Monetary and non-monetary benefits.
• Case Study: The Hoodia plant case study and the development of a benefit-sharing agreement with indigenous communities.

Module 4: The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

• Purpose and scope: Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) and biosafety.
• The Advanced Informed Agreement (AIA) procedure.
• Handling, transport, and packaging requirements.
• The Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH) and information-sharing.
• Case Study: A country's experience with regulating the import and use of a specific genetically modified crop, highlighting regulatory challenges.

Module 5: National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs)

• The legal obligation and purpose of NBSAPs.
• The process of developing and updating an NBSAP.
• Integrating biodiversity into national policy frameworks.
• Monitoring and reporting on NBSAP implementation.
• Case Study: A comparative analysis of two countriesΓÇÖ NBSAPs, contrasting their strategic approaches to implementation.

Module 6: Biodiversity and Climate Change

• The interlinkage between biodiversity loss and climate change.
• The role of ecosystems as carbon sinks and in climate adaptation.
• Nature-based Solutions (NBS) for climate mitigation and adaptation.
• The role of the CBD in the global climate agenda.
• Case Study: The use of mangrove forest restoration in a coastal nation as a nature-based solution for both biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

Module 7: Biodiversity Finance and Resource Mobilization

• Global financial mechanisms for biodiversity: GEF and other funds.
• National financial strategies: Mainstreaming biodiversity into budgets.
• Innovative finance mechanisms: Green bonds and biodiversity offsets.
• The role of the private sector in biodiversity finance.
• Case Study: The implementation of a payments for ecosystem services (PES) program in a protected area to incentivize conservation.

Module 8: The Role of Business and Mainstreaming Biodiversity

• The private sector's impact on and dependency on biodiversity.
• Integrating biodiversity into corporate strategy and reporting.
• Supply chain management and biodiversity safeguards.
• Corporate governance and the role of biodiversity risk assessments.
• Case Study: A global consumer goods companyΓÇÖs strategy to eliminate deforestation from its supply chain.

Module 9: Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, and Traditional Knowledge

• The rights and roles of indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) in conservation.
• The significance of traditional knowledge for biodiversity.
• Community-based conservation initiatives.
• Ethical considerations for research and bioprospecting.
• Case Study: A community-led initiative to protect and manage a sacred biodiversity hotspot, showcasing the success of traditional governance.

Module 10: Digital Sequence Information (DSI)

• What is Digital Sequence Information (DSI)?
• The debate over DSI and benefit-sharing under the CBD.
• Scientific and commercial uses of DSI.
• Policy options and the future of DSI governance.
• Case Study: A pharmaceutical company's use of DSI from a rare species and the subsequent debate over fair and equitable benefit-sharing.

Module 11: Sustainable Use of Biodiversity

• The concept of sustainable use: Balancing human needs with conservation.
• Sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
• Ecotourism and its role in sustainable development.
• Policy and legal tools for promoting sustainable use.
• Case Study: A community-based ecotourism project that provides economic benefits while protecting a critically endangered species.

Module 12: Ecosystem Restoration and Protected Areas

• The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and its connection to the CBD.
• Planning and implementing large-scale ecosystem restoration projects.
• Management and governance of protected areas.
• The "30x30" target and its implications for global land use.
• Case Study: A national restoration program that has successfully revitalized a degraded landscape and restored critical habitats.

Module 13: Education, Communication, and Public Awareness (CEPA)

• The importance of CEPA for effective CBD implementation.
• Strategies for raising public awareness about biodiversity.
• Engaging different stakeholders, including youth and media.
• The role of education in fostering a culture of conservation.
• Case Study: A national campaign to raise awareness about the value of biodiversity and promote sustainable consumption habits.

Module 14: Cross-Cutting Issues and Emerging Trends

• The link between biodiversity and human health.
• Urban biodiversity and cities' role in conservation.
• Invasive alien species and their impact on ecosystems.
• Biodiversity and the post-2020 global agenda.
• Case Study: A cityΓÇÖs urban planning strategy that integrates green spaces and promotes urban biodiversity corridors.

Module 15: The Way Forward: Implementation and Future Challenges

• Review of progress under the CBD since 1992.
• Analyzing key challenges: Capacity-building, finance, and political will.
• The future of biodiversity governance and the role of new technologies.
• Personal action planning: How participants can apply their knowledge to their roles.
• Case Study: A multi-stakeholder partnership between a government, a non-profit, and a business to address a specific biodiversity challenge.

Training Methodology

This course utilizes a blended learning approach that combines interactive, self-paced online modules with live, facilitated sessions. The methodology is designed to be highly engaging and practical, ensuring participants can immediately apply their knowledge.

• Interactive E-Learning.
• Case Study Analysis.
• Expert-Led Webinars.
• Collaborative Forums.
• Practical Exercises.
• Gamified Learning.
• Resource Library.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.