Contribution of EU local and regional authorities to the 14th meeting of the UN Convention on Biodiversity (CBD COP 14)

This report aims to inform the work of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) in the drafting of an Opinion as Contribution of EU local and regional authorities (LRA hereafter) to CBD COP 14 (Nov. 2018, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt). It is based on desk research and the review of relevant literature. It presents the role of the LRA in achieving a successful implementation of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (ABTs) of the CBD Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and proposes recommendations on the main negotiations area for the post-2020 framework to be agreed in 2020 at CBD COP 15 in Beijing. The contribution of the CoR to the preparation of the EU positions for these negotiations is essential to shape ambitious yet realistic proposals grounded in sound multilevel governance approaches that will guarantee better implementation and effective delivery on the ground. The determining role of LRA for the implementation of EU policies and legislation to achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Targets has been largely recognised by CBD decisions and EU action plans, in particular with the direct association of the CoR through inter-institutional cooperation with the EC for the elaboration and implementation of the new Action for Nature, People and the Economy. The ABTs are closely interlinked with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), including objectives for climate change mitigation and adaptation. The implementation of the 2030 agenda at the local and regional level with the process of "Localising the SDGs" and the yearly Voluntary National Review to the UN High Level Political Forum can thus provide important opportunities for synergies, in particular for mainstreaming of biodiversity and ecosystem protection requirements in sectoral policies. It also creates new momentum for mobilisation on a broader basis and for awareness raising, including of policy decision makers, at all levels of governance. The alarming conclusions from IPBES 6 (March 2018) call for all parties to step up efforts towards achieving the ABTs. The run up to CBD COP 14 and COP 15 present multiple opportunities for LRA and their networks to engage, mobilise and contribute effectively to the process, including the preparation of national and European implementation reports to the CBD, regional conferences for the development of post-2020 proposals and the prospect to build on the experience of the preparation for UNFCCC COP 21 National Determined Contributions process. Shortcomings, delays and challenges in the multilevel governance approach for the implementation of the current Strategic Plan in the EU need to be addressed for the next period. The EU high level political agenda should clearly integrate and prioritise the biodiversity and sustainable development objectives in the scenarios for the Future of Europe. Recommendations proposed to the CoR in preparation for the EU contributions for the post-2020 CBD framework and CBD COP 14 relate to the following points: addressing the state of urgency and increasing mobilisation to take urgent, bolder actions building on partnerships with LRA; strengthening dialogue and formal inter-institutional cooperation with LRA; fostering stronger coherence among the biodiversity, SDGs and climate action agendas; updating and consolidating the CBD Plan of Action on Subnational Governments, Cities and other Local Authorities; enhancing multilevel governance and synergies to support efforts for SDG 11; making the resource mobilisation strategy an integral part of the new plan; promoting and strengthening the CBD Communication Education and Public Awareness work program with particular attention to LRA needs; taking into consideration the development of Locally Determined Contributions in the preparation of NDCs for biodiversity.