The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) ratified and launched at 7th GEF Assembly |01 September 2023
Minister Joubert’s intervention at the plenary of the 7th GEF Assembly
Following the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at the historical COP 15, delegates from 185 countries ratified the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) at the Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Vancouver, Canada.
The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) is a new source of funding that will be used to support countries in meeting the goals and targets of the Global Biodiversity Frameworkfor protecting species and ecosystems globally.
Taking place from August 22-26, the 7th GEF Assembly builds upon recent diplomatic breakthroughs on biodiversity loss, toxic chemicals, and the high seas as well as being a critical stock take for the 2030 goals to end pollution and nature loss, combat climate change and propel inclusive, locally-led conservation. The event also saw early donations to the fund with Canada and the United Kingdom pledging 200 million Canadian dollars and 10 million pounds, respectively.
The GEF Assembly, which meets every four years, is a global body that coordinates financing for international efforts to address climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and strains on land and ocean health. The assembly brought together ministers, government officials, business leaders, environmentalists, leaders of international agencies and environmental conventions along with representatives of youth groups, civil society, and indigenous peoples.
The opening ceremony of the 7th GEF Assembly featured a traditional performance by members of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations to welcome delegates on their traditional, unceded lands. This was followed by opening remarks from Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada and Member of Parliament for Vancouver South and Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO and Chairperson of the GEF.
We are at a pivotal time of unprecedented environmental challenges as the world is being confronted by the triple crises of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. The urgency of a global response has never been greater. Now, more than ever, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to climate action and global collaboration. We need to work together in new ways—within and across countries and across sectors—to heal the planet.These were the messages that resonated loud and clear throughout the 5-day event. Positive messages that will be remembered far into the future.
“We have shown at the Seventh GEF Assembly that even in difficult conditions – with wildfire smoke as our backdrop – we can move forward to build a more biodiverse planet for everyone’s benefit,” said Carlos Manuel Rodríguez.
In his intervention, Minister Joubert expressed his appreciation of the work that GEF is doing especially with the recently launched Global Biodiversity Framework Fund. “We are convinced, from what we have heard in this room, that there is sufficient recognition by countries of the problem of biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and climate deregulation, that donors would respond positively to the call for capitalization of the fund” the ministerremarked. He further highlighted for the need of a just support for countries that are doing their best in addressing the global challenges. In this regard, he mentioned some of the achievements of Seychelles like the protection of ocean and land (achieving the 30 by 30 target under the Global Biodiversity Framework ahead of time, innovative financings and leading the African Island States Commission to name a few. He concluded his intervention by entrusting GEF to continue working for all countries regardless of their status.
In addition to the high-level sessions and roundtables, the 7th GEF Assembly featured a series of side events, workshops, and networking opportunities for participants. Delegates also had the opportunity to visit environmental projects in the Vancouver area. The Seychelles delegation took part in a number of these side-events. Some of the most notable ones were:
- A high-level meeting entitled Ministerial on Nature hosted by H. Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Canada, was held in Squamish, British Columbia (North of Vancouver) on August 23, 2023.
- The meeting provided a political platform where governments took stock of the successes, challenges, and opportunities to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The ministers shared views on achieving ambitious biodiversity outcomes leading up to the next Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. This meeting was viewed as the first major meeting of International Ministers on biodiversity and the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework since COP 15.
- The High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and People side-event “Accelerating global conservation efforts to achieve 30x30” invited Seychelles to deliver the opening remarks. The event presented a 30x30 Solutions Toolkit prepared by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s World Commission on Protected Areas (IUCN-WCPA) and HAC for Nature and People.
The toolkit can provide resources, knowledge-sharing and best practices to support countries in the planning, establishment, and management of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures. The Seychelles delegation had a discussion with the HAC to explore the possibility of the Seychelles piloting this toolkit.
The Seychelles delegation also had meetings with different organisations and groups present at the event, namely, GEF, UNEP, HAC, and the UNDP. Moreover, Minister Joubert had the opportunity to meet his fellow ministers from other countries.
The Seychelles were represented by Flavien Joubert, the Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment (MACCE), Tony Imaduwa, principal secretary for Climate Change and Energy and Cindy Clair Chang-Leng, chief programme coordinator at the Project Development and Coordination Section of the MACCE.
