This side-event will explore the national restoration strategies and goals within Latin American countries, focusing on the implementation of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The event aims to facilitate dialogue among policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to share experiences, challenges, and best practices in biodiversity conservation and restoration.

The proposed side-event, "Towards 2030: National Restoration Strategies and Implementation of NBSAPs and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in Latin America," is highly relevant and critical to the objectives of COP16, and also for the UN decade for ecosystem restoration targets. This event will provide a platform for Latin American countries to discuss their national restoration policies, strategies, share progress on implementing National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs), and align these efforts with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

Highlights of the event:

1. Promoting Regional Collaboration: Latin America is home to some of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems. The region faces unique challenges and opportunities in biodiversity conservation and restoration. By bringing together representatives from various countries, this event will foster regional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of joint strategies to address common issues.
2. Aligning National Efforts with Global Goals: The KMGBF sets ambitious global targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. Aligning national restoration strategies with these goals is crucial for achieving global biodiversity outcomes. This event will facilitate discussions on how Latin American countries can integrate KMGBF targets into their national plans, ensuring coherent and effective implementation.
3. Showcasing Best Practices and Innovations: Latin American countries have developed innovative approaches and best practices in biodiversity restoration. This event will provide a platform to showcase successful case studies fostering learning and inspiration for other regions. Highlighting these initiatives aligns with COP16's objective of promoting practical solutions and scalable models for biodiversity conservation and reverse loss of nature.
4. Engaging Diverse Stakeholders: Effective biodiversity restoration requires the participation of diverse stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, indigenous communities, the private sector, and civil society. This event will encourage inclusive dialogues, ensuring that all voices are heard and that restoration strategies are equitable and culturally appropriate. Engaging a broad audience supports the Green Zone's aim of fostering inclusive and participatory discussions.

Contribution to COP16 Objectives

• Enhancing Biodiversity Conservation: By focusing on national restoration strategies and the implementation of NBSAPs and the KMGBF, the event directly contributes to COP16's overarching goal of biodiversity conservation. It aligns with the conference's mission to promote urgent and transformative actions to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.
• Supporting Sustainable Development: The event will highlight the links between biodiversity restoration and sustainable development goals (SDGs), such as poverty alleviation, climate action, and sustainable use of natural resources. This supports COP16's commitment to integrating biodiversity considerations into broader development agendas.
• Fostering Peace with Nature: By emphasizing the role of biodiversity in promoting peace and well-being, particularly through the involvement of indigenous and local communities, the event aligns with COP16's theme of "Peace with Nature." It underscores the importance of conservation efforts in fostering social harmony and sustainable livelihoods. The event will also emphasize that restoration is not just about ecological impacts, but also generate positive impact in human relations.
• Promoting Environmental Justice: The event will address issues of environmental justice, ensuring that biodiversity restoration efforts are inclusive and equitable. This is in line with COP16's focus on protecting environmental defenders, addressing environmental crimes, and promoting fair resource distribution.

Principal Objectives of the Event

1. Facilitate Regional Collaboration: To foster regional cooperation and knowledge exchange among Latin American countries on biodiversity restoration strategies, promoting joint efforts and mutual support.
2. Align National and Global Goals: To support the alignment of national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs) with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, ensuring coherent and effective implementation.
3. Showcase Best Practices: To present and discuss successful case studies and innovative approaches in biodiversity restoration from Latin America, providing models and inspiration for other regions.
4. Engage Diverse Stakeholders: To create an inclusive platform for dialogue among governments, NGOs, indigenous communities, the private sector, and civil society, ensuring that biodiversity restoration efforts are participatory, equitable, and culturally appropriate.

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