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Multilateralism must be at the core of our climate response
As world leaders, CEOs and champions from civil society gather in Azerbaijan for COP29 this month, one issue stands above all others: How the world is going to foot the bill for the increasingly urgent global transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions and a more climate-resilient future.Talks…
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Engaging scientists and experts to build momentum for the protection of tropical primary forests
Good news for the planet and its primary forests: the Global Environment Facility has engaged world-class scientists and experts on mobilizing cutting-edge tools and practices to protect tropical primary forests. The initiative was introduced during a workshop on “Advancing the Integrated Approach…
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In Cali, gender equality champions chart a course for inclusive biodiversity action
Throughout the 16th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) in Cali, Colombia, there was focused attention on gender-responsive and inclusive biodiversity action. This was more than talk. Representatives of governments and civil society were specific about…
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Youth leaders informing and shaping biodiversity negotiations
Young people are not only interested in the global biodiversity summit underway in Cali, Colombia – they are taking center stage there, as active agents of change for the environment.Involving young voices and perspectives in decision-making about environmental funding is a core value of the Global…
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Climate change is a multiplier of challenges, so how can we adapt in the high mountains of Colombia?
The Colombian high-mountain region is constantly affected by the advance of urban footprints and the expansion of the agricultural frontier, which significantly contribute to the loss of biodiversity and the ecosystem services provided by the páramos. Additionally, the impacts of climate…
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Supporting sustainable livestock value chains to restore large rangelands
Rangelands are critical for biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the livelihoods of millions of pastoralists.These uncultivated grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, wetlands, and savannas play very important roles for both domestic and wild animals who use their native vegetation for grazing and…
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Unlocking climate action – the power of forest data transparency
In the battle against climate change, forests stand as stalwart allies. These green giants play a pivotal role in sequestering carbon dioxide, regulating the climate, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting livelihoods. However, the fate of forests worldwide hangs in a precarious balance due to…
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Small Island Developing States can be nature-positive leaders for the world
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are scattered across the globe, dotting the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean, the west and east coasts of Africa, and the Indian Ocean.These low-lying highly indebted countries are on the frontlines of climate change and natural resource scarcity, already facing…
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The Gustavo Fonseca Conference Room: Honoring a friend and mentor
On August 31, 2022, my friend and colleague Gustavo Fonseca, the Director of Programs at the Global Environment Facility, unexpectedly passed. In his honor, we have dedicated our main meeting room at the GEF offices in Washington, DC as the Gustavo Fonseca Conference Room.Gustavo loved the GEF and…
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The countdown to biodiversity COP16 in Cali has begun
In February, Gustavo Petro, the President of the Republic of Colombia announced that Cali will be the host city for the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) to be held from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1, 2024.
“We bow to the most biodiverse…
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