‍Introduction

This year, the International Day for Biological Diversity is being celebrated with the theme of “building a shared future for all life,” which highlights the importance of biodiversity for all beings on the planet and the need for equitable resource utilization which is not threatening biodiversity and ecosystems. Additionally, the theme also focuses on the work of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity to establish a post-2020 global biodiversity framework, which is to be adopted at the upcoming UN Biodiversity Conference #COP15.

‍

The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

The Global Biodiversity Framework is currently under discussion and is in the process of preparation with inputs from parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity designed to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and achieve the vision of living in harmony with nature by 2050. With these multiple targets in mind, the framework is a crucial global strategy to not only achieve SDGs but also work towards halting biodiversity loss, recovery and restoration too.

‍

SLYCAN Trust and Biodiversity

In our work at SLYCAN Trust, we focus on biodiversity and ecosystems as a key thematic area. This includes the development of research and knowledge products, capacity building, impact assessments and evidence-based monitoring and evaluation, and activities related to conservation and restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity. SLYCAN Trust’s knowledge products on the topic of biodiversity and related thematic areas can be accessed via the Adaptation and Resilience Knowledge Hub. Some of the knowledge products developed by SLYCAN Trust related to the thematic areas concerning the Biodiversity Day include:

‍

• Research brief on Linking Agroforestry Systems to Climate Action and Sustainable Development: The research brief focuses on agroforestry systems and provides recommendations to establish comprehensive demonstration models, crop combination models and suggestions to provide agro-technical and financial information to farmers. This research also considers gendered aspects and women's contributions for sustainable agroforestry systems.

‍

• Policy brief on Mangrove Ecosystems in Sri Lanka : Climate Change Impacts and Community Based Conservation and project documentation video: These knowledge products focus on the subject of mangrove ecosystems and provide information about the legal framework, national policies, plans, and strategies for prevention of mangroves from destruction and degradation. They also highlight the role of local community partnerships and sustained engagement for preserving and conserving mangroves.

‍

• Research report and biodiversity assessment on Mangrove Ecosystem in Dikkowita: This case study focuses on mangrove conservation in the coastal town of Dikkowita. It identifies activities for conservation, restoration, and socio-economic development with the engagement of community, youth, and private/public sector in Dikkowita. The report also provides useful facts and information on the floral and faunal diversity of the mangrove system in Dikkowita. A similar report was done for the nearby Mangala-Eliya mangrove ecosystem as well, another project site for our coastal ecosystem protection work.

‍

• Webinar series on biodiversity: A series of informative virtual sessions on biodiversity conservation, human-wildlife conflict, the role of the private sector and innovative finance solutions in protecting biodiversity, links to international processes (including climate-related processes under the UNFCCC), and restoring the balance of Earth, conducted by renowned experts and practitioners from around the world.

‍

• Virtual event on the UN Food Systems Pre-Summit: Addressing the Interlinks of Climate Risk, Food Systems, and Human Mobility: This summit was conducted with the participation of various national, regional and international stakeholders to discuss interlinkages and build synergies between food security, climate disaster risk, and human mobility. The event recording can be accessed on the SLYCAN Trust YouTube Channel.

‍

• Twitter Chat on International Day for Biological Diversity: The twitter discussion revolved on how biodiversity conservation can be linked with achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and contribute to national development agendas focusing on recovery efforts connecting biodiversity with climate change. The discussion also factored in the actions, policies, and global processes and what different stakeholders to the process could contribute. The summary and reach of the discussion could be accessed via this link.

‍

SLYCAN Trust’s work on biodiversity in the context of climate change is interlinked with other cross-cutting themes such as youth and gender. The continuing projects related to biodiversity focus on the development of evidence-based knowledge products on ecosystem conservation and restoration; monitoring and evaluation of biodiversity-related climate and conservation actions; and biodiversity and climate finance, including investment opportunities at the local, national, and global level.