CBCGDF International Department Hosts the 41st Global Environmental Governance Capacity Building Workshop | 2024

On the morning of November 15, 2024, the International Department of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), together with the "Ocean and Wetlands" Working Group, the Climate Change Working Group, the Bat Conservation Action Network (BCAN), and the CBCGDF Pick-up and Reduce Plastic Working Group, co-hosted the 41st Global Environmental Governance Capacity Building Workshop of the year (the 135th overall). 

1. Scientific Communication

This session of the workshop focused on the latest trends in environmental protection science communication. The heads of various communication platforms shared insights based on data collected over the past week, discussing ways to enhance public awareness of biodiversity conservation and green development, as well as how to inspire greater public engagement in these global efforts. Participants deliberated on strategies to capture societal hotspots, disseminate biodiversity knowledge from multiple perspectives, formulate effective and precise differentiated communication strategies, and leverage diverse communication materials for cross-sectoral outreach.

The Director of the CBCGDF International Department emphasized the scientific accuracy and correctness of the communication content, stressing the importance of responding swiftly to public concerns. She also underscored the need for improved communication and collaboration between platforms to raise public awareness of the importance of biodiversity and to encourage more people to participate in conservation efforts.

The workshop host, Linda Wong, Vice Secretary-General of CBCGDF, pointed out the significance of biodiversity and climate mainstreaming, as these are key to addressing global ecological challenges. Biodiversity mainstreaming refers to integrating biodiversity conservation into decision-making across all socioeconomic sectors, ensuring that development and conservation go hand in hand. Climate mainstreaming, on the other hand, involves incorporating climate change considerations into decision-making at all levels to mitigate and adapt to its impacts. She emphasized that CBCGDF’s media efforts must prioritize effective communication and public education on these critical issues.

2. Global Environmental Governance

On November 11, 2024, the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), including the 6th Conference of the Parties to the Paris Agreement, opened in Baku, Azerbaijan. During this event, CBCGDF’s International Department, at the invitation of the Azerbaijan Youth Teachers Association, participated in a thematic education and exchange activity on "Green Campuses." The event featured group discussions among young educators and a showcase of outcomes, promoting the exchange of practical experiences on green campus initiatives, building international friendships and partnerships, and offering a platform for sharing diverse views, knowledge, and best practices in environmental education and sustainable development. The head of CBCGDF’s Climate Change Working Group provided a summary of the conference’s progress and outcomes.

Additionally, CBCGDF is preparing for the 5th Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) session, which will take place in Busan, South Korea, from November 25 to December 1, 2024. This session will focus on drafting a legally binding international agreement on plastic pollution, including marine plastic pollution. On November 13, 2024, CBCGDF’s INC-5 delegation held its first pre-departure meeting to introduce the conference’s background, initial agenda, and key topics for discussion.

Last week, the head of CBCGDF’s “Reduce & Pick-up Plastics Initiative” was interviewed by Caixin Weekly, a prominent Chinese media outlet, regarding key issues and perspectives related to the ongoing negotiations on the plastic pollution treaty.

3. Policy Recommendations and Standards

Social organizations play a vital role in policy recommendations and decision-making consultations. These organizations, often closely connected with grassroots communities, possess a deep understanding of societal issues and public needs. Moreover, representing diverse social groups and interests, they can offer multifaceted perspectives that contribute to more comprehensive and balanced policymaking. CBCGDF has long been involved in various decision-making consultations related to ecological and environmental issues.

This workshop reviewed the organization’s policy recommendations over the past two weeks. Since November 2024, CBCGDF has contributed suggestions on several key drafts, including the "Beijing Snow and Ice Removal Operation Plan (Pilot)," the "Draft Environmental Protection Regulations of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region," the "Regulations on Distributed Photovoltaic Power Generation Development and Management," the "Notice on Strengthening the Supervision of Ecological Restoration in Production Mines," the "Management Measures for Green Product Certification and Labeling," and the "National Ecological Environment Standards: Ecological Environment Zoning and Control Technical Guidelines (Draft)." 

Linda Wong emphasized the need for proactive thinking at the forefront of policy development and reaffirmed the irreplaceable role of social organizations in environmental policy. She noted that social organizations, with their vast networks, are uniquely positioned to mobilize societal forces to contribute to environmental protection, thereby creating a powerful collective force.

Note: This article is a record of routine work, and the information provided is for reference only.

Written by: Wendy

Reviewed by: Sara

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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