Gender equality and biodiversity are closely intertwined. There is increasing recognition within conservation and development communities of the vital roles women play in sustainable resource governance and conservation. Women, particularly in rural and Indigenous communities, are powerful agents of biodiversity protection and sustainable use due to their unique roles and knowledge of natural resources. Emerging evidence indicates that when women have secure land rights, efforts to protect biodiversity and build climate resilience are more successful.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) or the Biodiversity Plan, adopted at the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15-Part 2) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in December 2022, replaces the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 (Aichi Biodiversity Targets). Notably, COP15 adopted Target 23 on gender equality and a transformative Gender Plan of Action (2022-2030), which includes concrete actions and timelines.

Developed by Women4Biodiversity with support from WWF International, this training module is designed to guide the gender-responsive implementation of the KM-GBF and the Gender Plan of Action 2022-2030. It aims to raise awareness, build capacity, and engage decision-makers, civil society, the private sector, and other biodiversity stakeholders in advancing women’s rights, gender equality, and participation in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The module has been designed to accommodate both in-person and online learnings. It is divided into three sessions, and each session aims to enhance understanding of a diversity of concepts and related practices linked to gender and biodiversity.

This module is for gender and environment-focused decision-makers and practitioners and their networks, as well as NGOs, academia, and civil society organizations focused on the environment, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, and women’s rights. This module is also for anyone who would like to understand the deeper layers and nuances of gender issues in environment conservation.

DEVELOPED BY: Women4Biodiversity
FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT: WWF International
CITATION: Women4Biodiversity 2024