2011-10-Nairobi
3rd Expert Meeting on the GDI
09-11 October 2011
Ole Sereni Hotel
Nairobi, Kenya
Since the launch of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) almost 20 years ago at the 1992 Rio Conference, a continuing challenge has been to secure adequate financing for its implementation. In this regard, a Strategy for Resource Mobilisation was adopted in 2008 which was reinforced in 2010 by the adoption of the new Strategic Plan for Biodiversity.
Goal 4 of the Strategy is to “explore new and innovative financial mechanisms at all levels with a view to increasing funding to support the three objectives of the Convention.” It includes a commitment “to explore opportunities presented by promising innovative financial mechanisms such as markets for green products, business-biodiversity partnerships and new forms of charity.” In support of this commitment, the Green Development Initiative (GDI) is aiming to establish a certification system to facilitate financing for conservation and development on the ground.
On behalf of the GDI Board and the Biodiversity Policy Programme of the Government of the Netherlands, the 3rd Expert Meeting of the Green Development Initiative took place on 09-11 October 2011 in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants in the meeting included 36 experts from the fields of conservation and development and from the private sector and government. The majority of the participants were drawn from the African region.
The meeting explored how a green development certification system could facilitate an increased flow of funds for biodiversity, particularly from the private sector. It also explored the key aspects of GDI certification in terms of the CBD objectives and the MDGs. The meeting reviewed potential pilot projects in Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Sri Lanka and South Africa. It recommended that funding from developed country Parties of the CBD be made available for a pilot phase of the GDI to test the validity and marketability of green development land management certification.
Letter of support from Dr Julius Kipng’etich, Director, Kenya Wildlife Service
Meeting report [includes the outcome document, a list of the background documents and the participants list]
Preliminary agenda and logistical information
