ESWATINI TO CHAMPION GENDER-INCLUSIVE BIODIVERSITY ACTION AT COP17

By Phumelele Gamedze

MBABANE – Eswatini is set to strengthen its contribution to global biodiversity conservation efforts through participation in the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17), taking place in Yerevan, Armenia, from October 19 to 30, 2026.

Held under the theme “Taking Action for Nature,” the international conference brings together government leaders, policymakers, scientists, international organisations, civil society, youth and private-sector representatives to advance efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Eswatini’s participation will include a series of gender-focused side events aimed at promoting gender equality, human rights, women’s leadership and inclusive community participation in biodiversity conservation.

The engagements will provide a platform for the country to share its experiences, exchange knowledge with international partners and explore practical ways of integrating gender considerations into biodiversity policies, programmes and conservation initiatives.

One of the key engagements is the official side event titled “Gender Inclusive Action for Biodiversity Outcomes: Gender Equality, Human Rights, and Community Engagement through NBSAPs,” scheduled for Thursday, October 22, at the Tatev Subnational Group Meeting Room, Block 2, third floor.

The session will examine how gender equality, respect for human rights and meaningful community engagement can strengthen National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and support more inclusive and effective biodiversity outcomes.

The event is organised by Costa Rica, Eswatini and Tajikistan, in partnership with the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, and the German development agency GIZ.

Also taking place on October 22 is “Protect People, Protect Nature: Addressing GBV in Biodiversity Conservation and Implementing GPA Objective 1.5,” at Forum A in the IUCN Pavilion.

The discussion will focus on addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in biodiversity conservation, strengthening safeguards within conservation initiatives and protecting women environmental defenders.

Participants will explore approaches to preventing and responding to gender-based violence, while considering how measures to address GBV can be incorporated into biodiversity policies, programmes and projects.

Eswatini will also participate in the interactive workshop “From Commitment to Practice: Co-designing Gender-Responsive Biodiversity Action,” scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, at the CGIAR Pavilion in the Blue Zone.

Organised under the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership Gender Project, the workshop will bring together representatives from seven participating countries to share experiences and lessons on advancing gender-responsive biodiversity action.

Using a World Café format, country representatives will facilitate discussions on their experiences in developing biodiversity policies and interventions that respond to gender considerations.

During the session, Eswatini will share lessons from its recently concluded gender and NBSAP project, including work on gender and biodiversity analysis and the development of a Gender Plan of Action for 2026 to 2030.

The workshop will also provide an opportunity to launch global guidance emerging from the project, supporting efforts to translate international commitments into practical action at national level.

Through these engagements, Eswatini will contribute to international discussions on ensuring that biodiversity conservation is not only environmentally sustainable but also inclusive, equitable and respectful of human rights.

The country’s participation highlights the importance of integrating gender equality and community involvement into biodiversity planning, recognising that effective conservation requires the meaningful participation and leadership of people across society.