Opinion: The capacity-building imperative — from proposals to progress

A project with the ambition and imperative of the Global Biodiversity Framework, or GBF, needs huge impetus and collaborative support to transition from paper to practice. And while countries across the globe are aligning their commitments, a critical gap remains — the capacity to implement them on the ground both in terms of financial resources and technical skills. This capacity gap is especially evident in countries where biodiversity conservation is critical to livelihoods, and yet the infrastructure to support these efforts remains underdeveloped. The private sector has a pivotal role to play and to contribute meaningfully to bridging this gap. Beyond attending high-level negotiations, the sector is well-positioned to support capacity building through the deployment of innovative technologies, knowledge sharing, and strategic partnerships. As we enter into the biodiversity conference COP16, the role of business continues to evolve, building bridges between the policy and the end user, and crucially to delivering the tools and expertise necessary to ensure that global biodiversity goals can be realized on the ground. The institutional capacity crunch As the delegates arriving in Cali, Colombia, today are acutely aware, nearly half of the world’s population relies directly on natural resources for its livelihood, with some of the most vulnerable communities depending on biodiversity for food, water, and shelter. Biodiversity loss poses significant risks to ecosystems, agriculture, and global economies, with the ability to monitor, restore, and protect these natural resources often constrained by limited institutional capacity. And it’s frequently the very communities most affected by biodiversity loss that are least equipped to implement solutions. While GBF offers a comprehensive blueprint for biodiversity conservation, the framework’s targets will remain aspirational unless nations can build the necessary capacity to execute the strategies it outlines. This includes technical expertise, financial resources, and infrastructure to ensure effective implementation. Leveraging private sector reach and resources To address the existing gaps, a more collaborative, cross-sectoral approach is essential. The private sector, alongside governments and civil society, has the potential to drive capacity-building efforts by leveraging its resources, innovation, and global networks. So what exactly does CropLife bring to the table? The innovations that flow from research and development in plant science, including the development of biostimulants, biopesticides, and digital technologies such as precision agriculture, have emerged as critical tools in mitigating biodiversity loss. These advancements enable farmers to increase yields sustainably and minimize the expansion of agricultural activities into ecologically sensitive areas. Technologies that optimize input use, such as water and nutrients, further contribute to protecting natural habitats while improving productivity. Ecosystem restoration has also become an essential component of biodiversity conservation. Techniques for recovering and restoring degraded lands — especially pastureland — have shown promise in improving productivity, sequestering carbon, and enhancing biodiversity. Practices such as the use of cover crops contribute to soil health, reduce erosion, and promote carbon sequestration, thereby offering an integrative approach to conservation and agricultural productivity. For this, innovative developments in farmer education and training become imperative. Turning capacity into action COP16 presents an important opportunity to recalibrate the global approach to biodiversity. The dialogue of the next two weeks is critical, but the real success depends on the crucial time between conferences when the hard work of translating agreements into action takes place. During these periods, the private sector plays an essential role in scaling capacity-building initiatives, particularly in regions where resources are limited. The Action Agenda for Nature and People of the Convention on Biological Diversity offers a platform for non-state players, including private stakeholders, to make concrete commitments that support biodiversity conservation. This initiative not only raises awareness but also enables businesses to contribute directly to reducing biodiversity loss through collaborative and scalable actions. For more information on CropLife International’s ongoing efforts to support the implementation of GBF, visit www.croplife.org.