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Throughout the 16th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) in Cali, Colombia, there was focused attention on gender-responsive and inclusive biodiversity action. This was more than talk. Representatives of governments and civil society were specific about their challenges and asks, and they also offered concrete recommendations about how to move forward the “gender target” adopted two years prior at COP15 in Montreal.

VANCOUVER – The Global Environment Facility has selected 23 civil society organizations as winners of its Inclusive GEF Assembly Challenge Program, a novel initiative reflecting a commitment to support and elevate community-driven climate and nature projects and the unique contributions of Indigenous Peoples, women, girls, and young people across the GEF partnership.

Women and girls are bearing a disproportionate burden in this time of environmental strain. Fires, storms, floods, and droughts have direct impacts on those tasked with collecting water, securing food, and caring for families. At the same time, women’s voices are often sidelined – or missing altogether – in decision-making about the environment and how to care for it.