Trialogue for the Countries Supported by the BES Solution Fund

Group photo of the BES Solution Fund Trialogue 2023 participants

Nature is fundamental for human well-being and is at the core of sustainable development. As humanity’s most potent ally in eradicating poverty and advancing climate action, nature-based solutions are critical in achieving the targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris Agreement.

With the overarching aim to support dialogue and collaborative action between science, policy and practice communities, the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net) promotes the co-creation and translation of the latest evidence base into concrete solutions for biodiversity and ecosystem conservation worldwide. Meanwhile, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) contributes to the roll-out of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), enhancing the science-policy interface on biodiversity and ecosystem issues through the release of pivotal assessment reports.

As we stand at a critical point in our planet's biodiversity and ecosystems, the BES Solution Fund Trialogue, which took place in Hanoi on 4–6 October 2023, served as a beacon of hope and action for halting biodiversity loss and fostering a sustainable future, in line with the vision outlined by global agendas and frameworks. Eight countries participated in the event: Cameroon, Colombia, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Nigeria, Trinidad and Tobago and Viet Nam.

Envisioned as a seed fund to catalyse transformative change, the BES Solution Fund is supporting a total of 18 countries in four phases up to 2028, with each beneficiary country completing the implementation of the Fund within two years.

What is the BES Solution Fund?

What is a Trialogue?

The Trialogue is a multi-stakeholder dialogue event that focuses on enhancing the science-policy-practice interface for the sustainable conservation and management of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

The overarching objective of the Trialogue in support of the BES Solution Fund countries was to provide the policymakers, scientists and practitioners who have been deeply engaged in the Fund implementation with a platform to share experiences and lessons learned and explore further actions based on the newly acquired knowledge and amplified network.

The Trialogue was also an opportunity for bilateral and multilateral exchanges to explore various options to promote institutional and economic sustainability of the activities supported by the BES Solution Fund.

The sailing boat metaphor, which accompanied and guided the Trialogue participants through the event, symbolically represents BES Solution Fund countries and their journey towards the vision described in the GBF, SDGs and other relevant frameworks.

Each country, represented by a boat, is on a sailing journey...

...towards a world where people live in harmony with nature and where biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, maintaining ecosystems services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people.

This goal is outlined by the Global Biodiversity Framework and aligned with the 2030 Agenda and SDGs represented by the lighthouse.

National policies, strategies, plans and programmes function as the engine of the boat, propelling it in the right direction.

The national biodiversity platforms (the captain of the boat) guide and navigate the journey informed by the latest BES evidence (e.g., IPBES reports and NEAs) represented by the map and compass.

A strong science-policy-practice interface represents a crew with diverse skill sets to support the captain in keeping the boat safe and on track.

The BES Solution Fund serves as one of the sources of energy that can be temporarily used to switch on the boat engine and align the sails with the wind and currents.

Dialogue (represented by the radio) is an enabling cross-cutting approach to ensure inclusive and gender-responsive participation. The Trialogue is a tool to bring voices, address obstacles and explore new opportunities.

The BES Solution Fund Trialogue took place over the course of three days, from 4 to 6 October 2023:

Day 1 kicked off the event with an opening ceremony and a keynote focused on new opportunities for nature through the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and how IPBES can assist countries in drawing on the evidence base to inform policymaking and maximize engagement. The Sailing Boat poster was also inaugurated during this day.

Day 2 offered a hands-on experience, taking participants to a natural reserve to witness real-world biodiversity challenges and solutions. The Bright Spot posters series was also a highlight of the second day.

Day 3 focused on the sustainability of initiatives supported by the BES Solution Fund and future planning, providing space to reflect on the potential of the formal and informal partnerships built to date.

This rich agenda offered a comprehensive blend of theory, multisensory experiences, discussions and reflections, making the Trialogue a pivotal gathering for stakeholders in the biodiversity and ecosystem services.

As we converge for meaningful dialogues during our events, it is pivotal to acquaint ourselves with the diverse initiatives and strategies undertaken by different countries. This knowledge not only broadens our perspectives but also enriches our discussions, allowing for more nuanced and insightful interactions.

By appreciating the varied approaches and solutions implemented globally, we can foster a collaborative spirit, learn from each other’s experiences and collectively envision innovative pathways for a harmonious coexistence with nature.