Work Stream: “The role of Social Dimensions of Biodiversity – in Research, Policy and Practice”
The Social Dimensions of Biodiversity concerns all the aspects that relate to people vis a vis their activities in relation to nature. This may involve the socially produced drivers of biodiversity loss, and the social contexts in which these emerge (such as economic or political relationships). It may involve the ways that biodiversity is incorporated into social and cultural contexts of particular places, as in biocultural heritage and nature’s contributions to people. It may also relate to the ways that social relations are integral to addressing biodiversity loss through conservation, management and restoration efforts. In terms of practice, the social dimensions of biodiversity involve the various ways that biodiversity conservation related actions link with related actors, whether through deliberate actions, such as engagements, learning and communications strategies, but also unplanned processes, such as acts of resistance from local communities. This work stream will facilitate dialogue on and explore the social dimensions of biodiversity in research and in relation to current policy and practice as the implementation of the UN Global Biodiversity Framework GBF and the need to bridge knowledges on biodiversity conservation both between natural and social science disciplines and with local and traditional knowledge.
As one example section C of the GBF represents a commitment towards more pluralistic governance, where reciprocal relationships, rights and values of nature, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), women and future generations are recognized equally and as vital in efforts to tackle biodiversity loss. This represents a departure from the older technoscientific paradigm (which privileged specific worldviews, values and knowledge systems), and supports greater participation and the meaningful inclusion of traditional knowledge for implementation efforts. With only six years to achieve global commitments to prevent further biodiversity loss, progress towards the GBF must be rapid for effective and transformative changes. There is a great need to build greater understanding and collaboration across intertwined knowledge fields and action on the ground. The need to bridge knowledge communities for transformative change is further stressed in the recent IPBES Nexus Assessment that explores the interlinkages and interconnections between crises in biodiversity, water, food, health and climate change. The IPBES Transformative Change Assessment focuses on the underlying drivers of biodiversity loss and the kind of system-wide changes needed to conserve and restore where social dimensions are key. With the right support, these assessments could become platforms for greater interdisciplinary collaboration focussing on the interlinkages and drivers of biodiversity loss, climate change, and social inequalities.
To do this research, policy and practice actors working with biodiversity need enhanced understanding of the social dimensions of biodiversity often insufficiently included in biodiversity conservation efforts. This work stream aims to be a forum for enhancing knowledge and dialogue on the social dimensions of biodiversity in research, policy and practice. The work stream will be further developed during online and in-person meetings during 2025 with Focali members, partners and other actors of relevance. The Focali annual meeting and a proposed conference session will be two such occasions. Focali will in addition continue to facilitate dialogues together with partners on the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework where issues in this work stream as social and rights dimensions and recognition of Indigenous and local communities’ knowledge will continue to be key areas in focus.
Work stream lead:
Focali member Stephen Woroniecki, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, London UK
Stephen Woroniecki has an interdisciplinary research background in biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation and loss and damage. He has worked and studied at the University of Edinburgh, Stockholm Resilience Centre, Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies and The Centre for Climate Science and Policy Research in Linkoping. Stephen was part of the IPBES Transformative Change assessment and was representative for Focali at COP16 in Cali and has led several dialogues related to social dimensions of biodiversity as well as related developments in policy and practice. He is currently the Principal Research Officer for WWT at the London Wetland Centre and active in the Focali research network currently to advance this work stream and related collaborations.
This work stream is under development with additional Focali members and partners. More information on members in the work stream, related projects, publications and activities will be published here. For questions or suggestions on this work stream and Focali connect with the Focali Project Manager Maria Ölund: maria.olund@gu.se
Past related events arranged with partners:
Focali and the Focali - SIANI collaboration have together with partners as Swedbio, Sida, BECC, GGBC, LU – CEC, LUCSUS, SEI and other actors in biodiversity research and practice arranged several past events of relevance to this work stream and the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework:
Webinar Post match analysis COP16 – learn what happened and why it matters - SIANI
A workshop series ahead of COP16 and the official session “Inclusive Conversations: Exploring the Role of a Human Rights-Based Approach for Biodiversity and Climate Action”
The webinar COP15 Post-match analysis – How can the new Global Biodiversity Framework be a transformative moment for nature and people? - SIANI and the article COP15 — A Transformative Moment for Biodiversity Conservation? - SIANI
A panel one year after COP15 with key actors Biodiversity, climate & development – Sweden's role - Panel discussion | Focali Annual Meeting 2023 (youtube.com)
The webinar Addressing biodiversity and livelihood protection with a human rights-based approach - SIANI and it´s program Human Rights-based approach to safeguard biodiversity and livelihoods - SIANI
The Stockholm +50 associated event held at Sida Transforming our Relation with Nature – Indigenous Peoples’ role for a healthy and just planet - SIANI