KM4B Webinars Series

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Webinar 5
Date 3 October 2023
ThemeKnowledge Management in biodiversity project management
Presentation 1Leveraging lessons learned from across the project portfolio of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Presenters: Frédérique Matras, Coordinator of the Knowledge Platform for Emergencies and Resilience, FAO

Full provisional programme for the first knowledge management for biodiversity (KM4B) webinar series

(Version of 22 September 2023)

Webinar 1
Date5 September 2023
ThemeUnlocking the power of knowledge to support implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
Presentation 1
Introduction to knowledge management under the Convention and its Protocols: Target 21 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Knowledge Management for Biodiversity Initiative

Presenter: Erie Tamale, Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity
Presentation 2Leveraging knowledge management to support the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework goals and targets and the Sustainable Development Goals

Presenter: Andreas Brandner, Knowledge for Development Partnership
Recordinghttps://youtu.be/Ff7hPz9LUt0
SummaryThe webinar was hosted by the CBD Secretariat.

On behalf of the Acting Executive Secretary, Mr. Erie Tamale, Head of the Capacity Building and Knowledge Management Unit, welcomed the participants and thanked K4DP and other partners for accepting to collaborate with the Secretariat in delivering the first KM4B webinar series. He hailed the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) as a major milestone but noted that its real significance will depend on how effectively it is implemented and monitored successfully to achieve its ambitious goals and targets. He urged Parties to initiate concrete biodiversity actions and ensure that the best available data, information and knowledge are easily accessible to decision makers, practitioners and the public.

Mr. Tamale then delivered the first presentation in which he introduced KM under the CBD and its protocols, including Target 21 of the GBF, outlined some of the existing KM tools and initiatives and described the core elements of the draft knowledge management component of the GBF currently being re-developed as per COP decision 15/16. He also described the Knowledge Management for Biodiversity (KM4B) initiative which aims to develop national capacities in KM to support evidence-based biodiversity planning, policy and decision-making, implementation as well as monitoring and reporting of progress towards the achievement of the GBF goals and targets. The initiative will facilitate the organization of KM4B Challenges to enable Parties to analyse their KM needs and challenges, co-create solutions and develop national KM strategies; catalyze activities to strengthen the Parties' human resources and institutional capacities in KM, foster a culture of open sharing of knowledge, and promote and strengthen KM4B networks and communities of practice.

Prof. Andreas Brandner from the Knowledge for Development Partnership (K4DP) delivered the second presentation on leveraging KM to support implementation of the GBF goals and targets and the SDGS. He emphasized the need for KM to be systematic and the various steps of identifying, acquiring, creating, sharing, applying, capturing, and auditing knowledge. He noted that while global initiatives are important, national and local KM strategies are critical to finding concrete localized solutions. He also highlighted the importance of adopting a multi-stakeholder approach to KM, bringing together governments, academia, NGOs, businesses, IPLCs and the public. He noted that collaboration and co-creation can help to develop a joint knowledge agenda for biodiversity.
Q and AThere was a question regarding the difference between data, information and knowledge. The presenters explained the hierarchy - data are the raw observations, facts and unprocessed figures; information is organized, structured, processed and contextualized data; while knowledge is information that is synthesized and transformed through cognitive processing into ideas, insights, know-how; and wisdom relates to human intuition and insight based on repeated application of knowledge and may ultimately be codified into beliefs, traditions, philosophies and principles.

Another question was whether KM strategies could be incorporated into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) rather than establishing them as standalone strategies. The presenters responded that incorporating KM in NBSAPs is advisable, but they also noted that developing detailed standalone KM strategies may be useful, as NBSAPs are generally broad policy documents that may not provide enough operational detail.

There was also a question on how to engage diverse stakeholders and IPLCs in knowledge management. The responses emphasized the principles of knowledge co-creation, knowledge inclusion especially for marginalized groups, and respect for the rights of IPLCs and their prior informed consent before traditional knowledge is accessed. IPLCs should be active contributors to KM4B, and not just have their knowledge extracted, without their consent.

One participant asked about developing metadata standards and knowledge graphs to connect information from diverse sources. The presenters agreed that it is critical for people to find and interpret information across languages, knowledge platforms, and different terminologies.

Several questions and comments focused on the need for developing national capacity on knowledge management, especially for the national focal points and practitioners. Suggestions included organizing dedicated trainings, on-job learning and certification programmes to enhance the KM skills of managers.

Overall, the Q&A session was very lively, which demonstrated the participants' interest in practical implementation of KM at various levels. The presenters provided good insights on stakeholder engagement, capacity building, metadata standards and translation of KM principles into action.
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Webinar 2
Date12 September 2023
ThemeScaling up knowledge management to achieve the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (part 1: global initiatives)
Presentation 1
(part 1)

(part 2)
Supporting and enhancing biodiversity knowledge management efforts: the envisaged role of the Global Knowledge Support Service for Biodiversity

Presenters: Natasha Ali, Senior Programme Officer, UNEP-WCMC and Grégoire Dubois, Project Leader, EC Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity.
Presentation 2
Leveraging experiences and lessons learned from knowledge management for agriculture development in Africa

Presenter: Benjamin Abugri, KM Manager, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa
Recordinghttps://youtu.be/sFcqNSTsNvA
SummaryThe second webinar include three presentations.

The first presentation described the role of the Global Knowledge Support Service for Biodiversity (GKSSB) in supporting and enhancing biodiversity knowledge management efforts . The GKSSB aims to support countries in implementing and monitoring the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It will adopt a federated and non-duplicative approach, building on existing initiatives. The GKSSB includes the following core components:

1. Strengthening national capacity for biodiversity data, information and knowledge management (including capacity to collect, curate, validate and share information and knowledge; to upgrade national information systems, and to use data and information for planning, policy and decision making, implementation and monitoring and reporting of progress);

2. Facilitating technology transfer and digital transformation to increase the Parties’ digital readiness, facilitate partnerships with technology and data providers to support NBSAPs and GBF implementation, and enable peer-to-peer support and replication of good practice;

3. Enabling Parties and stakeholders to strengthen knowledge governance, including policies and data standards to improve information sharing and interoperability;

4. Facilitating a biodiversity knowledge hub to increase accessibility to available knowledge resources from various sources to support NBSAPS & GBF implementation - complementing and connecting existing resources and initiatives; directing users to existing resources, knowledge, initiatives and expertise; creating efficiencies in data aggregation and tracking of progress; streamlining workflows and enhancing transparency; and

5. Mobilizing sustainable financing for biodiversity data and knowledge.

The GKSSB will connect and enhance visibility of networks like the Biodiversity Indicators Partnership that produce data to inform the Framework. Its governing body will comprise national, regional and global institutions. UN agencies would provide coordination support.

The second presentation highlighted the lessons learned from knowledge management for agricultural development in Africa (KM4AgD) spearheaded by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), including through platforms such as the Observatory for African Agriculture. FARA developed a knowledge management framework and has to date organised three regional KM Challenges to build KM capacity in African countries. The challenges facilitate training, sharing of best practices, and co-creating solutions to common agricultural knowledge gaps. Some of the main outcomes of the KM Challenges include national KM strategies, certified knowledge managers, communities of practice, and public-private partnerships. The key lessons learned so far include the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration, strategically positioning knowledge management, and engaging national focal points.
Q and AThe lively Q&A session covered various topics including stakeholder participation, indigenous knowledge, metadata standards, and national coordination mechanisms:

• Stakeholder participation and capacity building: Questions focused on how to ensure that the knowledge support initiatives engage the broad diversity of stakeholders and groups working on biodiversity issues. Suggestions included tailored regional support, a federated system, and matchmaking mechanisms to connect countries with relevant experts and resources.

• Indigenous knowledge: Panelists emphasized the vital role of regional hubs in capturing and integrating indigenous knowledge, adhering to the CARE principles for Indigenous Data Governance (Collective benefit, Authority to control, Responsibility and Ethics) that guide appropriate use and reuse of Indigenous data. Global coordination can help in consolidating and sharing of best practices in this challenging area.

• Metadata standards: Participants asked about how metadata frameworks and knowledge graphs could be developed to enhance interoperability, considering linguistic and conceptual differences. Speakers agreed that common standards are critical for people to find, interpret and reuse information across knowledge platforms.

• National coordination: Questions highlighted the need for country-level focal points and systems to coordinate biodiversity knowledge efforts. Panelists said engaging and building capacity of national coordinators improves discovery, sharing, and overall knowledge management.

• Sustainable financing: Concerns were raised about common cases where KM activities stall when projects end. Suggestions included ongoing resourcing for national systems, pooling donor funding, and emphasizing sustainability.

• Multi-sectoral approach: Participants emphasized importance of linkages across biodiversity, climate, agriculture etc. Knowledge management should align goals of different groups (government, business, communities).

The discussion revealed the practical importance of knowledge management for biodiversity and highlighted key action points and areas for urgent attention.
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Webinar 3
Date 19 September 2023
ThemeScaling up knowledge management to achieve the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (part 2: regional initiatives)
Presentation 1Leveraging experience and lessons learned from existing knowledge management initiatives: examples from Regional Observatories for Protected Areas and Biodiversity under the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management Programme

Presenter: Trevor Sandwith, Director, IUCN Centre for Conservation Action
Presentation 2Leveraging experiences and lessons learned from the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity knowledge management programme

Presenter: Renée Lorica, Knowledge Management Specialist, ASEAN Center for Biodiversity
SummaryThe first presentation highlighted the experiences and lessons learned from the five BIOPAMA Regional Observatories for Protected Areas and Biodiversity. BIOPAMA aims to improve conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resources in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. Key points:

• BIOPAMA has established regional observatories as knowledge hubs in the Caribbean, Central Africa, East and Southern Africa, West Africa and the Pacific to support decision making on biodiversity at national and regional levels. They support data collection, analysis, monitoring and reporting; develop the capacities of local actors (staff and organisations) to manage this information; and provide policy guidance for better planning and decision making on biodiversity.

• Over 2,000 protected area professionals have been trained and communities of practice have been established.

• BIOPAMA is providing tools, such as the Integrated Management Effectiveness Tool (IMET), to respond to specific requests in data collection, information management, governance assessments and others. The observatories also use tools like the PANORAMA platform to share best practices and lessons learned from projects implemented through their grant-making facility.

• The observatories also play a key role in connecting local knowledge generated through projects to national and global policy making.


The second presentation outlined the knowledge tools and services offered by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) through its KM programme. ACB facilitates cooperation on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use among ASEAN member states. Key points:

• ACB has adopted a KM plan to institutionalize their KM work, guided by regional strategic priorities.

• ACB’s knowledge tools and services include: ASEAN Clearing House Mechanism, the ASEAN Biodiversity Dashboard, the KM Platform, the ASEAN Biodiversity Outlook reports, policy briefs, data factsheets, journal articles, e-learning modules, capacity building workshops and webinars.

• ACB engages experts from ASEAN countries through the Scientific Advisory Committee to ensure quality and credibility of knowledge products.
Q and AThere was an extensive Q&A session which included discussions around issues such as how the regional centres such as the BIOPAMA regional observatories and ACB can support countries in implementing elements related to knowledge management in their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).

Other topics discussed included: mechanisms for enabling indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) to connect with each other and with scientists; and the importance of bringing people together for peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange. Some concerns were raised regarding the term "knowledge management" and its implications with respect to indigenous knowledge. Further consultations will be needed on this issue.

A total number of 130 participants joined the webinar. Participants will be able to continue the conversation through the dedicated discussion forum on the KM4B portal.
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Webinar 4
Date 26 September 2023
ThemeFrom theory to action: implementing knowledge management for biodiversity on the ground
PresentationsExperiences and lessons learned in integrating knowledge management into national biodiversity strategies and action plans

Presenter: Peter J. Dery, Convention on Biological Diversity national focal point for Ghana and Han De Koeijer, clearing-house mechanism national focal point for Belgium
Webinar 5
Date 3 October 2023
ThemeKnowledge Management in biodiversity project management
PresentationLeveraging lessons learned from across the project portfolio of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Presenters: Frédérique Matras, Coordinator of the Knowledge Platform for Emergencies and Resilience, FAO
Webinar 6
Date 10 October 2023
ThemeKnowledge management for conservation and restoration success (session 1)
PresentationsMobilizing and deploying the best available information and knowledge for evidence-based national biodiversity decision-making

Presenter: to be announced
Webinar 7
Date 24 October 2023
ThemeKnowledge management for conservation and restoration success (session 2)
PresentationRole of biodiversity knowledge networks and communities of practice in facilitating effective knowledge management

Presenters: representative of the Asia-Pacific Biodiversity Observation Network and Henrique Miguel Pereira, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research
Webinar 8
Date 31 October 2023
ThemeContinuous learning through knowledge management: transforming biodiversity management institutions into learning organizations
PresentationIntegrating knowledge management in biodiversity governance: experiences and lessons learned

Presenter: to be announced
Webinar 9
Date 7 November 2023
ThemeLeveraging cutting-edge technology for biodiversity knowledge management
Presentation 1Using remote sensing to collect and visualize data for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity

Presenters: representatives of Belarus and Gabon (to be confirmed)
Presentation 2Using artificial intelligence and other advanced digital technology for monitoring biodiversity

Presenter: to be announced
Webinar 10
Date 21 November 2023
ThemeIntegrating traditional and scientific knowledge for biodiversity conservation
Presentation 1Local and indigenous knowledge systems for biodiversity and ecosystems

Presenter: to be announced
Presentation 2Indigenous data governance: application of FAIR and CARE principles

Presenter: to be announced
Presentation 3Storytelling and other forms of sharing intangibles and tacit knowledge

Presenter: to be announced

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Secretariat of the CBD.