In this issue:
DSI, AI and technology titans
One of the most striking features of AI-driven SynBio is that much of the work is being led by the largest technology companies in the world. Most of these new AI/SynBio leaders are digital titans, with no previous experience in biotechnology or stewarding biodiversity but extensive experience in implementing monopolistic business models and skirting regulations. They are striking joint agreements or acquiring smaller biotechnology startups.
This is relevant for the discussions on Synbio and on risk assessment. But it also relevant for DSI, because these private databases, datasets and services use huge amounts of DSI, and the companies operating them intent to make money from them.
Here is a list of such companies. ...
by Frederic Hache; https://greenfinanceobservatory.org
Implement non-market approaches to the global biodiversity targets!
COP16 of the CBD’s 196 Parties comes at a crucial time to assess and turn the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) into a reality, yet the
negotiations have been dominated by a focus on the false solutions of market-based mechanisms such as biodiversity credits. Following the failure of the carbon credit system, is it not clear that such a system will not work for complex biological system?
Operationalising Target 23, through the indicator on National Implementation of the Gender Plan of Action?
At COP15, Parties to the Convention adopted Target 23 on gender equality and participation, as part of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF, Decision 15/4) also stresses that the successful implementation of the framework will depend on ensuring gender equality and empowerment of women and girls. At the same time, Parties also adopted the post-2020 Gender Plan of Action (2022-2030) (GPA, Decision 15/11). The 2023-2030 GPA highlights specific gender-responsive actions, deliverables, and timelines for various stakeholders, including Parties, the Secretariat, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), women’s groups/networks, and other relevant organizations, marking significant progress from previous plans. An approach for designing and using indicators to help monitor the implementation progress of the GBF was subsequently proposed through CBD/SBSTTA/24/3 and subsequently, the Monitoring Framework (Decision 15/5).