Some dates to save in 2021!

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In 2021 the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss continues – with Protected Areas being at the forefront! To keep up-to-date, here are some events to mark in your calendar for 2021.

Happy new year from everyone at the EUROPARC Federation! To start the year of right we present some important nature related events and dates happening in January. Additionally, below you will find here some major events happening in 2021, so save the date!

11th of January: One Planet Summit for Biodiversity

France, with the United Nations and the World Bank, is organizing a ‘One Planet Summit’ for biodiversity on 11 January 2021 online. The Summit will bring together heads of state and government, leaders of international organizations, financial institutions, companies and NGOs, all ready to demonstrate that their commitments are leading to concrete actions to preserve and restore biodiversity, and to lead systemic transformations of our economies.

12th of  January: Conference #3 on Nature rights 

More than ever, human rights are being violated because of the destruction of nature and we have to work towards the recognition of nature rights as a condition and a tool for the respect and protection of human rights. Recognizing the rights of these ecosystems appear as a way to reinforce, behind nature’s protection, those of human rights and extend fundamental rights of all citizens.

14th of January: Stakeholder Workshop ‘Measuring the success of the CAP in achieving sustainability

The online workshop aims to engage stakeholders to assess the future data needs necessitated by reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, Green Deal, Farm to Fork and Biodiversity Strategy. The particular focus is on broadening the range of sustainability indicators (economic, environmental and social) used to assess progress towards a more sustainable food system and evaluate policy associated with the sector.

25th & 26th of January: Climate Adaptation Summit

The online international Climate Adaptation Summit (CAS) 2021 on 25 and 26 January, hosted by the Netherlands, convenes global leaders and local stakeholders. It will see the launch of a comprehensive Adaptation Action Agenda that sets out clear commitments to deliver concrete new endeavours and partnerships to make our world more resilient to the effects of climate change.

Events to look out for this year

17th -30th of May: COP15 UN Biodiversity Conference

The fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will review the achievement and delivery of the CBD’s Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020. It is also anticipated that the final decision on the post-2020 global biodiversity framework will be taken, together with decisions on related topics including capacity building and resource mobilization.

24th of May: European Day of Parks

The European Day of Parks is a commemorative day for Protected Areas across Europe that was launched in 1999 by the EUROPARC Federation to celebrate Protected Areas throughout Europe. It celebrates the creation of the 1st National Parks in Europe – a set of nine parks created in Sweden in 1909. This year’s theme is “Parks – The Next Generation“. We welcome Protected Areas to look at what lessons they have learned from COVID-19 and how we can apply them. It is time to refresh and rethink what parks offer, to adapt to new methods of communication, new infrastructures and new visitors. Of course, when thinking about a next generation of parks, youth involvement is absolutely essential – on all levels of parks management – as they are the next generation of nature professionals! More info is soon to follow.

31st of May – 4th of June: EU Green Week

The European Green Week 2021 will be dedicated to the ‘zero pollution ambition’. It will also look at other relevant European Green Deal initiatives, such the climate initiatives, the upcoming Chemicals Strategy, as well as initiatives in the field of energy, industry, mobility, agriculture, fisheries, health and biodiversity. EU Green Week 2021 will be an opportunity to engage with all stakeholders and interested citizens on how we can work together to make the ambition for a zero pollution and toxic-free environment a reality.

3rd – 11th of September: IUCN World Conservation Congress

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the congress was postponed in 2020 and is now scheduled to take place in 2021. The IUCN Congress brings scientific and technical experts to the table with political and private sector leaders to show how getting nature right can help achieve climate objectives and the vision of a more prosperous, healthy and equitable world by 2030.

4th – 8th of October: The EUROPARC Conference 2021

Of course there will be a EUROPARC Conference again in 2021, hopefully once again face to face! If the situation allows, we will meet in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands for the biggest event for Protected Area Professionals in Europe. This year we will pay “Tribute to our Landscape. Where nature and people meet in harmony“. During the conference, we will celebrate the beauty and diversity of the versatile European natural and cultural landscapes: we recognise the impact of humans on the landscape and will also discuss the dis-harmony that exists. Registration will be opened from 13th of May.

1st – 12th of November: COP26 UN Climate Change Conference

The COP26 summit will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. At the summit, delegates including heads of state, climate experts and negotiators will come together to agree coordinated action to tackle climate change. As well as the negotiations, there will also be space for countries, international organisations and other delegates to showcase climate action, highlight diverse climate change issues and share knowledge.

And much more!

Listed here is only a small selection of nature related events taking place in 2021. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn to stay up to date!

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