Growing demand for critical energy transition minerals, which are essential for clean energy technologies such as batteries, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar panels, remains a key challenge. It is projected to almost triple by 2030 as the world transitions from fossil fuels to renewable energy to reduce global carbon dioxide emissions to net zero by 2050.
At the same time, mineral exploration, extraction, and processing can place significant pressures on biodiversity, ecosystems, water resources, and the rights and livelihoods of women, Indigenous Peoples and local communities if not adequately governed.
Drawing on experiences from governments, international organizations, Indigenous Peoples, civil society, and development partners, this side event at the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will highlight lessons learned, emerging good practices and policy options for strengthening biodiversity-responsive governance across the mining lifecycle.
The overall objective of the side event is to facilitate South-South knowledge exchange and policy dialogue on governance approaches that support both responsible mining and biodiversity conservation. The side event will:
- Provide a platform for governments, private sector, industry, civil society, and Indigenous Peoples to discuss key challenges, opportunities, and policy trade-offs linked to critical energy transition minerals, including approaches to aligning national strategies and strengthening resilient supply chains.
- Identify opportunities to enhance international cooperation that promotes greater value creation, inclusiveness, sustainability, and resilience for developing countries across critical mineral value chains, in line with the UN Panel’s principles and recommendations.
- Share country experiences on integrating biodiversity considerations into mining policies, planning, and decision-making to advance multiple SDG dividends.
This event will be convened by UNDP, with UNEP, the IGF, and other partners.