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True equality can only be achieved if the value that each individual brings is recognized, a theme that runs through any effective approach to gender protection. We can’t just look at women: we have to think about gender holistically, and the involvement of men is crucial to this process.
Failing to properly address gender issues – or ignoring its importance entirely – has been a long-standing problem in the field of conservation. So how do we seek progress?
Like biodiversity loss, gender is a delicate issue, and finding effective solutions requires a significant investment of time and money.
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Among positive shifts seen as gender equality in conservation, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Frameworkreached an agreement at COP15 in December 2022, not only mentioning gender issues in the 23 action goals to be achieved by 2030, but also including the independent goal of gender issues in protection for the first time.
Goal 23 is tasked with ensuring that “gender equality is achieved in the implementation of the framework through a gender-sensitive approach and that all women and girls have equal opportunities and capacities to contribute to the three objectives of the Convention…”.
Importantly, it promotes “full, equitable, meaningful and informed participation and leadership in all action, participation, policy and decision-making related to biodiversity”.
This goal is an important step forward, not least because it lays the groundwork for countries around the world to put gender on the agenda, whether through policy commitments, financing or real-world impact on the ground.
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Ways to promote gender equality described in the goals Simple identification beyond gender issues Actively promote fair participation and benefit distribution.
In the long run, I hope we can go one step further and allow these gender-responsive approaches to gender transition Action – Systemic change must be promoted if we are to truly achieve gender equality.
Days like International Women’s Day give us an important opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and consider what an “ideal” future might look like. Hopefully, in the near future, gender equality in conservation – and the structural changes needed to make it happen – will gain greater prominence on the global agenda.
Right now, one thing is clear: Gender-agnostic conservation programs — which deny women a real, active role in decision-making and implementation — risk exacerbating inequality.
And they can also be ineffective due to insufficient information, undermining our efforts to tackle biodiversity loss. This is a battle we cannot afford to lose.
the author
Helen Anthem is Senior Gender Technologist at Fauna & Flora, an international wildlife conservation charity that works with partners around the world to protect nature.
