Panama becomes the regional epicenter by hosting the Regional Workshop on the Implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) from November 26 to 28. This unified international commitment integrates Panama's obligations on biodiversity, climate change, desertification, plastics, and marine and terrestrial conservation into a single Country Plan, seeking clarity and transparency. Juan Bello, Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), highlighted the region's importance as the area with the highest concentration of biodiversity on the planet. He stated that "the prosperity and well-being of this region depend precisely on how we care for and use that biodiversity, which is exactly that natural capital we have, where our present and our future lie." This coordination seeks a more effective implementation of the KM-GBF in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region. This initiative arises from the agreements of the Forum of Ministers of the Environment of LAC, where Panama assumed the presidency for the period 2025-2027. The agreed roadmap includes developing a regional diagnosis on the progress of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), which are key instruments for translating global commitments into national actions. Panama's Minister of the Environment, Juan Carlos Navarro, welcomed the event on behalf of the President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino. Navarro pointed out that Panama is building the process of updating its NBSAP by linking it to the Panama's Nature Promise Country Declaration. This event is part of the strategy to strengthen technical and scientific cooperation capacities, mobilize resources, and advance the development of essential project concept notes for the implementation of the KM-GBF in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The workshop, facilitated by Panama's Ministry of the Environment (MiAMBIENTE) and coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, focuses on capacity building, knowledge sharing, and South-South cooperation. Regional Roadmap and Panama's Commitment The workshop will bring together strategic partners, implementing agencies, regional organizations (such as SICA and CARICOM), and national representatives, who will work jointly on the formulation of prioritized concept notes. The workshop will be held under a participatory approach, combining technical presentations, discussion panels, group work sessions, and validation plenaries to generate concrete inputs for project formulation and strategic decision-making.
