From commitments to actions: Making Agroecosystem Living Labs work for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

At the CBD COP16, a significant side event on 22 October 2024 co-organized by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the CGIAR highlighted the crucial role agroecosystem living labs play in achieving the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). These living labs-platforms for on-the-ground research and innovation-are becoming central to turning global biodiversity commitments into tangible action.

In his opening address, Patrick Caron, Co-chair of the CGIAR Board of Trustees, emphasized the importance of collaboration and capacity sharing across sectors. He noted that agroecosystem living labs are essential for demonstrating effective pathways to sustainably transform food, land, and water systems while enhancing biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services. Caron also stressed that these labs provide valuable data for monitoring the performance indicators of the K-M GBF and inform national biodiversity strategies and action plans. To meet the framework's ambitious goals, Caron argued for a blend of technical and social innovation, coherent policy development, and innovative financing.

The event brought together experts from key organizations, including AAFC, CGIAR Centers, FAO, the World Bank, CIRAD, and representatives of the farming community. The discussions revolved around the critical need for a whole-of-society approach in addressing biodiversity challenges, emphasizing the role of participatory research in agroecosystem living labs. The event also underscored the importance of both regional and global cooperation in moving from commitments to action-an essential shift for meaningful biodiversity progress.

Marcela Quintero, Associate Director General of Research Strategy and Innovation at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, highlighted the dual role of living labs in both experimenting and tracking progress. "Agroecosystem living labs are not only key for experimentation but also for monitoring performance indicators of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework," Quintero noted. She added that the results from these living labs are pivotal in refining national biodiversity strategies and adjusting implementation based on lessons learned.

"The achievement of the K-M GBF," Quintero emphasized, "requires not only technical and social innovations but also innovative financing and coherent policies at national and global levels." She underscored that success depends on a whole-of-society effort, where all stakeholders, from farmers to policymakers, are involved.
Sharing Canada's experience in implementing a national network of agroecosystem living labs, Karen Clark, Senior Policy Analyst in the Resilient Agriculture Policy Division at AAFC, outlined the journey from concept to action. "Our first Living Labs program, which ran from 2018 to 2023, started with just four labs. In five years, we co-developed over 50 sustainable management practices in collaboration with farmers, scientists, and partners. These practices focused on critical issues like habitat capacity, pollination, and soil health."
Clark detailed how the program has since expanded into the Agricultural Climate Solutions Living Labs, a 10-year, $185 million initiative focusing on innovations to enhance carbo

n sequestration and reduce greenhouse gases, while offering co-benefits for other environmental challenges. "One of our goals," she explained, "was to establish a living lab in each Canadian province. Today, we have 14 living labs in our national network, engaging over 1,000 people in active research and innovation."

The side event proved to be a powerful platform for sharing experiences and lessons learned from agroecosystem living labs. It not only showcased the success of existing efforts but also opened the door to new partnerships aimed at supporting the implementation of the K-M GBF. As countries around the world move from pledges to action, agroecosystem living labs offer a model of inclusive, participatory research that connects science with real-world solutions to protect biodiversity.

With strong international collaboration and a commitment to innovation, these labs are poised to play a critical role in safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.