Belgium has committed itself at international and European level to the implementation of the Convention on Biodiversity and its Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 (SP). This includes financial support both with regard to adequately financing our own national efforts as well as supporting developing countries to implement the CBD.

Objectives 15.1-15.4 of the updated NSB express this national and global engagement and need to be seen in light of CBD Article 20 (§1-4) as well as several subsequent COP decisions (COP9/11-COP10/2-COP11/4). Furthermore UNGA resolutions 65/161 and 67/212 also expressed political commitment to the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity. Finally, this was internalized at EU level through several Council Conclusions (in particular December 2010 and June 2011) and in the EU Biodiversity Strategy.

Resource mobilization under the CBD relates to increasing funding for biodiversity-related activities, both nationally and globally to reach the Aichi Targets in line with CBD Article 20. However, the overall picture must be kept in mind when addressing SNB Objective 15, since this is not just about ‘flows’ of funding but also about engaging the private sector, reducing costs, increasing sectoral integration, enhancing effectiveness of funding (both nationally & in developing countries), etc. Therefore many actions have already been taken by and remain still available to the relevant administrations and other actors to contribute to Objectives 15.1 – 15.4 in line with their own capacities and/or competences and are not limited to increasing net funding flows towards third countries.

The set of 4 objectives 15.1-15.4 covers a whole range of ways to mobilize biodiversity resources which are mutually supportive. Several of these are directly related to other SNB Objectives, in particular Objectives 5-11-12 and 13. Just like Aichi Target 20 will contribute to and also benefit from the proper implementation of the other Aichi Targets, this Objective 15 will both contribute to and benefit from progress under the other NSB Objectives, depending on how those are implemented.

To carry out the present National Biodiversity Strategy, there is a need to carry out further actions in key areas. Investments in coherent and integrated biodiversity activities should be substantially increased. Financing will be supported by Regional and Federal environmental administrations, other relevant administrations and funding bodies, including the private sector.