Announcement of Opportunity (AO) Satellite Mobilization for Biodiversity Action

3.1 Eligible Recipients

To be eligible under this AO, recipients must meet the eligibility criteria or one of the eligibility criteria as follows:

• For-profit organizations established and operating in Canada.
• Not-for-profit organizations established and operating in Canada.

3.2 Eligible Projects

To be eligible for CSA funding, projects must consist of one (principal) or more of the following research and development activities (R&D) of interest to Canada:

• Advancing scientific knowledge of ecosystems (applied R&D) by refining the use of satellite Earth Observation technologies and integrating with other information systems. For example, to better understand ecosystems/biomes to reduce associated threats and optimize restoration or sustainable stewardship (e.g., development or refinement of science-based data products, Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) and indicators, models/prototypes, inter-disciplinary systems, etc.).
• Streamlining processes and standardization capabilities related to EO-based Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) methods and processes associated with nature-based projects and due diligence. These could be related to baselining and environmental assessment activities for biodiversity protection/enhancement, within broader sustainable operations, disclosures, and benefit-sharing contexts.
• Developing user-friendly tools and solutions for mainstreaming SEO-integrated information for biodiversity protection and nature-positive decision-making. This could include incorporating SEO into new or existing ways, drawing on methods that leverage stakeholders' capacities to support biodiversity agendas in multiple ways (e.g., citizen science applications, dissemination platforms, educational materials, awareness kits, etc.).

To be eligible, the activities outlined in the project must address one or more of the 23 GBF targets introduced in Section 2 and further described in Appendix C. The Nature Strategy target(s) must be clearly stated and justified within the proposal.

Furthermore, the activities outlined in the project must also align with the ARL ladder as described in Section 2 and further described in Appendix B. The applicant should clearly identify, in the proposal, the current state-of-the-art and its corresponding ARL, as well as the target ARL the project intends to achieve. The maximum level attainable under this AO is ARL 7.

All development phases necessary for a project are eligible. Any logical breakdown or combination of these phases can constitute a funded project under this AO. However, breaking down a project into numerous phases submitted as distinct proposals to obtain more than the maximum contribution under this AO is not allowed. Furthermore, the completion of a funded phase does not automatically guarantee future funding of the remaining phases.

The potential scope of the proposed project concept is broad and open in terms of the data, technologies and applications that may be considered, provided that the project represents a tangible advancement in the ARL ladder and bridges a gap in knowledge and information that has the potential of improving the applicant's capabilities.

Any sources of satellite EO data may be proposed, many of which can be found in the open marketplace. This includes a variety of optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, as well as non-image data and other relayed data. It is the responsibility of the applicant to locate theses sources based on the objective of their proposed project and to obtain all of the data to be used in the project from commercial or public sites, such as, but not limited to, the Earth Observation Data Management System (EODMS) hosted by NRCAN. If costs are to be incurred in acquiring EO imagery or other data type, the applicant should include these costs in their financial bids to be commensurate with project value. For the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM), archived data 16m and coarser over land below 70 degrees of latitude is open to public. However, access to high resolution RCM archive data above 70 degrees of latitude and requires applicants to be a vetted user. Access to RCM data | Canadian Space Agency (asc-csa.gc.ca)

Please note:

• Projects whose primary objectives are to develop the capacity for space technology are not eligible for this AO.
• A project may not be eligible for funding if the applicant was previously awarded funding by the CSA for a similar project that is underway. If the proposed project is directly or indirectly related to a project that was previously funded through a CSA AO or Request for Proposal (RFP), the applicant may still be eligible for funding if the proposed project activities are complementary in nature and do not overlap with those of the previously funded project that is ongoing.

3.3 Links to CSA Priorities

To be eligible, projects supported under this AO must contribute to at least one of the following CSA priorities listed below as per Canada's Strategy for Satellite Earth Observation.

• Ensure that satellite EO data is free, open, and accessible to maximize science, innovation, and economy.Harnessing satellite EO to address climate change and issues that matter to Canadians;
• Strengthening the delivery of critical services to keep Canadians healthy, safe, and informed; and
• Inspiring skills and capacity development for the next generation.

Projects can also choose to contribute to one of the core elements of Canada's Space Strategy:

• Harness space to solve everyday challenges for Canadians.
• Position Canada's commercial space sector to help grow the economy and create the jobs of the future.
• Ensure Canada's leadership in acquiring and using space-based data to support science excellence, innovation, and economic growth.

Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that increase the representation and advancement of women and underrepresented groups in space sciences and engineering. The applicants must also demonstrate how their organization or team contributes to EDI (equity, diversity, and inclusion) and Indigenous People involvement as identified in Appendix A, Evaluation Criterion 2.3.

3.4 Links to the Class G&C Program Objectives

To be eligible, projects supported under this AO must contribute to the achievement of at least one of the following objectives:

• To support the development of science and technology relevant to the priorities of the Canadian Space Agency.
• To foster the continuing development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada in areas relevant to the priorities of the Canadian Space Agency.
• To support the creation of new knowledge, scientific studies, and research related to space.

3.5 Links to the Class 3.5 Basic Research and Development (R&D) Definition

To be eligible, projects supported under the G&C Program must meet the CSA basic R&D definition:

"Any pre-commercial science and technology activities that are carried out to resolve unknowns regarding the feasibility of applications in the space sector."

Due diligence will be applied to determine whether projects are compliant with this definition.

4.1 Required Documentation

The application must include the following:

• A completed original application form (Word, 88 KB) signed by the duly authorized representative with all documentation and information mentioned therein.
• The resumes of each team member responsible for managing the project and key technical personnel. The resumes should be limited to two pages with only information that is relevant to the application.
• Proof of incorporation or registration and a copy of the document(s) confirming the legal name of the applicant.
• Letters from other funding contributors confirming their contributions, if applicable.
• Letters of intent demonstrating interest in the outcomes of the project, if applicable.
• Letters of support, confirming participation to the project, if applicable.
• The Declaration on Confidentiality, Access to Information Act and Privacy Act form signed by the duly authorized representative (refer to the Applicant Declaration on Confidentiality, Access to Information Act and Privacy Act section included in the application form).
• For organizations in Quebec, M-30 Supporting Documentation form completed and signed by the duly authorized representative (refer to the M-30 form for organizations in Quebec included in the application form).
• Corporate plans and / or policies addressing equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workspace, if applicable.

The documents must be combined in a single PDF formatted file, in the same order as presented above with all security features disabled. The application form and supporting documents must be included in the file as a searchable PDF formatted document (PDF/A-1a format preferred). If there are any accessibility issues with the submitted PDF file, all consequences reside with the applicant.

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the application complies with all applicable federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal laws and regulations.

The applicant must keep one hard copy of all the original documents above. The CSA may require applicants who successfully passed the evaluation stage to send a hard copy of their complete application with the original documents.

Additional governing documents might be requested in a later phase of the evaluation process.

In a later phase of the evaluation process, the applicant's financial statements for the previous two fiscal years prior to the submission of this application and the most recent interim results will be requested. The reception of these statements by CSA is a precondition for producing a contribution agreement. It is not required to submit financial statements with this application.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

4.2 Submit the completed application electronically

The applicant is encouraged to submit their application electronically by following the steps below,

• Submit an account creation request using the Electronic Proposal Portal. Note that Google Chrome is the browser of choice for submissions. Supported browsers are Google Chrome and MS Edge.
• In the "Proposal title" field of the Electronic Proposal Portal, use the following formatting standard: SaMBA_smartEarth AO4_Name of Organization_Short Project Name (example: SaMBA_smartEarth AO4_ Name_ Optical Sensor Development).
• The "Applicant" section should contain the information for contact person listed in the application form.
• After the request has been submitted, the applicant will receive an email confirming the account creation. Applicants should expect three business days to receive the confirmation which will also include instructions (user guide) on how to access the platform. It is strongly recommended that the account creation request be submitted as early as possible.
• Using the temporary password assigned by the CSA, login to the secured portal to upload application documents.
• Please refer to the user guide for instructions on how to securely upload documents.

Please note:

• If technical issues related to account creation or to electronic submission cannot be resolved, applicants must submit their application by mail. Applicants are strongly encouraged to upload their complete application well before the submission deadline.
• Applications must be submitted (successfully uploaded) by the applicants no later than March 14^th, 2025, at 1:00PM (ET).
• The onus is on the applicant to ensure that their application is complete and that all documents are uploaded on the Electronic Proposal Portal before the prescribed deadline.
• The CSA is not responsible for any delays under any circumstances and will reject any applications that are uploaded after the stipulated deadline.
• Applications hand-delivered to CSA will not be accepted.
• Applications sent by e-mail will not be accepted.
• Applicants are asked to not send their application both electronically and by mail or courier service. If multiple applications are submitted, only the latest valid version received will be considered.

4.3 How to submit an application by mail or using a recognized courier service

The applicant is encouraged to submit their application electronically following the instructions provided in Section 4.2 of the AO. However, if the applicant is unable to submit their application electronically, please communicate with smartearth.utiliterre@asc-csa.gc.ca as soon as possible but no later than March 7^th, 2025, at 1:00PM (ET) to obtain instructions on how to submit a paper application by mail or using a recognized courier service.

Applications submitted by mail or using a recognized courier service must be received at the CSA no later than March 14^th, 2025, at 1:00PM (ET).

The onus is on the applicant to ensure that their application is complete and that all required documents are received by the CSA before the prescribed deadline. The CSA is not responsible for any delays under any circumstances and will reject any applications that are received after the stipulated deadline.

4.4 Service Standards – Complete Applications

Applicants will be notified in writing of decisions regarding their application. Selected applications will be announced on the CSA website. The CSA has set the following service standards for processing times, acknowledgement of receipt, funding decisions and payment procedures.

Acknowledgement: The CSA's goal is to acknowledge receipt of proposals within 2 weeks of receiving the completed application package.

Decision: The CSA's goal is to respond to the proposal within 26 weeks of the AO's closing date and to send a contribution agreement for signature within 18 weeks after formal approval of the proposal.

Payment: The CSA's goal is to issue payment within 6 weeks of the successful fulfillment of the requirements outlined in the contribution agreement but is under no obligation to meet this deadline.

Compliance with these service standards is a shared responsibility. Applicants must submit all required documentation in a timely fashion. Service standards may vary by Announcement of Opportunity.

5.1 Eligibility Criteria

• Represents an eligible recipient as defined in Section 3.1;
• Represents an eligible project as defined in Sections 3.2, 3.3, 3.4; and
• Meets program funding provisions Section 6.1.

5.2 Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation committee will evaluate eligible applications according to the following criteria. These are further described in Appendix A.

The minimum overall score required to be considered for funding is 50%.

The final score for each application will be the cumulative total for all criteria scores. The application scores will then be ranked, and contributions will be selected in ranked order.

5.3 Evaluation Process

Only applications that have passed the eligibility assessment listed in Section 5.1 will be given further consideration.

Once the eligibility criteria are confirmed, evaluators will assess the screened applications according to the criteria listed in Section 5.2. Applicants are encouraged to provide a detailed and clear description of how they meet each criterion.

Evaluators shall be internal experts in the fields relevant to the applications. If applicable, a multidisciplinary evaluation committee will be formed when applications from several different disciplines are competing to provide a uniform final score and ranking of proposals. Before a final decision is made, the CSA's Program Manager responsible for this AO may seek input and advice from other organizations, including (but not limited to) federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal government agencies and organizations.

Before a final decision is made, the CSA may conduct any consultation and seek advice or comments, including without limitation, from suppliers, researchers, financial institutions, accounting firms, financing organizations, credit rating organizations, government agencies and organizations, as it deems necessary to obtain any information useful for the evaluation of this application.

The results obtained in this AO could take into account certain factors in the final decision to grant funding, such as, but not limited to, the representativeness of the four designated groups (woman, Aboriginal person, disabled person or member of a visible minority), regional distribution, distribution between different organizations, etc. For more information on GBA +.

6.1 Available Funding and Duration

The maximum funding per contribution agreement to an eligible recipient is $250,000 over 24 months. The maximum funding per fiscal year per project is $47,500 for FY25-26, $132,500 for FY26-27 and $70,000 for FY27-28. The total funding available under this AO is currently expected to be $5,000,000 over a maximum period of 24 months.

Approved proposals will be eligible for a total government (federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal) assistance of up to a maximum of 75% of total eligible project costs.

Each eligible recipient can be funded for 1 project(s) under this AO.

The number of projects under this AO will depend on funding availability. Submitted proposals should plan to be completed within a maximum period of twenty-four (24) months.

To determine the amount of funding to be allocated, consideration will be given to the availability of CSA funds, the total cost of the project, and the other confirmed sources of funding provided by other stakeholders and the applicant. Applicants must identify all sources of funding in their applications and confirm this information in a funding agreement if the project is selected for funding.

The CSA reserves the right to reject any proposals or reduce the amount of the contributions at its entire discretion.

6.2 Eligible Costs

Eligible costs are costs that are essential to carry out the Project, reasonable and directly related to the Project to achieve the expected results of the Project. The costs are to be incurred directly by the applicant. Incurred Costs means any expense made to carry out the Project related to an Eligible Cost which is due and payable. CSA will not contribute to costs Incurred prior to the coming into force of a Funding Agreement and after the Project Completion Date.

Eligible costs for under this AO can include:

• Acquisition or rental of equipment (not to exceed 20% of the total project eligible costs).
• Consultant services.
• Data acquisition.
• Data management.
• License and permit fees.
• Materials and supplies.
• Overhead (administrative) costs (not to exceed 15% of eligible costs).
• Salaries and benefits.

In no circumstance can the total amount of assistance from governmental sources (federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal) to the recipient exceed a certain percentage of the total project cost depending on the type of recipients.

Applicants must identify all sources of funding in their applications and confirm this information in a funding agreement if the project is selected for funding. Upon completion of a project, the recipient must also disclose all sources of funding.

7.1 Agreement

Upon favorable review of the applications, CSA will send a Contribution agreement to the successful applicant. The Contribution agreement will outline the rights, roles, and obligations of each respective party. In the event of any discrepancies between this AO and a Contribution agreement between CSA and the recipient, the latter document will take precedence.

For greater clarity, no liability and no commitment or obligation exist on the part of the CSA to issue a Contribution payment to the applicant until a Contribution agreement is signed by both parties. Furthermore, any costs or expenses incurred or paid by the recipient prior to the execution of a written Contribution agreement by both parties are the sole responsibility of the applicant, and no liability exists on the part of the CSA.

7.2 Payments

Payments for contribution agreements will be made in accordance with the process and the reporting requirements described in the signed funding agreement. Upon notice of a successful application, the CSA will have no liability until a funding agreement is signed by both parties. Only eligible costs incurred after the funding agreement is signed and indicated in the agreement will be reimbursed.

7.3 Audit

The recipient of a funding agreement shall keep proper records of all documentation related to the funded project, for the duration of the project and for three (3) years after the completion date of the project, in the event of an audit. This documentation shall be available upon request.

7.4 Intellectual Property

All intellectual property developed by the recipient in the course of the project shall vest in the recipient. The recipient will undertake to protect all intellectual property he will possess, acquire, or develop during the project.

7.5 Organizations in Quebec

7.6 Performance Measurement

The CSA will ask the recipients to report on on various performance measurement indicators throughout the execution of the project. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Knowledge Creation
  • Knowledge production (including publications)
  • Presentations
  • Intellectual property (including patents)
• Capacity Building
  • Project's research team (including highly qualified personnel supported)
• Collaboration
  • Partners' contributions
  • Partnerships
  • Multidisciplinary

7.7 Open Access Publications

In the event that publications result from the project, the CSA wishes to promote the dissemination of findings that results from the projects it funds as quickly and to the greatest number of people as possible. Improved access to scientific results not only allows scientists to use a broader range of resources and knowledge, but also improves research collaboration and coordination, strengthens citizen engagement, and supports the economy.

Thus, the CSA promotes the use of open access publication and archiving by recipients in order to facilitate the widest dissemination of findings that results from its funded projects. Thus, recipients are invited to publish, in a timely matter, their articles by using one of the following methods:

1. Accessible online repository (institutional or disciplinary) so that the publication is freely accessible.
2. Journal offering open access to articles.

It should be noted that these two methods are not mutually exclusive and that recipients are encouraged to use both.

Finally, the CSA wishes to receive, as a courtesy, a copy of the publications (if not freely accessible) or the hyperlink (if freely accessible) and its digital object identifier (DOI). These will be used to improve accessibility by including them in the CSA publications directory.

Scoring

Applications must receive an overall minimum score of 50% to be considered for funding. Obtaining the highest score possible maximizes your chance of being selected to obtain financial support (see Section 6). Each criterion is further described below (and summarized in Section 5.2).

The final scores for each criterion will be determined as part of the consensus discussions by the evaluators. The applicant is advised to read Evaluation Criteria carefully when preparing the proposal.

1. Innovation and Market Need

This section is worth 35% of the total score and the minimum passing score is 17.5 points.

2. Project scope, feasibility, resources, and risk assessment

This section is worth 30% of the total score and the minimum passing score is 15 points.

3. Outcomes and benefits to Canada

This section is worth 35% of the total score and the minimum passing score is 17.5 points.

10.1 smartEarth Application Readiness Level 1

10.2 smartEarth Application Readiness Level 2

10.3 smartEarth Application Readiness Level 3

10.4 smartEarth Application Readiness Level 4

10.5 smartEarth Application Readiness Level 5

10.6 smartEarth Application Readiness Level 6

10.7 smartEarth Application Readiness Level 7

10.8 smartEarth Application Readiness Level 8

10.9 smartEarth Application Readiness Level 9

Target 1: Spatial planning and effective management

Ensure that all areas are under participatory integrated biodiversity inclusive spatial planning and/or effective management processes addressing land and sea use change, to bring the loss of areas of high biodiversity importance, including ecosystems of high ecological integrity, close to zero by 2030, while respecting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities.

Target 2: Ecosystem restoration

Ensure that by 2030 at least 30% of areas of degraded terrestrial, inland water, and marine and coastal ecosystems are under effective restoration, to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services, ecological integrity, and connectivity.

Target 3: Protected and conserved areas (30x30)

Ensure and enable that by 2030 at least 30 percent of terrestrial and inland water, and of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services, are effectively conserved and managed through ecologically representative, well-connected and equitably governed systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, recognizing indigenous and traditional territories, where applicable, and integrated into wider landscapes, seascapes and the ocean, while ensuring that any sustainable use, where appropriate in such areas, is fully consistent with conservation outcomes, recognizing and respecting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, including over their traditional territories.

Target 4: Species recovery

Ensure urgent management actions to halt human induced extinction of known threatened species and for the recovery and conservation of species, in particular threatened species, to significantly reduce extinction risk, as well as to maintain and restore the genetic diversity within and between populations of native, wild and domesticated species to maintain their adaptive potential, including through in situ and ex situ conservation and sustainable management practices, and effectively manage human-wildlife interactions to minimize human-wildlife conflict for coexistence.

Target 5: Exploitation of species / wild species harvesting, use and trade

Ensure that the use, harvesting and trade of wild species is sustainable, safe and legal, preventing overexploitation, minimizing impacts on non-target species and ecosystems, and reducing the risk of pathogen spillover, applying the ecosystem approach, while respecting and protecting customary sustainable use by indigenous peoples and local communities.

Target 6: Invasive alien species

Eliminate, minimize, reduce and or mitigate the impacts of invasive alien species on biodiversity and ecosystem services by identifying and managing pathways of the introduction of alien species, preventing the introduction and establishment of priority invasive alien species, reducing the rates of introduction and establishment of other known or potential invasive alien species by at least 50 per cent by 2030, and eradicating or controlling invasive alien species, especially in priority sites, such as islands.

Target 7: Pollution and biodiversity

Reduce pollution risks and the negative impact of pollution from all sources, by 2030, to levels that are not harmful to biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services, considering cumulative effects, including: reducing excess nutrients lost to the environment by at least half including through more efficient nutrient cycling and use; reducing the overall risk from pesticides and highly hazardous chemicals by at least half including through integrated pest management, based on science, taking into account food security and livelihoods; and also preventing, reducing, and working towards eliminating plastic pollution.

Target 8: Climate change and biodiversity

Minimize the impact of climate change and ocean acidification on biodiversity and increase its resilience through mitigation, adaptation, and disaster risk reduction actions, including through nature-based solutions and/or ecosystem-based approaches, while minimizing negative and fostering positive impacts of climate action on biodiversity.

Target 9: Sustainable use and management of wild species

Ensure that the management and use of wild species are sustainable, thereby providing social, economic, and environmental benefits for people, especially those in vulnerable situations and those most dependent on biodiversity, including through sustainable biodiversity-based activities, products and services that enhance biodiversity, and protecting and encouraging customary sustainable use by indigenous peoples and local communities.

Target 10: Sustainable management in key productive sectors

Ensure that areas under agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries and forestry are managed sustainably, in particular through the sustainable use of biodiversity, including through a substantial increase of the application of biodiversity friendly practices, such as sustainable intensification, agroecological and other innovative approaches, contributing to the resilience and long-term efficiency and productivity of these production systems, and to food security, conserving and restoring biodiversity and maintaining nature's contributions to people, including ecosystem functions and services.

Target 11: Ecosystem services and functions

Restore, maintain, and enhance nature's contributions to people, including ecosystem functions and services, such as regulation of air, water, and climate, soil health, pollination, and reduction of disease risk, as well as protection from natural hazards and disasters, through nature-based solutions and/or ecosystem-based approaches for the benefit of all people and nature.

Target 12: Urban green and blue spaces

Significantly increase the area and quality, and connectivity of, access to, and benefits from green and blue spaces in urban and densely populated areas sustainably, by mainstreaming the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and ensure biodiversity-inclusive urban planning, enhancing native biodiversity, ecological connectivity and integrity, and improving human health and well-being and connection to nature, and contributing to inclusive and sustainable urbanization and to the provision of ecosystem functions and services.

Target 13/15c: Access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing

Target 13: Take effective legal, policy, administrative, and capacity-building measures at all levels, as appropriate, to ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits that arise from the utilization of genetic resources and from digital sequence information on genetic resources, as well as traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources, and facilitating appropriate access to genetic resources, and by 2030 facilitating a significant increase of the benefits shared, in accordance with applicable international access and benefit-sharing instruments.

Target 15c: Take legal, administrative or policy measures to encourage and enable business, and in particular to ensure that large and transnational companies and financial institutions: (c) Report on compliance with access and benefit-sharing regulations and measures, as applicable.

Target 14: Mainstreaming of biodiversity values

Ensure the full integration of biodiversity and its multiple values into policies, regulations, planning and development processes, poverty eradication strategies, strategic environmental assessments, environmental impact assessments and, as appropriate, national accounting, within and across all levels of government and across all sectors, in particular those with significant impacts on biodiversity, progressively aligning all relevant public and private activities, and fiscal and financial flows with the goals and targets of this framework.

Target 15a: Business' role

Take legal, administrative or policy measures to encourage and enable business, and to ensure that large and transnational companies and financial institutions:

1. Regularly monitor, assess, and transparently disclose their risks, dependencies and impacts on biodiversity, including with requirements for all large as well as transnational companies and financial institutions along their operations, supply and value chains and portfolios.
2. Provide information needed to consumers to promote sustainable consumption patterns.
3. Report on compliance with access and benefit-sharing regulations and measures, as applicable.

To progressively reduce negative impacts on biodiversity, increase positive impacts, reduce biodiversity-related risks to business and financial institutions, and promote actions to ensure sustainable patterns of production.

Note: for 15(b) refer to Target 16, and for 15(c) refer to Target 13.

Target 16/ 15b: Sustainable consumption

Target 16: Ensure that people are encouraged and enabled to make sustainable consumption choices including by establishing supportive policy, legislative or regulatory frameworks, improving education and access to relevant and accurate information and alternatives, and by 2030 reduce the global footprint of consumption in an equitable manner, including through halving global food waste, significantly reducing overconsumption and substantially reducing waste generation, in order for all people to live well in harmony with Mother Earth.

Target 15b: Take legal, administrative or policy measures to encourage and enable business, and to ensure that large and transnational companies and financial institutions: (b) Provide information needed to consumers to promote sustainable consumption patterns.

Target 17: Biosafety/biotechnology

Establish, strengthen capacity for, and implement in all countries, biosafety measures as set out in Article 8(g) of the Convention on Biological Diversity and measures for the handling of biotechnology and distribution of its benefits as set out in Article 19 of the Convention.

Target 18:Negative and positive incentives

Identify by 2025, and eliminate, phase out or reform incentives, including subsidies, harmful for biodiversity, in a proportionate, just, fair, effective, and equitable way, while substantially and progressively reducing them by at least $500 billion per year by 2030, starting with the most harmful incentives, and scale up positive incentives for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Target 19: Resource mobilization – Financial resources

Substantially and progressively increase the level of financial resources from all sources, in an effective, timely and easily accessible manner, including domestic, international, public, and private resources, in accordance with Article 20 of the Convention, to implement national biodiversity strategies and action plans, by 2030 mobilizing at least 200 billion United States dollars per year, including by:

1. Increasing total biodiversity related international financial resources from developed countries, including official development assistance, and from countries that voluntarily assume obligations of developed country Parties, to developing countries, in particular the least developed countries and small island developing States, as well as countries with economies in transition, to at least US$ 20 billion per year by 2025, and to at least US$ 30 billion per year by 2030.
2. Significantly increasing domestic resource mobilization, facilitated by the preparation and implementation of national biodiversity finance plans or similar instruments according to national needs, priorities, and circumstances.
3. Leveraging private finance, promoting blended finance, implementing strategies for raising new and additional resources, and encouraging the private sector to invest in biodiversity, including through impact funds and other instruments.
4. Stimulating innovative schemes such as payment for ecosystem services, green bonds, biodiversity offsets and credits, benefit-sharing mechanisms, with environmental and social safeguards.
5. Optimizing co-benefits and synergies of finance targeting the biodiversity and climate crises.
6. Enhancing the role of collective actions, including by indigenous peoples and local communities, Mother Earth centric actions and non-market-based approaches including community based natural resource management and civil society cooperation and solidarity aimed at the conservation of biodiversity.
7. Enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency and transparency of resource provision and use.

Target 20: Capacity building – Other resources for implementation

Strengthen capacity-building and development, access to and transfer of technology, and promote development of and access to innovation and technical and scientific cooperation, including through South South, North-South and triangular cooperation, to meet the needs for effective implementation, particularly in developing countries, fostering joint technology development and joint scientific research programs for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and strengthening scientific research and monitoring capacities, commensurate with the ambition of the goals and targets of the Framework.

Target 21: Knowledge sharing

Ensure that the best available data, information and knowledge, are accessible to decision makers, practitioners and the public to guide effective and equitable governance, integrated and participatory management of biodiversity, and to strengthen communication, awareness-raising, education, monitoring, research and knowledge management and, also in this context, traditional knowledge, innovations, practices and technologies of indigenous peoples and local communities should only be accessed with their free, prior and informed consent, in accordance with national legislation.

Target 22: Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples, women/girls, youth/children, persons with disabilities, and environmental human rights defenders in decision making

Ensure the full, equitable, inclusive, effective and gender-responsive representation and participation in decision-making, and access to justice and information related to biodiversity by indigenous peoples and local communities, respecting their cultures and their rights over lands, territories, resources, and traditional knowledge, as well as by women and girls, children and youth, and persons with disabilities and ensure the full protection of environmental human rights defenders.

Target 23: Gender equality

Ensure gender equality in the implementation of the framework through a gender-responsive approach where all women and girls have equal opportunity and capacity to contribute to the three objectives of the Convention, including by recognizing their equal rights and access to land and natural resources and their full, equitable, meaningful, and informed participation and leadership at all levels of action, engagement, policy and decision-making related to biodiversity.