NETHERLANDS FOOD PARTNERSHIP AT
This pack covers: ● Netherlands Food Partnership ● Biodiversity & Food Systems Partnership ● Our objectives for COP17
BRIEFING PACK This briefing pack is aimed to support NFP and Biodiversity & Food Systems Partnership members to make the most of COP17 together. It brings together our plans, activities and shared messages, making it easier to find each other, connect our efforts and identify opportunities to join forces throughout COP17.
● NFP presence and activities ● Community co-created Shared Messages
& other resources to tap into
● Partner and Community Activities ● Contact information
ABOUT US
NETHERLANDS FOOD PARTNERSHIP We bring organisations, ambitions and perspectives together to drive positive change across food systems - so sustainable and healthy food is within reach for everyone. Bring the right people to the table is one thing, making sure these partnerships result in impact is another.
BIODIVERSITY AND FOOD SYSTEMS PARTNERSHIP
THE COLLECTIVE EFFORT Fostering global collaboration across diverse sectors and scales to integrate biodiversity into food systems transformations with a focus on LMIC’s.
Now over 170 member organisations from over 50 countries
Partnership goals ● ● ●
Mental models (from external problem to integrated solution) Relationships and connections (collaboration) Changing practices & collective actions
Demographics 2026 FEMALE 48% YOUTH 40%
MALE 51%
Our objectives 1.
Put food systems higher on the biodiversity agenda
2.
Show how partnerships turn ambition into action
3.
Put our shared resources to work
4.
Bring our community together
5.
Carry the momentum beyond COP17
Make food systems transformation a visible and essential part of delivering the Global Biodiversity Framework, using the co-created Three Shared Messages as a common narrative across NFP and our network. Demonstrate the value of cross-sector, cross-scale and multi-actor partnerships by showing what they make possible, what they have already achieved, and how they can accelerate action. Bring the Partnership’s Shared Messages, Stories of Progress and Use Cases into COP17 conversations, and encourage partners and others to use and share them beyond the COP. Support partners in our network to connect, coordinate and collaborate in Yerevan, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, link activities and identify ways to work together. Use COP17 as a springboard for continued collaboration, carrying the relationships, messages and opportunities created in Yerevan into the Partnership’s wider Beyond COP work.
NFP Presence and Activities October
19 - 30 | UN Biodiversity Conference (COP17)
23 October, 13:00–14:00, Netherlands Pavilion
28 October, 11:00– 12:00, Food & Agriculture Pavilion
NL Pavilion Confirmed
CGIAR Pavilion Side Event Confirmed
Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Policy Practice.
From Shared Agendas to Shared Action: Advancing Rio Convention Synergies through Nature-Positive Food Systems
With PBL & NFP
Jerevan, Armenia
26 October, 14:15–15:15, Netherlands Pavilion
With Alliance Bioversity & CIAT More information: https://events.cgiar.org/foodagpavilioncbdcop17
28 October, 15:30–16:30, Netherlands Pavilion
NL Pavilion Confirmed
NL Pavilion Confirmed
Setting the Table for Change: How food systems partnerships can accelerate implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
What if Biodiversity Became a Partner? Changing Mindsets and Consumption Patterns for Food Systems Transformation.
With NL Government, CGIAR Alliance Bioversity & CIAT, SeedNL, Commonland, Nexus Action, SNV
With Proveg International, NJR Youth Representatives Biodiversity & Food, NFP
27 October, 13:15 – 14:45, Komitas Room
CBD Official Side Event Confirmed Food Systems Partnerships as a Lever for Biodiversity Action at Scale: Accelerating Implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework With NL Government, Alliance Bioversity & CIAT- CGIAR, Naturalis, Commonland, SNV, IFAD and PBL
29 October, 15:30– 16:30, Netherlands Pavilion
Saline Landscapes Side Event “Harnessing the Nexus: Biodiversity and Restoration in Saline Landscapes”, 29 October, 15:30–16:30, Netherlands Pavilion. NFP speaker slot (VU-led session)
C0-CREATED
SHARED MESSAGES On Biodiversity & Food Systems Ready to dive deeper? Click here to read the full Shared Messages brief
THE WHY The Disconnect
The Opportunity
Biodiversity loss and food system transformation are deeply interconnected, yet they are still too often addressed separately in both policy, research, and practice.
At a time of accelerating ecological pressure and growing strains on food systems, there is a clear opportunity to collectively move beyond fragmented narratives and articulate more integration between biodiversity and food systems.
THE HOW The strength of the messages lies in the fact that they were collectively developed. They are the result of an intentional community-owned co-development process convened by the Netherlands Food Partnership and shaped together with members of the Biodiversity & Food Systems Partnership. The Shared Messages articulate a common ground across sectors, actors, and scales, while recognising the importance of pluralism, different ways of knowing, and context-specific pathways for change. Together, they bring enhanced shared understanding for dialogue and action
A CORNERSTONE
EMPOWERING PLURALISM Weaving Perspectives
Building Legitimacy & Trust
The Shared Messages do not force different perspectives into a compromise, but weave them together to reveal a broader, deeper picture of reality and opportunity.
Pluralism strengthens both legitimacy and accountability. Inclusive processes that respect multiple values and ways of knowing foster trust, ownership, and long-term commitment.
Such pluralism is essential to addressing complex, interconnected challenges — no single knowledge system, discipline, or worldview can adequately respond alone.
These are the critical, foundational conditions required for transforming food systems towards sustaining biodiversity.
MESSAGE 1
CHANGING MINDSETS Biodiversity is the foundation of food security while, paradoxically, food systems are the primary driver of biodiversity loss. Let’s do away with the silos and see and address biodiversity and food systems together, as inseparable, in how we think, speak, organize, and act. Read the Stories of Progress to see it in practice
MESSAGE 2
UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES The cost of inaction is enormous. At the same time, integrated and careful management can manage risks and unlock opportunities to strengthen food systems while restoring biodiversity. Read the Stories of Progress to see it in practice
MESSAGE 3
ALTERING THE POWERWEB Concentrated power and wealth are underlying causes of both biodiversity loss and food insecurity. Realising the benefits of addressing the food-biodiversity nexus requires challenging the structures that concentrate benefits and limit change. This calls for actors across sectors and scales to connect and work beyond their comfort zones to reshape systems so that resilience, equity, and sustainability can emerge for people and the planet. Read the Stories of Progress to see it in practice
Activating the Shared Messages HOW YOU CAN USE THE MESSAGES?
As an advocacy tool
As a framework tool
Building Momentum Each message is supported by examples of how momentum can be built by different actor groups to inspire action and reflect co-creation. Stories of Progress Supported by stories of progress depicting real-world experiences that support the Shared Messages.
FRIENDS of the Messages Becoming a supporter does not constitute a formal endorsement of every aspect of the brief. Rather, it is a way of showing support for the collaborative effort behind it and advancing dialogue and action on biodiversity and food systems linkages.
As an engagement tool Share your Story of Progress
Friends of the Messages
Other Community Resources to tap into Spark a conversation
Use the conversation starter kit in your networks
Biodiversity & Food in Action Learning from 10 journeys toward sustainable futures
Scan for all links
Partner & community activities NETHERLANDS PAVILION Meet us at the Netherlands Pavilion From 19-30 October, COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity takes place in Yerevan, Armenia. As the first Biodiversity COP to include a Global Review, the COP will focus on progress, monitoring and implementation. The Netherlands will host a Netherlands Pavilion, bringing together expertise and perspectives on biodiversity finance and the water–biodiversity–food nexus. The Netherlands Pavilion at COP17 will have over 60 inspiring presentations, offering participants a diverse array of insights and innovative solutions that span finance, biodiversity, water management, and sustainable development.
PAVILION FOCUS
Key Themes ● ● ● ● ● ●
Water Finance and Private Sector engagement Mainstreaming DSI Social inclusivity Nexus
Which session belongs to the themes can be found in the programme.
PROGRAMME & INFO
View Event & Programme Details Sessions at the Pavilion will not be recorded or live-streamed and there are no translation services available.
Partner & community activities FOOD & AGRICULTURE (CGIAR) PAVILION Hub for Insights & Practical Solutions At COP17, CGIAR will host the Food & Agriculture Pavilion, a hub for insights and practical solutions on conserving, restoring, and using biodiversity, both in the field and in genebanks.
SPEED NETWORKING EVENT
Speed Networking @ Food & Agriculture Pavilion 20 October 2026 · 14:00–15:00 (GMT+4) Food & Agriculture Pavilion, Blue Zone, Yerevan Ten 3-minute conversations · limited to 30 participants Register: https://speednetworkingfoodagriculture.splashthat.com/
Topics on the agenda include: ●
Cryopreservation and on-farm monitoring
VIRTUAL ACCESS
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Financing nature-positive solutions
Livestream & Recordings
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Role of pollinators in building resilience
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Biodiversity conservation in fields and genebanks
For those unable to attend in person, the events will be livestreamed and recordings will be shared on YouTube. OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Explore Full Program Access event schedules, speaker profiles, and live stream links: https://foodagpavilioncbdcop17.splashthat.com/
Partner & Community Activities 20 OCT • 13:15 Komitas - Business & Industry Orgs Group room (Block 2, 3rd Floor)
24 OCT • 14:30
Systematic monitoring of agrobiodiversity on farm and in situ – an overview of approaches, tools and prospects With CGIAR, Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT
Centers of Crop Origin: where agrobiodiversity endures and evolves
CGIAR Pavilion
CIP, Alliance Bioversity CIAT, Ministry of Environment (MINAM, Peru), National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO, Mexico)
19–30 OCT • 12:30
Systematic monitoring of agrobiodiversity on farm and in situ: deep dive session
CGIAR Pavilion
Organizers: CIP, Alliance Bioversity CIAT, ITPGRFA
Partner & Community Activities 21 OCT • 14:30–15:30
23 OCT • 13:00–14:00
23 OCT • 14:30–15:30
Food & Ag Pavilion
Netherlands Pavilion
Food & Ag Pavilion
Global Food & Ag Standards for Biodiversity
Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Policy Practice
Locally-led Adaptation: Community Knowledge
Nexus Action | Contact: Lee Ann Jackson
PBL, NFP | Contact: Katie M., Mariëlle K.
Nexus Action | Contact: Nadia Sitas
24 OCT • 17:00–18:00
26 OCT • 11:00–12:00
26 OCT • 14:15–15:15
27 OCT • 14:15–15:45
Nature Positive Pavilion
Food & Ag Pavilion
Netherlands Pavilion
Official CBD Side Event
Human Rights & Safeguards for Nature-Based Solutions
From Cells to Landscapes: Genetic Diversity & Seeds
Setting the Table for Change: Food Systems Partnerships
Food Systems Partnerships as a Lever for Biodiversity
UBC | Contact: Nadia Sitas
ILRI | Contact: Cargele Masso
NFP | Contact: Mariëlle K.
NL Gov, Alliance Bioversity... | Mariëlle K.
28 OCT • 11:00–12:00
28 OCT • 15:30–16:30
29 OCT • 11:00–12:00
CGIAR Pavilion
Netherlands Pavilion
CGIAR Pavilion
Networking: Rio Convention Synergies
What if Biodiversity Became a Partner?
Pesticide Reduction for People, Planet & Production
CGIAR & Partners
NFP, ProVeg, NJR | Mariëlle K.
Alliance Bioversity | Selim L., Charlotte H.
20 OCT • 13:15–14:45 Ljevan - GRULAC room
Stronger Science for Better Policy IPBES | Contact: Nadia Sitas
Partner & community activities 26 OCTOBER • 15:00 – 16:30 | Talin, Side-event Room 1
Scaling Regenerative Agriculture for Nature and People Pathways to biodiversity-positive food systems and sustainable livelihoods Organisers: CIAT, IUCN, SNV
23 OCTOBER • 18:15 – 19:45 | NL Pavilion
From Biodiversity Ambition to Investment Reality Lessons from the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD) Organisers: FMO, DGIS, WWF, SNV
Partner & community activities 23 OCTOBER • 12:00 – 12:45 | Business and Finance Hub Space, Blue Zone
Financing the Transition: Scaling Soil and Water Stewardship for Biodiversity The panel will explore how finance, innovation and partnerships can help scale soil, water and nutrient stewardship across agricultural landscapes.
23 OCTOBER • 18:15 – 19:45 | Arzni – SIDS Group Meeting Room, Block 2, 3rd Floor, Blue Zone
Water for Food, People, and Nature: Bridging Water Retention and Efficiency for Biodiversity Outcomes This official side event will explore how water retention, water-use efficiency and improved nutrient management can support food security and biodiversity. Confirmed panelists include representatives from WWF, Ambition Loop and the Government of Japan.
Partner & community activities 22 OCTOBER • 10:00 – 11:00 | NL Pavilion
From Nature-based Solutions to Investable Water Landscapes
26 OCTOBER • 18:15 – 19:45 | Officieel Side-Event Talin Side Event Room 1
Contribution: Presentation + Panel
Delivering Target 19 via Private Biodiversity Finance
22 OCTOBER • 15:30 – 16:30 | NL Pavilion
28 OCTOBER • 10:00 – 11:00 | NL Pavilion
Unlocking Private Finance for Nature-based Solutions
Matching Biodiversity Impact Tools with Demands
25 OCTOBER • 07:30 – 08:30 | Hubs Pavilion
29 OCTOBER • 14:15 – 15:15 | NL Pavilion
The Power of Networks for Scaling NbS
Turning the Tide: Offshore Plastic Cleanup Framework
Contribution: Presentation
Contribution: Panel
26 OCTOBER • 10:00 – 11:00 | NL Pavilion
Drenthe's Natural Capital: From Value to Decisions Contribution: Presentation
Contribution: Pitch
Contribution: Presentation
Contribution: Moderation + Presentation
Partner & community activities
LAUNCH DATE • 8 OCTOBER
Living Planet Report 2026 ●
The WWF Living Planet Report 2026 shows both the scale of the challenge and the real momentum for change. We know what’s driving nature’s decline, and we know the actions that can reverse it. What happens next depends on the choices we make now – and we all have a part to play.
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See the signs of recovery and explore how we can accelerate nature’s recovery – or download the full report to dive deeper into the science, data and solutions shaping a nature‑positive future.
Partner & community activities Biodiversity for a Livable Planet: An Evaluation of World Bank Group Support for Biodiversity, Fiscal Years 2010–2024 The World Bank Group is one of the largest global investors in biodiversity. This evaluation assessed how well the Bank Group is supporting clients to address biodiversity loss, by answering: (i) How is The World Bank (WB) addressing biodiversity challenges through conservation-focused activities? and (ii) How well are the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) supporting activities with potential biodiversity benefits in key production sectors? A third question on managing risks to biodiversity was covered in a World Bank Group (WBG) biodiversity offsets review.
Call to Action GET IN TOUCH ● Amplify the Shared Messages - in your networks and engagements.
Mariëlle Karssenberg mkarssenberg@nlfoodpartnership.com
● Share your activities at COP17 - tell us about your sessions, case studies or
Roseline Remans rremans@nlfoodpartnership.com
Collectively we have the power put Biodiversity - Food Systems linkages higher on the agenda!
field evidence so we can can share them in this Briefing Deck! Deadline: October 8th
● Help us build cross-sector and cross-scale bridges - many of you are
looking for finance actors, policymakers, researchers and private-sector partners; introduce us, or let us know who to connect you with.
● Stay engaged beyond COP17 - Become a member of the NFP Biodiversity & Food Systems Partnership to collectively keep the momentum going!
Updates? Check the Biodiversity and Food Systems Community Page on NFPConnects!