During the conference, participants will reflect on the three stages of BEST Preparatory Action and two grant mechanisms, which has included nine calls for project proposals since 2011 and provided 12.1 million euros in funding for almost 80 on-the-ground projects in the participating regions, with more projects being funded soon.
The event will also present an opportunity to highlight the remaining investment needs, projects ready-to-be funded as well as the capacity of the regions, which were outlined in the seven regional investment strategies developed by and for regional actors, European and regional stakeholders and decision makers.
Based on the findings of the regional ecosystem profiles, which identified over 400 identified key biodiversity areas, ecological corridors and thematic conservation priorities in the seven regions, the results of the investment strategies should provide an overview and call for action to establish a sustainable financing mechanism for the BEST future of the EU Overseas.
Relevant decision makers, representatives from European institutions, the EU Overseas and their Member States, including the French Minister of Overseas Territories, Annick Girardin, and regional actors will participate in and contribute to the discussion.
To register, please contact Sylvie Rockel (sylvie.rockel@iucn.org) before the 22nd of November 2017.
BEST (voluntary scheme for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of European overseas) aims to support the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of ecosystem services including ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation in the EU outermost regions and overseas countries and territories.
