Human activity is driving biodiversity loss at an unprecedented speed, creating a risk for human well-being and our economies. One million species are facing extinction, and urgent action is needed.

A circular economy has often been presented as a tool to reduce waste and pollution. However, the link between biodiversity and the circular economy is more profound. According to the International Resource Panel, 90 per cent of land-use change-related biodiversity loss can be traced back to the extraction and processing of materials.

The circular economy has the potential to tackle the main drivers of biodiversity loss, including land-use change, climate change, overexploitation, and pollution, by transforming how we produce, consume and manage materials. Based on initial results of a recent study by Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and Vivid Economics, the circular economy alone could globally contribute to 28 per cent of the required action to ‘Bend the Curve’ on global biodiversity loss.

This event on 24 March 2022 at 13:15 CET will explore the role that a circular economy can play in the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) through supporting sustainable use of biodiversity. More specifically, a circular economy provides a tool to address Aichi Biodiversity Targets 7 (pollutions), 10 (sustainable agriculture and forestry), 15 (businesses) and 16 (consumption). The event provides an opportunity for organisations, nations, and delegates to discuss the role of transforming our production and consumption patterns in order to halt biodiversity loss and to exchange views on the economic opportunities and dependencies of biodiversity.

Event flow:

Opening words, member of the Finnish Delegation

Part I: Links between circular economy and biodiversity

• Understanding and quantifying the link between circular economy and biodiversity, Tim FORSLUND, Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra
• How circular economy and biodiversity linkages have been explored in Finland, Ari-Pekka AUVINEN, Finnish Environment Institute SYKE
• Existing and planned circular economy policies tackling biodiversity loss, Pascal DELISLE, Head of Section for Economic, Development, Environment and Digital Affairs at the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations
• Q&A with audience

PART II: Circular economy in the Global Biodiversity Framework

Panel discussion with:

• Marcel KOK, PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment
• Oana OCICO, Vice president, Global SBU, Firmenich
• María Daniela GARCIA, diplomat, Ecuador
• Tim FORSLUND, Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra

Here's the recording of the event.