Gender and Biodiversity

Gender equity is closely linked to biodiversity and resilient agriculture. BioFinCas takes a gender-responsive and inclusive approach, paying particular attention to groups led by women, young adults and/or ethnic minorities and their different perspectives, knowledge and needs.

Biodiversity-friendly and climate-resilient agriculture depends on the knowledge, participation and opportunities of different groups. Understanding these different perspectives is essential for developing solutions that are inclusive, context-appropriate and effective. This page explores how BioFinCas' gender-responsive approach can strengthen biodiversity action and agricultural resilience.

Women’s Knowledge and Contributions

For BioFinCas, gender equity is fundamental for achieving the transition to biodiversity-friendly and climate-resilient agriculture. In the coffee, cocoa, and banana value chains in Guatemala, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, women play an important role in the management of natural resources. They possess relevant local and traditional knowledge about species, ecosystems, soils, and sustainable production practices. This knowledge is a vital resource for developing and strengthening solutions that contribute to the promotion of biodiversity in agriculture and ensure a fair distribution of risks and benefits throughout the value chain.

Barriers to Equal Participation

At the same time, women continue to face structural barriers to accessing land, financing, technical services, and other resources necessary to implement sustainable practices and benefit from the economic opportunities associated with biodiversity conservation. When this knowledge and these capabilities are not recognized, or when women do not have equitable access to resources, significant potential for biodiversity conservation and the sustainable transformation of value chains is lost.

Infographic showing barriers and contributions of as well as opportunities for women to support biodiversity across agricultural value chains. — Women’s knowledge, practices and access to resources are key to strengthening biodiversity across agricultural value chains.

A Gender-Responsive Approach

For this reason, BioFinCas adopts a gender-responsive approach. This means taking into account the different circumstances, needs, and knowledge of women and men when designing financing solutions for biodiversity and taking steps to address these differences. In particular, BioFinCas seeks to recognize and draw on women’s knowledge of natural resource management and productive practices, both in working with cooperatives and local stakeholders and in developing solutions to promote biodiversity throughout the value chain and in public policy.

Beyond Women’s Participation

BioFinCas’s gender approach is not, therefore, limited to promoting women’s participation. It seeks to ensure that women’s knowledge, experiences, and perspectives are recognized as a relevant source for biodiversity conservation and the design of financial solutions, and that existing inequalities in access to resources and opportunities do not limit their contribution.

Why Gender Matters for Biodiversity Finance

BioFinCas therefore views the gender perspective as integral to the quality and sustainability of biodiversity financing and promotion. Recognising and strengthening the role of women and their knowledge helps to develop more inclusive, context-appropriate and long-term sustainable conservation solutions.

Looking to strengthen inclusive approaches?

Are you working on biodiversity, agricultural development or financing and interested in exploring how gender-responsive approaches can contribute to more inclusive and resilient solutions? Get in touch to exchange experiences, discuss your context and explore opportunities for collaboration with BioFinCas at COP17 and beyond.