Building trust to enhance understanding

To prepare for challenging discussions about biodiversity financing mechanisms before the COP11 negotiations in India October 2012, the centre's SwedBio Programme took the initiative to organise a dialogue seminar 6—9 March in Quito, Equador.

The intention of the seminar was not to draft formal recommendations, but to enhance understanding among participants to pave the way for the upcoming negotiations in India.

Some 80 participants from a range of governmental, non-governmental, scientific and private organisations shared their perspectives on financial resources mobilization for biodiversity. The dialogue seminar not only contributed to better understanding of differing viewpoints but also created new alliances. Several negotiators also referred to the Quito dialogue during the COP11 in India.

"This seminar shows that informal but carefully prepared dialogues can help increase understanding among a very diverse group of actors," says Maria Schultz, co-chair of the seminar and head of the Resilience and Development programme.

For more information, go to: dialogueseminars.net