Collective crisis leadership is key to address the root causes of biodiversity loss


We must try to address the root causes of the ongoing ecological crisis by applying a collective crisis leadership approach with an aim for a truly transformative change, and together reimagine and redesign a better future.

‘We cannot solve a crisis without treating it as a crisis’ – Greta Thunberg

The ecological crisis we are facing today is also a humanitarian crisis. There is a growing recognition of the structural and systemic issues at play - deep-rooted causes such as racism, discrimination, inequality, power dynamics, the consequent marginalisation of voices and unequal distribution of resources.

The scale, urgency, and the interconnected complexities of the problems we are confronted with demand ‘Collective Crisis Leadership’ to enable wider-root reforms.

The post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework process is a key opportunity to enable collective crisis leadership to drive transformational and systemic change and influence a just and regenerative future of the planet. 

We define collective crisis leadership as a systems’ thinking based approach that identifies and  addresses these root causes through inclusive interdisciplinary thought, decision-making and action across multiple sectors. For this we need to co-create and implement context-specific solutions. In addition, we need to put in place enabling conditions by reframing our principles and values; promoting attributes such as trust, humility, empathy, honesty; embracing a mindset shift that  is open to share knowledge and power. 

So, how can  parties to the CBD apply collective crisis leadership?

1. Acknowledge and align

As a first step in collective leadership, the parties to the CBD must  formally acknowledge the scale and urgency of the biodiversity crisis. In addition, parties must seek collective solutions by aligning mechanisms that support shared goals and stepping stones for impactful actions. This also requires a commitment to steward a network of governments, civil society organisations, local communities, grassroots movements, and the private sector to co-produce and test solutions.

2. Act systemically, As soon as possible

With the right leadership, working at all levels and scales, we can systematically identify and overcome the barriers to implement tools and solutions that protect and restore biodiversity, while simultaneously addressing the multiple drivers of the planetary crisis. 

Parties must shift their focus towards a wellbeing economy, operating within planetary boundaries and integrating the principles of inclusivity and justice. This can be done through implementing innovative approaches such as the doughnut economy and degrowth . 

3. Adapt and learn

Parties must be committed to continuous learning, investing thought,  time and resources for cross-sharing of information, knowledge and understanding through capacity-building and development programs that include the crucial component of leadership development. Continuous learning and sharing will enable decision makers and all relevant stakeholders  to better apply their skills and resources to collectively address these global challenges.

4.    Enable Accountability 

Parties to the CBD must establish effective accountability mechanisms for improved governance, better empowerment, in order to accelerate positive  impact. The mechanisms must aim to reduce information asymmetries, encourage transparency, accuracy, and timely delivery of identified actions and commitments while ensuring that the communication between the stakeholders is seamless, transparent, clear, concise and honest.  

In Conclusion

We are at a critical moment in history. The crisis we face is also an opportunity for us to work together in new ways. There is an urgent need to break down the silos and collaborate across sectoral and geographical boundaries. We must try to address the root causes of the biodiversity crisis by applying a collective crisis leadership approach with an aim for a true transformative change.  Together, in Geneva and beyond, we can reimagine and redesign a better future.


Written by Sudha Iyer, Noa Steiner, Iris Dicke and Daniel Flenley. The article is based on the University of Cambridge Conservation Leadership Alumni Network paper in the journal Oryx and the Oryx blog.

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