Ensure that the best available data, information and knowledge are accessible to decision makers, practitioners and the public to guide effective and equitable governance, integrated and participatory management of biodiversity, and to strengthen communication, awareness-raising, education, monitoring, research and knowledge management and, also in this context, traditional knowledge, innovations, practices and technologies of indigenous peoples and local communities should only be accessed with their free, prior and informed consent, in accordance with national legislation.
Introduction
The implementation of the Kunming- Montreal Biodiversity Framework requires knowledge-based changes in priorities at all levels, from top decision-makers to individuals. Currently, we see too often that considerations for nature and biodiversity are deprioritized in favour of other interests, based on weak knowledge bases. Increased knowledge and awareness can positively influence how biodiversity is weighed in decisions. To consider species, we must know where they occur. It is difficult to conserve a species we are not aware of. Knowledge about the distribution of species and the state of nature is constantly evolving, and data may become outdated after ten years. This means that to have an overview of the state of biodiversity, we must continuously survey our countries. At the same time, it is often older individuals who possess much of the knowledge about species in the Nordic countries, and there are challenges with both "shifting baseline syndrome", "species blindness," and a lack of knowledge about species, habitats, and their significance. To effectively conserve our natural resources, the level of knowledge about nature among the population must be strengthened.
Policy Proposals for National Implementation
Establish new research programs that strengthen knowledge about conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of nature.
Support the extensive work of voluntary organisations in mapping and knowledge building.
Enhance funding for interdisciplinary knowledge that compiles and utilises environmental data across indicators and influencing factors to describe the effects of measures at the ecosystem level.
Ensure independence and sufficient funding for authorities and organisations responsible for developing national red lists and conducting environmental monitoring and reporting.
Ensure continued, predictable, and increased support for, and collaboration with, civil society organisations working on political advocacy and information dissemination related to the themes of the Nature Agreement.
Develop national standards for biodiversity data collection and management to ensure interoperability among different databases, tools, and platforms, facilitating the digitalization of existing biodiversity information and supporting implementation of open-access policies to facilitate easy, efficient, and timely access to data by all stakeholders.
Facilitate media partnerships and support organisations that give training, mentoring and/or scholarships to journalists and social media influencers on biodiversity issues and public awareness-raising.
Policy Proposals for International Implementation
Mobilise support, both financial and capacity wise, for strengthening information sharing and transparency to ensure participatory management.
Strengthen collaborative mapping programs of nature at sea to gain a better understanding of nature, habitats, and ecosystem functions in deeper marine areas.
Support the development of global platforms that facilitate the sharing and integration of Indigenous knowledge into international biodiversity data systems and decision-making processes.
Ensure that access to traditional knowledge, science, innovations, and practices of Indigenous Peoples is obtained with their free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC).