Walking the Talk: How GEN and CASA Networks shape global sustainability

by Margarita O. Zethelius (margaritaozethelius@gmail.com)

Thrive with Passion and Compassion

The Global Ecovillage Network (GEN) and its Latin American counterpart, CASA (Consejo de Asentamientos Sustentables de América Latina), have long been at the forefront of advocating for regenerative and sustainable living practices. Recognized globally as key contributors to mitigating and adapting to climate change, these networks bring innovative, community-based solutions to the most pressing global challenges. 

By bringing the voices of local communities to global platforms, such as the United Nations Conferences, including the annual Conferences of the Parties (COPs), GEN and CASA exemplify how grassroots initiatives can inform and influence transformative global action.

Bridging Local and Global: Lessons from global conferences

At international forums like the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16), GEN have consistently championed the inclusions of local voices by supporting 21 representatives from grassroots organizations and local communities This diverse group brought the voices of those most directly impacted by biodiversity loss into the heart of global discussions.

A central theme at COP16 was the disconnect between local needs and opportunities and the allocation of international funds for biodiversity conservation. Networks like GEN and CASA play a critical role in bridging this gap. By amplifying grassroots perspectives and offering actionable frameworks, these networks ensure that international policies are informed by local realities and solutions.

Key Outcomes of COP16

The outcomes of COP16 underscored the increasing alignment between global biodiversity and climate goals. Among the notable achievements were:

1. Establishment of a New Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Body: A dedicated body to recognize and uphold the rights, roles, territories, and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples was formally established. This represents a crucial step in ensuring that conservation efforts respect and integrate traditional ecological wisdom.
2. Recognition of Afro-Descendant Communities: The essential role of Afro-descendant communities in biodiversity conservation was acknowledged, emphasizing the need for a biocultural approach in ecosystem protection and regeneration.
3. Interconnectedness of Biodiversity and Climate Action: The conference reinforced the link between biodiversity and climate, clearing the way for holistic strategies that protect ecosystems while addressing climate challenges.
4. Despite the frustration over the lack of agreement regarding the details of how to allocate finances for the goals on biodiversity protection, it was announced last week that COP16 will reconvene in Rome in February 2025, hopefully to finalize the unresolved agreements.

As GEN-CASA:

1. There was a strong call for Activism for the Amazon: Several spaces were taken to bring the voice of the Mocoa mountain and its peoples, a call to action emerged to protect  mountains in the Amazon basin from the encroachment of mining companies. This rallying cry highlighted the need for urgent measures to safeguard one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems. The Colombian chapter of GEN-CASA will have the annual gathering in this region in January 2026, the call of the mountain, where there is the aim to continue in strategizing on how to make the promises of protection, care and regeneration a reality for the local territories and peoples. (references to local projects such as La Realidad, Anaconda del Sur, Resguardo Musurrunakuna…)

2. The importance of women in biodiversity conservation was strongly highlighted at COP16. The Women’s Caucus played a prominent role, and GEN supported the participation of local women leaders, such as Abuela Daira, who brought her wisdom, experiences, art, and vision to spaces of these.

GEN-CASA also supported the Declaration of Inírida, which emphasized the essential contribution of women to the care and regeneration of biocultural diversity. 

3. Support the declaration of Mother Earth Rights and the participation of indigenous leaders in the spaces of discoution and visioning

4. Voices from Centers of inspiration and trainings such as: Aldea Feliz, Kunagua, Mi Tribu, Ubuntu, Agua de Angeles, Atlantida, among others.

Networks as Catalysts for Change

The achievements of COP16 underline the pivotal role of networks like GEN and CASA in global governance processes. These networks act as bridges, connecting grassroots initiatives with international platforms, ensuring that policies are informed by ground realities, and advocating for inclusive, equitable solutions. Their work demonstrates that regenerative living is not just a vision but a practical, scalable approach to the intertwined crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.

As GEN and CASA continue their advocacy, they inspire a growing movement of communities committed to thriving with passion and compassion. Their contributions remind us that the path to sustainability lies in collaboration, equity, and a profound respect for the interconnectedness of all life.