Public Lands: California Global Biodiversity Alliance
RRI is an active member of CalGBA — a growing coalition connecting California's on-the-ground biodiversity leadership to global policy.
Image: Presidio Trust
We serve on the Steering Committee of the California Global Biodiversity Alliance (CalGBA), coordinating subcommittees and contributing advocacy, communications, and program leadership to the coalition's core planning.
Three members of our team bring this work to life: Scott Webb, Director of Advocacy and Engagement; Chance Cutrano, Director of Programs; and Grace Milstein, Communications Consultant. Each plays an active role in shaping CalGBA's priorities and translating them into coordinated action across the coalition.
Our involvement is grounded in a shared belief: California's leadership on biodiversity carries consequences far beyond its borders. The state's choices on land protection, habitat connectivity, and species recovery help set the pace for biodiversity policy nationally and inform the global conversation ahead of international conservation targets. We're proud to help bridge the work happening across California with the global conversation.
RRI’s Role in CalGBA
Chance and Scott with CalGBA members of the superdelegation at COP 15 In Montreal. 2022.
What Is CalGBA?
The California Global Biodiversity Alliance is a coordination hub that bridges science, policy, and community voices to connect California's on-the-ground leadership to the global stage. It serves as both a training and preparation platform for state and US-wide participation in international biodiversity processes, and a space committed to inclusive, accessible, and diverse engagement at every level.
The alliance brings together environmental justice advocates, academics, scientists, researchers, NGOs, local governments, policymakers, Tribal leaders, and community members — all working together to advance biodiversity implementation where it matters most.
COP 17 Yerevan, Armenia
Join CalGBA at the UN Biodiversity COP17, October 19–30, 2026. The conference will focus on implementing the 23 Targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework — the landmark 2022 agreement to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. The decisions made in Yerevan will shape funding, governance, conservation, climate, and social policy for years to come.
A Coalition Working Across Sectors and Scales
CalGBA organizes its work across several interconnected areas — from policy and government engagement to Tribal participation, environmental justice, academia, and case studies. The Alliance operates through subcommittees that deepen engagement in each of these areas.
Indigenous Engagement &
Outreach Planning
Policy &
Government Engagement
Academia &
Research Collaboration
GBF Implementation
Case Studies
Environmental Justice &
Community Leadership
COP17 Logistics,
Trainings & Negotiations
CalGBA welcomes organizations and individuals committed to biodiversity action. Whether you're looking to become a member, contribute a project to the StoryMap, or simply stay connected as we build toward COP17, there are multiple ways to engage.
Learn more and become a member >
Explore the CalGBA StoryMap of biodiversity projects >
Read Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targets >
Get Involved
Chance and Scott at COP 16 in Cali, Colombia. 2024.
Support our Biodiversity Efforts
RRI's participation in CalGBA — and in the coalitions shaping California's future — depends on the support of people like you. Your contribution helps us show up at the table, connect local leaders to global policy, and ensure California's voice is heard at COP17 and beyond. Donate today to help sustain this work.