Global Biodiversity Framework

The Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) is an international agreement adopted under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to guide global action for the conservation, sustainable use, and restoration of biodiversity. The framework was finalised at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the CBD in Montreal, Canada, in December 2022. It establishes ambitious targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and to achieve harmony with nature by 2050.

Background

Biodiversity loss has accelerated due to habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation, climate change, and invasive species. Previous efforts, such as the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (2010–2020), fell short of expectations, as most goals were not fully achieved. This shortfall highlighted the urgent need for a stronger, more measurable framework to safeguard biodiversity.
The Global Biodiversity Framework was therefore negotiated to provide a comprehensive strategy for governments, businesses, and civil society to align efforts in protecting ecosystems, species, and genetic resources.

Vision and Goals

The framework aligns with the CBD’s 2050 vision of “Living in harmony with nature.” It sets four long-term goals to be achieved by mid-century:

1. Conservation of ecosystems and species: Preventing extinction and protecting biodiversity at all levels.
2. Sustainable use of biodiversity: Ensuring ecosystems contribute to human well-being and cultural values.
3. Equitable sharing of genetic resources: Guaranteeing fair access and benefit-sharing from biodiversity use.
4. Adequate means of implementation: Mobilising finance, technology, and capacity-building for biodiversity action.

The 2030 Targets

The GBF sets 23 action-oriented targets to be achieved by 2030. Some of the most significant include:

• 30 by 30 goal: Protect and conserve at least 30% of the world’s land, inland waters, coastal areas, and oceans by 2030.
• Restoration targets: Restore 30% of degraded ecosystems.
• Species protection: Halt human-induced extinctions of known threatened species and significantly reduce extinction risk.
• Pollution reduction: Cut nutrient pollution by half, reduce pesticide risk by half, and eliminate plastic pollution.
• Sustainable use: Ensure wild species are harvested, traded, and used sustainably.
• Financing biodiversity: Mobilise at least 200 billion USD annually by 2030 for biodiversity-related funding.
• Subsidy reform: Reduce harmful subsidies by at least 500 billion USD per year.
• Indigenous rights: Recognise and respect the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities in biodiversity conservation.

Implementation Mechanism

To ensure accountability and progress monitoring, the GBF establishes:

• National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs): Each country must update and align its plans with GBF targets.
• Periodic reporting: Countries are required to submit progress reports, creating a transparent monitoring framework.
• Indicators and metrics: Standardised biodiversity indicators are used to track global progress.
• Resource mobilisation: Developed nations commit to supporting developing countries with financial and technical assistance.

Challenges

Several challenges may affect the effectiveness of the Global Biodiversity Framework:

• Financing gap: Mobilising adequate and sustained funding remains a major hurdle.
• Implementation disparity: Developing countries often face difficulties in capacity, governance, and technology transfer.
• Balancing development and conservation: Nations must reconcile economic growth with ecological sustainability.
• Monitoring difficulties: Data collection and reporting gaps hinder accurate assessment of biodiversity trends.
• Political will: Strong domestic policies and enforcement are essential for translating global commitments into local action.

Significance

The Global Biodiversity Framework represents the most comprehensive international commitment to biodiversity conservation since the Aichi Targets. It acknowledges the intrinsic value of biodiversity while emphasising its role in sustaining food security, clean water, health, and cultural identity.