In recent environmental news, a group of ecologists, environmental scientists, and policy experts have expressed their concerns over the draft version of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. These experts argue that the current draft does not fully address the extent of chemical pollutants posing a global threat to ecosystems.
Identifying the Gaps in the Current Framework
Experts have identified two main gaps within the current draft of the Global Biodiversity Framework. First, the framework underestimates the importance of certain chemical pollutants. While it does consider the effects of nutrients, pesticides, and plastics, it overlooks other chemicals of high concern including those that are persistent and toxic like mercury, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), and pharmaceuticals.
The second gap lies in the protection of Land where Natural Processes Predominate (LNPP). Although LNPP covers nearly 56% of terrestrial land (exempting permanent ice and rock), only 20% of this area is officially protected. This leaves only 11% of the world’s land under the protection of LNPP, which is an issue as the post-2020 framework proposes 30% of land to be protected by 2030.
About the Post 2020 Global Biodiversity Framework
The new framework is intended to guide actions worldwide until 2030 to safeguard nature and its essential provision of services to people. It aims to incite transformative action by governments and all other societal actors to fulfil the stipulations put forth by the Convention on Biological Diversity, its protocols and other biodiversity-related accords.
The framework encompasses four goals meant to be attained by 2050 and 21 action-oriented targets proposed for completion over the course of the next decade.
Stating Recommendations
To improve the proposed framework, scientists and experts recommend expanding the scope of targeted chemical pollutants. They suggest that the evidence of these pollutants in every ecosystem worldwide should impel negotiators to consider these as threats to global biodiversity.
In addition, there should be a net gain in the area, connectivity, and integrity of natural systems by at least 5% by 2030 and 15% by 2050 to sustain healthy populations of all species. Changes to dietary norms, increased crop and livestock productivity, and restrictions on agricultural land expansion could foster achievement of biodiversity, food security, and climate mitigation objectives by 2050.
Understanding the Convention on Biological Diversity
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a legally binding accord with the objective of conserving biodiversity worldwide. Enforced since 1993, the convention has three main objectives: the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and the fair distribution of benefits derived from the utilization of genetic resources. More than 190 countries have ratified the CBD, although the US has signed but not ratified.
The CBD Secretariat is based in Montreal, Canada and operates under the umbrella of the United Nations Environment Programme. Parties to the Convention convene regularly in meetings known as the Conference of Parties (COP). Under this convention, the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety was adopted in 2000, followed by the Nagoya Protocol in 2010.
To facilitate the provisions of the CBD, India enacted the Biological Diversity Act in 2002.
