As we celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) on 22nd May 2023, it’s crucial to understand the importance of biodiversity in sustaining life. The Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services reveals the risk of extinction for around one million species. Addressing this crisis, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was brought forth in the 15th Conference of Parties (COP 15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity. This blueprint sets ambitious targets for 2030 and charts a course for conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of biodiversity.
International Day for Biological Diversity: Celebrating Life’s Variety
In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 22nd May as IDB, aiming to increase understanding and awareness about biodiversity issues. The UNGA further proclaimed the period 2011-2020 as the United Nations (UN) Decade on Biodiversity and 2021-2030 as the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The central theme for 2023, “From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity,” stresses the need to convert mere commitments into tangible actions to restore and protect biodiversity.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: An Integrated Approach
This framework urges integrated action to incorporate biodiversity considerations in all global economic sectors. However, vital concerns like funding conservation in poorer countries and commitment to biodiversity-friendly supply chains are yet to be discussed. The framework is non-binding, and it encourages parties to integrate biodiversity protection in decision-making and appreciate the role of conservation in preserving human health.
Adopting Ecological Civilization: A Shared Vision for All Life Forms
The framework’s main theme, Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth, reinforces the commitment to support an effective post-2020 plan of action. This includes a capacity-building strategy for the Cartagena Protocol on biosafety, aimed at safeguarding biological diversity from risks posed by biotechnologically modified organisms. The signatories have vowed to ensure that post-pandemic recovery policies contribute to conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, promoting inclusive development.
Deciphering the ’30 by 30′ Target
A significant proposal at COP15 referred to the ’30 by 30′ target, aiming to protect 30% of the Earth’s land and oceans by 2030. The framework encompasses four goals: conserving and restoring biodiversity, ensuring its sustainable use, sharing benefits equitably, and facilitating transformative change. However, achieving these targets within seven years necessitates immediate action, accelerated efforts, and comprehensive strategies.
Filling the Funding Gap: An Unfulfilled Promise
The signatories aim to channel $200 billion per year to conservation initiatives from public and private sources, with a goal to increase international financial flows from developed to developing countries to at least $30 billion annually by 2025. However, the funding commitments are yet to be met, creating hurdles for effective implementation.
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAP): Slow Progress
Though member states agreed to align their NBSAPs to the GBF, progress in revision and submission has been sluggish. Spain is currently the only country that has submitted an updated plan, emphasizing the need for more nations to prepare and submit their plans before COP16 in 2024.
Balancing Act: Conservation and Indigenous Rights
The goal of safeguarding 30% of land and water raises questions about potential infringements on the rights of indigenous communities. It’s vital to strike a balance between conservation efforts and respecting indigenous peoples’ rights and traditional knowledge for successful implementation.
