The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

Introduction

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) is a landmark international agreement aimed at addressing the global crisis of biodiversity loss.

It builds upon previous biodiversity frameworks, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, and sets ambitious targets for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF):

Definition: KMGBF is an international framework established to address the urgent need for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use on a global scale.

Adoption: It was adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the CBD, which took place in Kunming, China, in 2022. The name “Kunming-Montreal” signifies the locations of the COP15 and the CBD Secretariat in Montreal, Canada.

Purpose: KMGBF aims to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services by providing a comprehensive and integrated approach to conservation and sustainable use.

Four Goals for 2050:

1. Inclusive and Equitable Conservation: Ensure that biodiversity is conserved in a fair and equitable manner, taking into account the needs and rights of indigenous peoples and local communities.
2. Sustainable Use: Promote the sustainable use of biodiversity, ensuring that natural resources are managed responsibly to meet the needs of present and future generations.
3. Healthy Ecosystems: Restore and maintain healthy ecosystems, including forests, oceans, wetlands, and other vital habitats, to support biodiversity and ecosystem services.
4. Resilience and Adaptation: Enhance the resilience of ecosystems and communities to adapt to climate change and other stressors, reducing vulnerability and increasing adaptive capacity.

23 Targets for 2030:

The KMGBF includes 23 ambitious targets to be achieved by 2030, covering various aspects of biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and ecosystem management. Some of the key targets include:

• Halting deforestation and restoring degraded ecosystems.
• Protecting at least 30% of the planet’s land and oceans.
• Eliminating unsustainable fisheries practices and promoting sustainable aquaculture.
• Mainstreaming biodiversity across sectors, including agriculture, forestry, and tourism.
• Mobilizing financial resources and enhancing international cooperation for biodiversity conservation.

Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA):

1. Definition: SBSTTA is a subsidiary body of the CBD established to provide scientific and technical advice to the COP and other bodies of the Convention.
2. Role: SBSTTA reviews and assesses the latest scientific information on biodiversity and ecosystem services, identifies emerging issues and trends, and provides guidance on policy and management measures.
3. Membership: SBSTTA is composed of government-nominated experts in relevant fields, including biology, ecology, economics, and social sciences, as well as representatives from indigenous peoples and local communities.
4. Meetings: SBSTTA meets regularly to discuss key topics and issues related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Its recommendations are forwarded to the COP for consideration and action.

Key Points of the 25th Meeting of the SBSTTA:

1. Biodiversity Targets Review: SBSTTA conducted a comprehensive review of progress towards the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and proposed new targets for the KMGBF.
2. Ecosystem Restoration: SBSTTA emphasized the importance of ecosystem restoration as a key strategy for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, highlighting best practices and lessons learned.
3. Climate Change and Biodiversity: SBSTTA addressed the synergies between climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches and cross-sectoral cooperation.
4. Digital Technologies: SBSTTA explored the potential of digital technologies, such as remote sensing, big data, and artificial intelligence, for biodiversity monitoring, assessment, and management.
5. Indigenous Knowledge: SBSTTA recognized the invaluable contributions of indigenous knowledge and traditional ecological knowledge to biodiversity conservation and called for greater recognition and respect for indigenous peoples’ rights and perspectives.
6. Capacity Building: SBSTTA emphasized the importance of capacity building and technology transfer for enhancing national and local capacities for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
7. Next Steps: SBSTTA agreed on a set of recommendations to be forwarded to the COP for consideration and adoption, including proposals for new targets, guidelines, and initiatives to advance the objectives of the KMGBF.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework represents a historic opportunity to address the urgent challenges of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.

By setting ambitious goals and targets for conservation and sustainable development, and by harnessing the best available science and technology, the KMGBF aims to chart a course towards a more resilient and biodiverse future for all.