- The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has called for an additional fund flow of $200 billion to developing nations from diverse sources to manage nature until 2030.
- This is among several demands and targets articulated in the official draft of the new Global Biodiversity Framework.
BACKGROUND
- Biodiversity, and its associated benefits, are foundational to human well-being and a thriving planet. Despite persistent endeavors, biodiversity is declining globally, and this deterioration is anticipated to persist or worsen under business-as-usual scenarios.
- The post-2020 global biodiversity framework extends the principles of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020.
- As the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020 concludes, IUCN actively supports the formulation of an ambitious new global biodiversity framework.
PURPOSE
- Guiding Force: This new framework serves as the global guiding force to safeguard nature and uphold its essential services for humans from 2020 to 2030.
- Setting Targets: It provides a global, outcome-oriented structure for the Convention’s 196 Parties to establish national and regional goals and targets, update strategies and action plans, and facilitate regular monitoring and review of global progress.
- Urgent and Transformative Action: The framework aims to stimulate urgent and transformative action by governments and society at large to contribute to the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity, its Protocols, and other biodiversity-related multilateral agreements, processes, and instruments.
- Capacity Building: It strives to ensure the appropriate capacity building of communities and governments to undertake conservation measures and meet the specified goals. This includes the contentious technology transfer to countries currently lacking it and fostering extensive scientific cooperation among nations.
GOALS AND TARGETS:
The new framework outlines four goals to achieve by 2050.
- Halt the extinction and decline of biodiversity.
- Enhance and retain nature’s services to humans through conservation.
- Ensure fair and equitable benefits for all from the use of genetic resources.
- Close the gap between available financial means and those necessary to achieve the 2050 Vision.
- 2030 Action Targets: The framework includes 21 action-oriented targets for urgent action over the decade to 2030, encompassing objectives such as bringing at least 30% of land and sea under protected areas, a 50% greater reduction in the rate of introduction of invasive alien species, and substantial reductions in nutrient and pesticide levels.
Relationship with SDGs:
The framework substantially contributes to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will, in turn, create the conditions necessary for implementing the framework.
Need for Financial Support:
The framework’s call for increased financial support to developing countries, which are the most severely impacted by biodiversity losses, poses a considerable negotiation challenge. Adequate financial resources are available and should be progressively deployed, closing the financing gap to at least $700 billion per year by 2030. The financial commitment needs to increase to at least $200 billion per year, including an additional $10 billion per year in international financial flow to developing countries.
Theory of Change of the Framework:
The framework is constructed around a theory of change that acknowledges the imperative for urgent policy action at global, regional, and national levels to transform economic, social, and financial models. The anticipated stabilization of trends exacerbating biodiversity loss within the next 10 years (by 2030) is envisioned to pave the way for the recovery of natural ecosystems over the following 20 years, ultimately achieving net improvements by 2050 in line with the Convention’s vision of “living in harmony with nature by 2050.”
FAQs – Global Biodiversity Framework and UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
1. What is the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)?
A: The Global Biodiversity Framework is a comprehensive plan proposed by the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to address and mitigate the ongoing decline of biodiversity. It outlines goals, targets, and actions aimed at safeguarding nature and its essential services from 2020 to 2030.
2. What is the significance of the $200 billion fund called for by the CBD?
A: The $200 billion fund is a financial call to support developing nations in managing nature until 2030. It is part of the official draft of the Global Biodiversity Framework and is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by biodiversity loss, particularly in developing countries.
3. How does biodiversity impact human well-being and the planet?
A: Biodiversity is fundamental to human well-being and the health of our planet. It provides essential services, such as clean air and water, pollination of crops, and disease regulation. Despite ongoing efforts, biodiversity is declining globally, posing risks to ecosystems and human survival.
4. What is the relationship between the Global Biodiversity Framework and the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020?
A: The Global Biodiversity Framework builds upon the principles of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020. It serves as an extension and enhancement of the previous plan, providing a renewed focus on urgent and transformative actions to address biodiversity decline.
5. How does the GBF aim to guide nations in biodiversity conservation?
A: The GBF acts as a global guiding force, encouraging nations to establish national and regional goals and targets. It emphasizes outcome-oriented strategies, updates to action plans, and regular monitoring to ensure progress toward global biodiversity objectives.
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