- The adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) took place during the fifteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP-15) of the CBD after an extensive four-year consultation and negotiation process.
- This landmark framework, aligned with the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and building upon the Convention’s previous Strategic Plans, outlines an ambitious trajectory towards realizing the global vision of a world living in harmony with nature by 2050.
30 BY 30 TARGET:
A significant aspect highlighted in the declaration is the ’30 by 30′ target, a pivotal proposal under discussion at COP15. This proposal aims to designate 30% of the Earth’s land and oceans with protected status by the year 2030.
MAIN TARGETS:
Comprising four overarching goals for the year 2050 and 23 specific targets to be achieved by 2030, the framework lays out a comprehensive approach. The four primary goals include conserving and restoring biodiversity, ensuring the sustainable use of biodiversity, promoting fair and equitable benefit-sharing, and facilitating transformative change.
KUNMING BIODIVERSITY FUND
China has committed to contributing USD 233 million to a novel initiative aimed at preserving biodiversity in developing nations, identified as the Kunming Biodiversity Fund. This fund signifies China’s dedication to supporting conservation efforts globally.
However, certain affluent donor countries argue against the necessity of establishing a new fund for conservation. They contend that the United Nations’ Global Environment Facility already plays a role in assisting developing nations in financing environmentally sustainable projects.
IMPLEMENTATION
IPBES Reports on Invasive Species and Biodiversity Valuation:
- The recent SBSTTA-25 meeting delved into the insights provided by the IPBES report on invasive species and biodiversity valuation.
- Notably, the report emphasized the crucial role played by invasive species in propelling the extinction of plant and animal species.
- The discussions also encompassed the Methodological Assessment Report on Diverse Values and Valuation of Nature, along with the Thematic Assessment Report on the Sustainable Use of Wild Species.
- These deliberations shed light on the intricate relationship between biodiversity and the impact of invasive species.
IPCC AR6 Findings on Biodiversity and Climate Change:
- A significant focus of the meeting was directed towards the findings of the IPCC AR6 report.
- The report underscored that climate change stands as the primary driver of biodiversity loss.
- Furthermore, it accentuated the capacity of biodiversity to contribute to climate adaptation, resilience, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction.
- The interconnectedness between biodiversity and climate change bears substantial implications for the management of global environmental concerns.
Converging Crises:
Experts at the meeting acknowledged the interlinked nature of various crises, recognizing the convergence of biodiversity loss, climate change, ocean acidification, desertification, land degradation, invasive alien species, and pollution. This recognition paved the way for a holistic approach to address these challenges cohesively and effectively.
Recommendations:
To address these interconnected challenges, the group formulated 15 key recommendations, poised to be presented at the upcoming 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This strategic approach aligns with the overarching goals of the Convention, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and global initiatives like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.
Collaboration with Multilateral Agencies:
Emphasizing collaboration, the meeting highlighted the significance of leveraging the work of other multilateral agencies, including the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization. This collaboration aims to enhance scientific and technical guidance in effectively implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
FAQs – Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)
1. What is the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)?
A: The GBF is a transformative framework adopted during COP-15 of the CBD, aiming to address biodiversity challenges. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goals and builds upon the Convention’s previous Strategic Plans.
2. What is the significance of the ’30 by 30′ target mentioned in the framework?
A: The ’30 by 30′ target proposes designating 30% of the Earth’s land and oceans with protected status by 2030, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts.
3. What are the main goals of the GBF for the year 2050?
A: The four primary goals include conserving and restoring biodiversity, ensuring sustainable use, promoting fair benefit-sharing, and facilitating transformative change.
4. What is the Kunming Biodiversity Fund, and how is China involved?
A: China pledged USD 233 million to the Kunming Biodiversity Fund, a novel initiative supporting biodiversity conservation in developing nations.
5. Why do some donor countries argue against a new fund for conservation?
A: Certain affluent donor countries argue that the existing Global Environment Facility fulfills the role of assisting developing nations in financing environmentally sustainable projects.
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