Newsletter #25 – Whole of society call urgent for BGF implementation

On December 19th 2022 the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was agreed by Parties to the UN Convention. It contains a Mission to halt and reverse nature loss, as part of its 2030 framework. This is aligned with and in support of nature-positive - the global goal for nature. As stated by Jennifer Morris, The Nature Conservancy, CEO, in a statement signed by several nature conservation organizations CEOs “Governments have signed a once-in-a-decade agreement to halt the destruction of Earth’s ecosystems and to protect people and species. We were looking for a global agreement that would transform our relationship with nature. Agreeing to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 puts the issue squarely on the table with a clear deadline for all of society.” 

After 4 years of process and campaigns across the globe, our partner GYBN sees how youth efforts have contributed to unprecedented recognition of intergenerational equity, youth participation, transformative education and rights-based approaches as pathways to address biodiversity loss. All these concepts being part of the newly adopted GBF despite some disappointment at a lesser level of clarity and commitment related to financial means for implementation, especially for developing countries as initially awaited.
“We will step-out of the (COP15) meeting knowing that our efforts have made a difference. »” recognized GYBN in its closing statement at COP15.

COP15 was also a historic milestone for local and subnational governments, endorsing especially in GBF target 12 their key role in contributing to the implementation of the framework and the dedicated plan of action.

This is the result of a tremendous mobilisation of our partner ICLEI and its network over decades, and particularly in the run-up to COP15.

As the focus shifts now towards implementation, the article explores the implications of the GBF and Decisions for cities and subnational governments as key partners in developing and implementing national biodiversity strategies and actions plans, and to reaching the 2030 targets. 

« For the first time, a Rio Convention adopts a stand-alone target on gender equality, which in parallel, has a strong Gender Plan of Action to support its effective implementation at national and local level.” recognized the UNCBD Women’s Caucus in its closing statement in Montreal. This is a major achievement, but a systemic change is urgently needed with 6 key points to be considered including the allocation of sufficient funding to ensure the effective implementation of the plan of Action, but also the need for accountability mechanisms.

Check key ressources on the gender and biodiversity nexus here
You can find the live streaming here

Businesses and financial institutions play a key role in the implementation of a successful GBF and can contribute to accelerate the behavioral changes necessary to secure a nature positive future. Target 15 asks countries to ensure that large and transnational companies and financial institutions monitor, assess and disclose their risks, impacts and dependencies on biodiversity. Governments will require them to do so by 2030 and provide sustainability information to consumers.  If implemented successfully, it could reduce their negative impacts on nature, increase positive impacts and minimise biodiversity-related risks. As a global coalition, Business for Nature was instrumental in rallying the leading business voice to secure an ambitious outcome.

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Read also Finance for Biodiversity statement