The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF):

Will financial roadblocks continue to hinder conservation efforts?

• A big bone of contention at the COP16 was the mobilisation of resources to meet the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework target of $700 billion a year for biodiversity conservation by 2030, including $30 billion from developed countries. But pledges at COP16 totalled $163 million
• The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity recently concluded in Cali, Colombia. Representatives from U.N. countries tried to negotiate measures to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, which threatens both human well-being and the stability of human societies. A key sticking point was who’d pay for implementing these measures and how much.
• A highlight of COP16 was the engagement of Indigenous people and local communities — but otherwise it raised a big red flag: it revealed countries are not on track to meet the “30×30” target, which calls for the world to protect 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF):

• It is a landmark international agreement aimed at halting and reversing biodiversity loss worldwide by 2030. It was adopted in December 2022 during the COP15 summit of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), held in Montreal, Canada, though initially started in Kunming, China. This framework is often called the “Paris Agreement for nature” due to its ambitious global goals to preserve biodiversity.

Key Objectives and Targets of the Kunming-Montreal GBF

• The framework has four main goals to achieve by 2050 and 23 targets for immediate action by 2030. These are designed to protect ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity while ensuring sustainable use and equitable sharing of resources.

Four Main Goals by 2050

1. Conserve and Restore Biodiversity: Stabilize and restore ecosystems and habitats to maintain the integrity of natural systems.
2. Sustainable Use of Resources: Promote sustainable practices that prevent the degradation of biodiversity.
3. Benefit-Sharing: Ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of genetic resources and protect traditional knowledge.
4. Financial Mobilization: Mobilize sufficient funding for biodiversity conservation, particularly for developing countries.

Notable Targets for 2030

1. 30×30 Target: Protect at least 30% of the world’s land and ocean areas by 2030, with a focus on areas critical to biodiversity.
2. Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems: Restore at least 30% of degraded terrestrial and marine ecosystems to their natural states.
3. Reduction in Pesticides and Pollution: Cut pollution from plastic waste and reduce the use of harmful chemicals like pesticides by at least 50%.
4. Reduction in Species Extinction Rate: Halve the rate of species extinction and work to conserve species at risk of extinction.
5. Sustainable Production and Consumption: Promote sustainable practices across industries to reduce biodiversity loss from economic activities.
6. Indigenous Rights and Participation: Recognize and respect the rights of indigenous communities and ensure their active participation in biodiversity protection efforts.