One-pagers on the Goals and Targets in the First Draft of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

Goal A. The integrity of all ecosystems is enhanced, with an increase of at least 15% in the area, connectivity and integrity of natural ecosystems, supporting healthy and resilient populations of all species, the rate of extinctions has been reduced at least tenfold, and the risk of species extinctions across all taxonomic and functional groups, is halved, and genetic diversity of wild and domesticated species is safeguarded, with at least 90% of genetic diversity within all species maintained.

Objective:

Addresses all three levels of biodiversity: ecosystems, species and genetic diversity.

• Ecosystem diversity: The area, connectivity and integrity of ecosystems are essential for the protection of species and genetic diversity, ecosystem functioning and for the continued provision of ecosystem services. This will need to be achieved by avoiding further loss of natural ecosystems, where possible, and by reducing current rates of loss. It will further require restoring both converted and degraded ecosystems. Models, scenarios and other studies suggest that an increase in the area of natural ecosystems of the order of 10 to 15 per cent, globally, across all terrestrial ecosystem types, by 2050 may be feasible[1].
• Species diversity: Maintaining, or, where possible, restoring, the diversity of species and ensuring that populations of species are healthy is indispensable to the achievement of the 2050 Vision. Further, conserving species diversity and abundance is essential for the integrity of ecosystems and contributes to the conservation of genetic diversity. Currently, the global species extinction rate is at least tens to hundreds of times higher than the average over the past 10 million years, and the rate is increasing. About 1 million species (or 13 per cent) are currently threatened with extinction, although the extinction risk varies significantly across taxa[2]. It will be necessary to reduce both the extinction rate and the extinction risk (a tenfold reduction is proposed, given that a zero rate is unrealistic and would not account for extinctions due to natural reasons), as well as to maintain or improve the population abundances and the geographical extent of all species.
• Genetic diversity: Genetic diversity is critical for the long-term stability, adaptability and resilience of biodiversity, both at the species and ecosystem levels, and also supports the continued provision of Nature’s contributions to people[3]. It is important to safeguard the genetic diversity of both wild, domesticated and other farmed or cultured species. In addition to action to address issues related to the direct drivers of biodiversity loss, species-specific management interventions are critical for the conservation of genetic diversity of many threatened species. The aim is to improve, or at least maintain current levels of genetic diversity by 2030 (maintaining 90% of genetic diversity is proposed), and progressively increase the diversity, abundance and distribution of populations of species thereafter, towards 2050.

Further explanation of target elements

Extinction rate – Actions to reduce the extinction rate would reduce the number of species threatened with extinction and improve the status of threatened species. Scenarios suggest that it would be feasible to reduce the proportion of species threatened with extinction in the wild by 2030 and aim to reduce extinction risk across all species by 2050[4].

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – conservation of biological diversity

Drivers of biodiversity loss – land/sea use change, direct exploitation, climate change, pollution, invasive species

GBF targets – all targets

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
• Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

GBO-5 pathways

Sustainable freshwater transition; land and forests transition; sustainable fisheries and oceans transition; biodiversity-inclusive one health transition

[1] For example, see Leclère et al. (2020). Bending the curve of terrestrial biodiversity needs an integrated strategy. Nature. 585, 551–556 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2705-y. Strassburg et al (2020). Global priority areas for ecosystem restoration. Nature 586:724–729. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2784-9. 

[2] IPBES (2019). Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. IPBES Secretariat, Bonn, Germany. https://ipbes.net/global-assessment. 

[3] Des Roches et al (2021). Conserving intraspecific variation for nature’s contributions to people. Nature Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-021-01403-5; Stange et al (2021). The importance of genomic variation for biodiversity, ecosystems and people. Nature Reviews Genetics 22, 89–105. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41576-020-00288-7

[4] For example, see Hannah, et al (2020), 30% land conservation and climate action reduces tropical extinction risk by more than 50%. Ecography, 43: 943-953. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.05166. 

Goal B. Nature’s contributions to people are valued, maintained or enhanced through conservation and sustainable use supporting the global development agenda for the benefit of all.

Objective:

Nature’s capacity to contribute to people’s lives, wellbeing and livelihoods is reliant on the area and integrity of both natural and managed ecosystems and their constituent species, and within-species genetic diversity and between-species phylogenetic diversity. Thus the need to maintain, and where appropriate, enhance nature’s contributions to people provides a strong rationale for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. In particular, actions to achieve benefits to people from nature’s contributions through ecosystem-based approaches, disaster risk-reduction, sustainable management of wild species, sustainable agricultural ecosystems, regulation of air and water, and urban green spaces, will be critical to the achievement of the 2050 Vision.

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of the components of biological diversity

GBF targets – all targets

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
• Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
• Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
• Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
• Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

GBO-5 pathways

Essential for the achievement of all transitions to sustainable pathways identified in GBO-5

Goal C. The benefits from the utilization of genetic resources are shared fairly and equitably, with a substantial increase in both monetary and non-monetary benefits shared, including for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity

Objective:

The fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the utilization of genetic resources is one of the three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the primary objective of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization. Benefits generated from the access to and use of genetic resources and/or associated traditional knowledge can contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and can supplement the financial resources required for implementing the 2050 Vision. However, it should be noted that the benefits generated can take various forms, i.e. monetary or non-monetary.

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources

GBF targets – T13 access to genetic resources, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

GBO-5 pathways

Biodiversity-inclusive one health transition; sustainable food systems transition; sustainable agriculture transition

Goal D. The gap between available financial and other means of implementation, and those necessary to achieve the 2050 Vision, is closed.

Objective:

The post-2020 global biodiversity framework will be implemented primarily through activities at the national and subnational level, with supporting actions at the regional and global levels. However, the capacity for implementing the Convention in terms of human, technical and financial resources is limited in many countries, especially in developing countries. Reaching the 2050 Vision for biodiversity will require that the necessary means of implementation are available to enable Parties and stakeholders to undertake the necessary actions. These means of implementation will be required throughout to 2050 at a level commensurate with the ambition of the other goals.

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of the components of biological diversity, and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources

GBF targets – all targets

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
• Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
• Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
• Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
• Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
• Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
• Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
• Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

GBO-5 pathways

Essential for the achievement of all transitions to sustainable pathways identified in GBO-5

[5] A proposed increase of US$200B in financial resources, couples with a US$ 500B in reduction in harmful subsidies, will contribute to closing the US$ 700B financial gap, based on Deutz et al (2020). Financing Nature: closing the global biodiversity financing gap. The Paulson Institute, The Nature Conservancy, and the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability

Target 1. Ensure that all land and sea areas globally are under integrated biodiversity-inclusive spatial planning addressing land- and sea-use change, retaining existing intact and wilderness areas.

Objective

Land-use and sea-use change are major direct drivers of biodiversity loss. More effective and widespread spatial planning, which accounts for biodiversity and the objectives of the Convention, will be crucial, both in terms of the management of managed ecosystems (whose biotic composition is the result of deliberate alteration by people) and the conservation of intact ecosystems. A plausible pathway towards such an outcome requires that net gain, or at a minimum no net loss, of ecosystems be achieved globally by 2030 through spatial planning and restoration.

Further explanation of target elements

• Land and sea areas – It is understood that land and sea areas include all terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, including freshwater biomes.

• Land- and sea- use change – Land-use change includes the conversion of land cover (e.g. deforestation or mining), changes in the management of the ecosystem or agro-ecosystem (e.g. through the intensification of agricultural management or forest harvesting) or changes in the spatial configuration of the landscape (e.g. fragmentation of habitats)[7].

• Integrated biodiversity-inclusive spatial planning – i.e. integrating biodiversity considerations.

• Intact and wilderness areas – Natural areas that are undisturbed by significant human activity, free of modern infrastructure and where natural forces and processes predominate[8].

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – conservation of biological diversity

Drivers of biodiversity loss – direct exploitation, climate change, pollution and invasive species

GBF targets

• Reducing threats to biodiversity – T2 ecosystem restoration, T3 protected areas, T8 ecosystem-based approaches
• Meeting people’s needs – T10 managed/productive ecosystems, T11 nature’s contributions to people, T12 green and blue spaces
• Tools and solutions – T20 traditional knowledge & education, T21 equitable participation and rights over resources

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
• Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

GBO-5 pathways  

Sustainable freshwater transition; land and forests transition; sustainable fisheries and oceans transition

[6] Metternicht (2017). Land Use and Spatial Planning: Enabling Sustainable Management of Land Resources. Springer Briefs in Earth Sciences.

[7] IPBES. Models of drivers of biodiversity and ecosystem change. https://ipbes.net/models-drivers-biodiversity-ecosystem-change

[8] IUCN. Category Ib: Wilderness Area. https://www.iucn.org/theme/protected-areas/about/protected-area-categories/category-ib-wilderness-area

Target 2. Ensure that at least 20 per cent of degraded freshwater, marine and terrestrial ecosystems are under restoration, ensuring connectivity among them and focusing on priority ecosystems.

Objective: 

Restoring both converted and degraded ecosystems will be essential to achieve the objective of this target. To reach the 2050 Vision, a significant net increase in both area, connectivity, and integrity of natural ecosystems is needed. A plausible pathway towards such an outcome requires that net gain, or at a minimum no net loss, of ecosystems be achieved globally by 2030 through spatial planning and restoration (20% is suggested as a feasible target based on scientific studies[9]).

Further explanation of target elements

Degraded freshwater, marine and terrestrial ecosystems – Ecosystem degradation can occur either through a loss of biodiversity, ecosystem functions or services. Natural ecosystems are often degraded prior to being transformed. For example, the degradation of marine ecosystems may take the form of changed trophic structures in a marine community, transformation of the soft and hard benthos or artificial reef construction[11].

Priority ecosystems – A recent study demonstrated that ecosystem restoration can be prioritised depending on factors such as biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation (wetlands and forests) or minimizing costs (arid ecosystems and grasslands). Additional priorities may be converted areas within relatively intact tropical forests and shrublands in South America and Africa[12].

Linkages:

Objectives of the CBD – conservation of biological diversity

Drivers of biodiversity loss – land/sea use change, direct exploitation, climate change

GBF targets

• Reducing threats to biodiversity – T1 spatial planning, T3 protected areas, T8 ecosystem-based approaches
• Meeting people’s needs – T10 managed/productive ecosystems, T11 nature’s contributions to people
• Tools and solutions – T20 traditional knowledge & education, T21 equitable participation and rights over resources

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
• Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

GBO-5 pathways

Sustainable freshwater transition; land and forests transition; sustainable fisheries and oceans transition, sustainable agriculture transition; sustainable climate action transition; biodiversity-inclusive one health transition; sustainable food systems transition

[9] One study showed that up to 55 per cent of converted land could be restored while maintaining current agricultural production if existing yield gaps could be closed by 75 per cent, nothing that similar estimates are not currently available for many ecosystems, it was found that restoring 15 per cent of converted lands in priority areas could avoid over 60 per cent of expected extinctions (see Strassburg et al (2020). Global priority areas for ecosystem restoration. Nature 586:724–729. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2784-9).

[10] In decision 14/5, the Conference of the Parties adopted the short-term action plan on ecosystem restoration which could help to inform actions towards the attainment of this proposed target.

[11] See CBD/POST2020/WS/2019/11/3

[12] Strassburg et al (2020). Global priority areas for ecosystem restoration. Nature. vol. 586, p. 724–729, hhtps://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2784-9

Target 3. Ensure that at least 30 per cent globally of land areas and of sea areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and its contributions to people, are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well-connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscapes and seascapes.

Objective: 

In order to safeguard ecosystem diversity, reduce the rate and risk of extinction and improve species population abundance, as well as maintain and enhance many ecosystem services and nature’s contributions to people, protected area and other areas-based conservation measures (OECM) coverage needs to be expanded (the proposed target of 30% is supported is supported by scientific studies[13]) with appropriate prioritization and improved management. However, the importance of focusing on biodiversity outcomes rather than spatial area has to be emphasized, since an increase in coverage alone will not be sufficient[14]. In addition to the coverage and location of protected areas and OECMs, attention also needs to be given to their management effectiveness.

Further explanation of target elements

• Ecologically representative protected areas - To safeguard biodiversity, it would be necessary to protect areas, which are representative of the various ecosystems found on the plant. The IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology 2.0[18] provides an overview of the diversity of ecosystems and can be used as a tool to ensure that representativeness has been protected.

• Other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) - A geographically defined area other than a protected area, which is governed and managed in ways that achieve positive and sustained long-term outcomes for the in-situ conservation of biodiversity, with associated ecosystem functions and services and where applicable, cultural, spiritual, socio–economic, and other locally relevant values[19].

• Wider landscapes and seascapes - The landscape/seascape level usually combines several ecosystems (agricultural, inland waters, coastal, forest, etc.) and planning at that scale can support decision-making with regard to trade-offs between different elements of sustainability, while taking into account the effects (actual or potential) of management activities on adjacent ecosystems[20].

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – conservation of biological diversity

Drivers of biodiversity loss – land/sea use change, direct exploitation, climate change

GBF targets

• Reducing threats to biodiversity – T1 spatial planning, T2 ecosystem restoration, T8 ecosystem-based approaches
• Meeting people’s needs – T10 managed/productive ecosystems, T11 nature’s contributions to people
• Tools and solutions – T20 traditional knowledge & education, T21 equitable participation and rights over resources

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
• Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

GBO-5 pathways

Sustainable freshwater transition, land and forests transition, sustainable fisheries and oceans transition, sustainable climate action transition, biodiversity-inclusive one health transition

[13] Dinerstein, et al (2019), Op. cit.; Visconti et al (2019). Protected area targets post-2020. Science. 364. eaav6886. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aav6886; IUCN (2016). Increasing marine protected area coverage for effective marine biodiversity conservation. https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/resrecfiles/ WCC_2016_RES_050_EN.pdf; O'Leary et al (2016) Effective Coverage Targets for Ocean Protection. Conservation Letters, 9: 398-404. https://doi.org/10. 1111/conl.12247; Woodley et al (2019). A review of evidence for area‐based conservation targets for the post‐2020 global biodiversity framework. PARKS. 31-46. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.CH.2019.PARKS-25-2SW2.en; Dinerstein et al (2020), A “Global Safety Net” to reverse biodiversity loss and stabilize Earth’s climate. Science Advances 6(36) eabb2824. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abb2824; Jones et al (2019). Area requirements to safeguard Earth’s marine species. One Earth https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2020.01.010; Hannah, et al (2020), 30% land conservation and climate action reduces tropical extinction risk by more than 50%. Ecography, 43: 943-953. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.05166. 

[14] Maxell et al (2020) Area-based conservation in the 21st century. Nature, volume 586, pages 217–227. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2773-z; Pimm et al (2018) How to protect half of Earth to ensure it protects sufficient biodiversity. Science Advances. 4 (8). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aat2616

[15] CBD. 2011. Protected areas and the CBD. https://www.cbd.int/protected/pacbd/

[16] Hockings et al (2006). Evaluating Effectiveness: A framework for assessing management effectiveness of protected areas. 2nd edition. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. xiv + p. 105.

[17] Zafra-Calvo et al (2019). Progress toward Equitably Managed Protected Areas in Aichi Target 11: A Global Survey. BioScience. 69 (3) 191–197. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biy143

[18] Keith et al (2020). The IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology 2.0: Descriptive profiles for biomes and ecosystem functional groups. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN.

[19] CBD. Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs). https://www.cbd.int/protected/partnership/vilm/presentations/15_oecm_mackinnon.pdf

[20] UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/15/13

Target 4. Ensure active management actions to enable the recovery and conservation of species and the genetic diversity of wild and domesticated species, including through ex situ conservation, and effectively manage human-wildlife interactions to avoid or reduce human-wildlife conflict.

Objective: 

• Active species management – Various species-specific management interventions will be needed to ensure the conservation of species, which are threatened or extinct in the wild to achieve the species component of proposed Goal A. This target regroups all species related conservation actions that are not covered in other targets. Active measures have been instrumental in preventing a significant number of bird and mammal extinction in past decades; however, “emergency room” types of interventions will not result in full recovery if the underlying drivers of loss are addressed[21]. 

• Reducing human-wildlife conflict - Reducing human-wildlife conflict and improving co-existence is important to improve human health and well-being and to reduce threats to wildlife, both intentional and unintentional. It is an essential element of efforts to maintain or reintroduce many keystone species and usually requires targeted management interventions.

Further explanation of target elements

• Active management actions - Relevant actions related to this aspect of the target include species reintroductions, species recovery actions (such as vaccinations, supplementary feeding, provision of breeding sites, planting and protection of seedlings) and ex situ conservation where needed, including ex situ conservation of genetic resources within species, including for crops and livestock and their wild relatives.

• Ex situ conservation - The conservation of components of biological diversity outside their natural habitats (e.g. captive breeding)[25].

• Human-wildlife interactions - Interactions between humans and wildlife that do not necessarily cause conflict, damage or costs to either.

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – conservation of biological diversity

Drivers of biodiversity loss – land/sea use change, direct exploitation, climate change, pollution, invasive species

GBF targets

• Reducing threats to biodiversity – T1 spatial planning, T2 ecosystem restoration, T3 protected areas, T5 harvest, trade and use, T6 invasive species, T7 pollution, T8 climate/ecosystem-based approaches
• Meeting people’s needs – T9 sustainable management of wild species, T10 managed/productive ecosystems, T11 nature’s contributions to people, T12 green and blue spaces
• Tools and solutions – T20 traditional knowledge, T21 equitable participation and rights over resources

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
• Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

GBO-5 pathways 

Essential for the achievement of all transitions to sustainable pathways identified in GBO-5

[21] Bolam et al (2020). Preventing extinctions post-2020 requires recovery actions and transformative change.

bioRxiv. doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.11.09.374314

[22] IUCN (2018). IUCN proposes new method for measuring species’ conservation success. https://www.iucn.org/news/species/201803/iucn-proposes-new-method-measuring-species%E2%80%99-conservation-success

[23] IUCN. IUCN Definitions.  https://www.iucn.org/sites/dev/files/iucn-glossary-of-definitions_en_2021.05.pdf

[24] CBD/WG2020/3/3/Add.2

[25] CBD. Article 2. Use of Terms. https://www.cbd.int/convention/articles/?a=cbd-02

Target 5. Ensure that the harvesting, trade and use of wild species is sustainable, legal, and safe for human health.

Objective: 

The direct exploitation of wild populations of species is the largest direct driver of biodiversity loss in marine ecosystems and the second largest in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Actions to address the legality, sustainability and safety of the use of wild species of fauna and flora need to take place at the point of harvest, landing, during transportation and trade, and at point of final consumption – the latter affecting overall demand[26]. Actions should also respect the customary sustainable use of biodiversity by indigenous peoples and local communities.

Further explanation of target elements

• Harvesting - Involves the gathering, catching or hunting of wild species for human uses.

• Trade and use - Includes the use of wild species for food and non-food purposes, such as for clothing, medicinal, cultural, scientific, recreational and work-related uses, as well as for selling or trading (i.e. selling of dead or living wildlife and/or products derived from them).

• Wild species - Wild living organisms, including fauna, flora, fungi and bacteria.

• Legal, sustainable and safe – Implies the harvesting, trade and use of organisms at a rate within the bounds of its capacity for renewal, respects international and national laws and is safe for people and other wildlife (e.g. does not contribute to the spread of pathogens or invasive species).

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – sustainable use of the components of biological diversity

Drivers of biodiversity loss – direct exploitation

GBF targets

• Reducing threats to biodiversity – T3 protected areas, T6 invasive species, T8 ecosystem-based approaches
• Meeting people’s needs – T9 sustainable management of wild species, T10 managed/productive ecosystems, T11 nature’s contributions to people, T13 access to genetic resources
• Tools and solutions – T15 businesses, T16 responsible choices, T18 harmful incentives, T20 traditional knowledge, T21 equitable participation and rights over resources

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
• Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

GBO-5 pathways

Sustainable fisheries and oceans transition; land and forests transition; sustainable agriculture transition, biodiversity inclusive one health transition, sustainable food systems transition, sustainable food systems transition

[26] Coad et al (2019) Towards a sustainable, participatory and inclusive wild meat sector. Bogor, Indonesia: CIFOR. https://doi.org/10.17528/cifor/007046; Booker (2019) Engaging local communities in tackling illegal wildlife trade: A synthesis of approaches and lessons for best practice. Conservation Science and Practice, 1(5), e26. https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.26; Lavorgna and Sajeva (2020). Studying Illegal Online Trades in Plants: Market Characteristics, Organisational and Behavioural Aspects, and Policing Challenges. European Journal of Criminal Policy and Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10610-020-09447-2

Target 6. Manage pathways for the introduction of invasive alien species, preventing, or reducing their rate of introduction and establishment by at least 50 per cent, and control or eradicate invasive alien species to eliminate or reduce their impacts, focusing on priority species and priority sites.

Objective: 

Invasive alien species are one of the main direct drivers of biodiversity loss at the global level, and in some ecosystems, such as many island ecosystems, they are the leading cause of biodiversity decline. Some invasive alien species are also agents of infectious disease. To achieve the 2050 Vision and the proposed Goals of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, limiting new introductions and eradicating or controlling those invasive alien species that pose a significant risk for threatened species or the provision of ecosystem services will be required.

Further explanation of target elements

• Pathways – Also referred to as vectors, are the means by which alien species are introduced to new environments. The evidence suggests that the highest number of introductions occur through escape, transport-contaminants and intentional release to nature.
• Priority species and sites - Focusing on regions that are particularly vulnerable to invasive species, such as islands and freshwater systems, can result in the largest biodiversity benefits. Similarly, there should be a focus on invasive species that are currently the most harmful, as well those that are predicted to become the most harmful in the future[29].

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – conservation of biological diversity

Drivers of biodiversity loss – land/sea use change, direct exploitation, climate change

GBF targets

• Reducing threats to biodiversity – T2 ecosystem restoration, T4 species recovery, T5 trade, harvest and use, T8 ecosystem-based approaches
• Meeting people’s needs – T9 sustainable management of wild species, T10 managed/productive ecosystems, T11 nature’s contributions to people, T13 access to genetic resources, T17 biotechnology
• Tools and solutions – T20 traditional knowledge & education, T21 equitable participation and rights over resources

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
• Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
• Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

GBO-5 pathways

Essential for the achievement of all transitions to sustainable pathways identified in GBO-5

[27] Essl et al (2020). The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)’s Post-2020 target on invasive alien species – what should it include and how should it be monitored? NeoBiota 62: 99-121. https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.62.53972

[28] Sincailr et al. The Conservation Hierarchy Underpinning the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework. https://www.cbd.int/doc/strategic-plan/Post2020/postsbi/biodiversify1.pdf

[29] Op. cit. Essl et al (2020).

Target 7. Reduce pollution from all sources to levels that are not harmful to biodiversity and ecosystem functions and human health, including by reducing nutrients lost to the environment by at least half, and pesticides by at least two thirds and eliminating the discharge of plastic waste.

Objective: 

Pollution is one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss, and many forms of pollution impact on biodiversity and in various ways. Most pollutants also have negative impacts on human health and some groups, such indigenous peoples and local communities, women, children and people living in vulnerable situations, may be disproportionately affected. To achieve the 2050 Vision and the proposed Goals of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework it will be necessary to reduce substantially levels of pollution, focusing on nutrients, pesticides and plastics, given that they were identified by IPBES as top priorities[30] (other groups of pollutants could become the focus of efforts in subsequent Global Biodiversity Frameworks and eventually all priority pollutants should be addressed by 2050).

Further explanation of target elements

• Not harmful to biodiversity, ecosystem functions and human health – Different metrics will be needed for different types of pollution. As an example, pesticide use can be reduced by between 20-70% without reducing yields or farmer income when following appropriate agronomic practices[35]; in some cases, this will be accompanied by improved yields and/or incomes can, as well as an associated increase in the populations of natural enemies of pests[36]. An ongoing reduction in pollution levels can be expected to improve the natural resilience of ecosystems; overtime achieving the goal of becoming non harmful as this resilience is no longer compromised.

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – conservation of biological diversity

Drivers of biodiversity loss – land/sea use change, direct exploitation

GBF targets – all targets

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
• Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
• Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
• Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

GBO-5 pathways

Essential for the achievement of all transitions to sustainable pathways identified in GBO-5

[30] IPBES (2019) Global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. IPBES secretariat, Bonn, Germany; 

[31] A valuable resource and ally, the Global Partnership on Nutrient Management (a platform for governments, UN agencies, scientists and the private sector to forge a common agenda, mainstreaming best practices and integrated assessments, so that policy making and investments are effectively ‘nutrient proofed’) has as a primary focus the reduction of excess nutrients. See http://www.nutrientchallenge.org/

[32] For example see Van Meter et al (2018) Legacy nitrogen may prevent achievement of water quality goals in the Gulf of Mexico. Science, 360(6387), 427-430. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aar4462; and Goyette et al (2018). Low buffering capacity and slow recovery of anthropogenic phosphorus pollution in watersheds. Nature Geoscience, 11(12), 921-925. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-018-0238-x

[33] Sutton et al (2020). The nitrogen decade: mobilizing global action on nitrogen to 2030 and beyond. One Earth. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2020.12.016

[34] UN. Plastics. https://www.un.org/pga/73/plastics/; As a valuable resource, prepared by the UNEP, IUCN and the Life Cycle Initiative, on identifying plastic leakage ‘hotspots’, finding their impacts along the entire plastic value chain, and then prioritising actions once these hotspots are identified, see United Nations Environment Programme (2020). National guidance for plastic pollution hotspotting and shaping action - Introduction report. Boucher J.,; M. Zgola, et al. United Nations Environment Programme. Nairobi, Kenya

[35] Lechenet et al (2017). Reducing pesticide use while preserving crop productivity and profitability on arable farms. Nature Plants volume 3(17008). https://doi.org/10.1038/nplants.2017.8; Vasileiadis et al (2016). Farm‐scale evaluation of herbicide band application integrated with inter‐row mechanical weeding for maize production in four European regions. Weed Research 56(4), 313-322. https://doi.org/10.1111/wre.12210; National Research Council. 2003. Frontiers in Agricultural Research: Food, Health, Environment, and Communities. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/10585.

[36] Gurr et al (2016) Multi-country evidence that crop diversification promotes ecological intensification of agriculture, Nature Plants. doi: 10.1038/nplants.206.14. Settle et al (1996) Managing tropical rice pests through conservation of generalist natural enemies and alternative prey, Ecology, 77(7), 1996, pp 1975-1988. Lechenet et al (2017). Reducing pesticide use while preserving crop productivity and profitability on arable farms. Nature Plants volume 3(17008). https://doi.org/10.1038/nplants.2017.8; Vasileiadis et al (2016). Farm‐scale evaluation of herbicide band application integrated with inter‐row mechanical weeding for maize production in four European regions. Weed Research 56(4), 313-322. https://doi.org/10.1111/wre.12210; National Research Council. 2003. Frontiers in Agricultural Research: Food, Health, Environment, and Communities. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/10585. Wan et al (2020) multispecies coculture promotes ecological intensification of vegetable production. Journal of cleaner production 257 120851. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.jclepro.2020.120851.

Target 8. Minimize the impact of climate change on biodiversity, contribute to mitigation and adaptation through ecosystem-based approaches, contributing at least 10 GtCO2e per year to global mitigation efforts, and ensure that all mitigation and adaptation efforts avoid negative impacts on biodiversity.

Objective: 

Climate change, and the associated pressure of ocean acidification, is already impacting biodiversity and is projected as the largest driver of biodiversity loss in the second half of this century. Effective and sustainable climate action, including stringent reductions in the use of fossil fuels, is a prerequisite to slowing and reversing biodiversity loss. Further, a number of ecosystem-based approaches, such as conservation, ecosystem restoration and improved management of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture[37], can contribute to both climate change mitigation and adaptation, while also contributing to biodiversity goals, the provision of ecosystem services and disaster-risk reduction.

Further explanation of target elements

• Ecosystem-based approaches – Defined as the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall adaptation strategy to help people adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. This term may refer to a wide range of ecosystem management activities to increase the resilience and reduce the vulnerability of people and the environment, including to climate change and disasters.

Linkages:

Objectives of the CBD – conservation of biological diversity

Drivers of biodiversity loss – land/sea use change, direct exploitation, invasive species

GBF targets – all targets

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
• Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
• Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
• Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
• Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

GBO-5 pathways

Essential for the achievement of all transitions to sustainable pathways identified in GBO-5

[37] Froehlich et al (2019). Blue growth potential to mitigate climate change through seaweed offsetting. Current Biology, 29(18), 3087-3093. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2019.07.041; Theuerkauf et al (2019). A global spatial analysis reveals where marine aquaculture can benefit nature and people. PLoS One, 14(10), e0222282. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0222282

[38] United Nations Environment Programme (2020). Emissions Gap Report 2020. Nairobi. https://www.unep.org/emissions-gap-report-2020

[39] Seddon et al (2019). Nature-based Solutions in Nationally Determined Contributions: Synthesis and recommendations for enhancing climate ambition and action by 2020. Gland, Switzerland and Oxford, UK: IUCN and University of Oxford.

Target 9. Ensure benefits, including nutrition, food security, medicines, and livelihoods for people especially for the most vulnerable through sustainable management of wild terrestrial, freshwater and marine species and protecting customary sustainable use by indigenous peoples and local communities.

Objective: 

Biodiversity is the source of many goods and services on which human wellbeing depends. The maintenance, in quantity and quality, of the benefits provided by biodiversity offers an important incentive for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. It will not be possible to reach the 2050 Vision if the benefits provided by biodiversity, particularly those related to nutrition, food security livelihoods, health and well-being are not ensured.

Further explanation of target elements

• Sustainable management – This will require management that takes into account various uses of biodiversity (both consumptive and non-consumptive), as well as management of the demand for these.
• Most vulnerable people – includes indigenous peoples and local communities, women, youth, and people living in vulnerable situations (e.g. those living in poverty).
• Customary sustainable use – refers to indigenous and local systems for the control, use and management of natural resources. Customary use of biological resources includes spiritual, cultural, economic and subsistence functions[41].

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – sustainable use of the components of biological diversity

Drivers of biodiversity loss – land/sea use change, direct exploitation, climate change, pollution, invasive species

GBF targets

• Reducing threats to biodiversity –  T2 ecosystem restoration, T3 protected areas, T4 species recovery, T5 trade, harvest and use, T6 invasive species, T7 pollution, T8 climate/ecosystem-based approaches
• Meeting people’s needs – T9 sustainable management of wild species, T10 managed/productive ecosystems, T11 nature’s contributions to people, T13 access to genetic resources
• Tools and solutions – T14 biodiversity values,  T15 businesses, T16 responsible choices, T17 biotechnology,  T18 harmful incentives, T20 traditional knowledge & education, T21 equitable participation and rights over resources

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
• Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
• Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

GBO-5 pathways

Essential for the achievement of all transitions to sustainable pathways identified in GBO-5

[40] Sumaila (2017) Investments to reverse biodiversity loss are economically beneficial. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. 29, 82-88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2018.01.007.

[41] CBD. Quick guide to the Aichi Biodiversity Targets Traditional knowledge respected. https://www.cbd.int/doc/strategic-plan/targets/T18-quick-guide-en.pdf

Target 10. Ensure all areas under agriculture, aquaculture and forestry are managed sustainably, in particular through the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, increasing the productivity and resilience of these production systems. 

Objective: 

This target relates to land-use and sea-use change through the use of managed ecosystems, which contribute significantly to habitat loss. To achieve the 2050 Vision and the proposed Goals of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework there is a need to increase the productivity and sustainability of productive land- and sea-scapes, and, in particular, of existing agricultural areas, in order to limit and reduce the demand for land and water resources[42]. Productivity and sustainability can be increased by improving the efficiency of use of land and inputs of water, fertilizers, pesticides and other agrochemicals, including through genetic improvements to crops and livestock, substituting external inputs, and designing or redesigning systems based on agro-ecological approaches[43]. This target focuses specifically on how to enhance biodiversity in agricultural and other managed ecosystems.

Further explanation of target elements

• Sustainable use – The use of components of biological diversity in a way and at a rate that does not lead to the long-term decline of biological diversity, thereby maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations[47].
• Productivity – Productivity is commonly defined as a ratio of a volume measure of output to a volume measure of input use[48].
• Resilience – The capacity of a system to recover from stress and disturbance while retaining its essential functions, structure, feedbacks and identity; resilient ecosystems sustain biological diversity and human livelihoods in times of severe and wide-ranging change[49].

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – sustainable use of the components of biological diversity

Drivers of biodiversity loss – land/sea use change, pollution, invasive species

GBF targets

• Reducing threats to biodiversity – T1 spatial planning, T2 ecosystem restoration, T3 protected areas, T4 species recovery, T5 trade, harvest and use, T6 invasive species, T7 pollution (esp. nutrients), T8 climate/ecosystem-based approaches
• Meeting people’s needs – T9 sustainable management of wild species & customary sustainable use, T10 managed/productive ecosystems, T11 nature’s contributions to people, T13 access to genetic resources
• Tools and solutions – T14 biodiversity values, T15 businesses, T16 responsible choices, T17 biotechnology, T18 harmful incentives, T20 traditional knowledge & education, T21 equitable participation and rights over resources

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture, 
• Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, 
• Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, 
• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development, 
• Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

GBO-5 pathways

Sustainable freshwater transition, land and forests transition, sustainable fisheries and oceans transition, sustainable agriculture transition, sustainable food systems transition

[42] IPBES (2019) Global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. IPBES secretariat, Bonn, Germany; Leclère et al (2020), Bending the curve of terrestrial biodiversity needs an integrated strategy. Nature, volume 585, pp. 551–556. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2705-y

[43] Altieri et al (2015). Agroecology and the design of climate change-resilient farming systems. Agronomy for Sustainable Development. 35, 869–890. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-015-0285-2; Fischer et al. (2017) Reframing the Food–Biodiversity Challenge. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 32:335-345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2017.02.009; Gliessman (2018) Defining agroecology. Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems 42:599–600. https://doi.org/10.1080/21683565.2018.1432329.

[44] FAO. Definitions. Aquaculture. http://www.fao.org/3/x6941e/x6941e04.htm

[45] Cambridge Dictionary. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/forestry

[46] FAO. Sustainable forest management. http://www.fao.org/sustainable-forests-management/en/

[47] CBD (1992) Article 2. https://www.cbd.int/convention/articles/?a=cbd-02

[48] OECD (2001) Defining and Measuring Productivity. https://www.oecd.org/sdd/productivity-stats/40526851.pdf

[49] IUCN. Resilience. https://www.iucn.org/commissions/commission-ecosystem-management/our-work/cems-thematic-groups/resilience

Target 11. Maintain and enhance nature’s contributions to regulation of air quality, quality and quantity of water, and protection from hazards and extreme events for all people.

Objective: 

This target relates to the benefits provided to people in relation to the services provided by ecosystems (or nature’s contributions to people, using IPBES categories) and aims to capture regulation services not captured elsewhere in the goals and targets[50]. These ecosystem services underpin the health and well-being of people, therefore safeguarding these ecosystem services is a key element of the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity.

Further explanation of target elements

Maintain and enhance nature’s contributions – The protection and restoration of key ecosystems to address societal needs are sometimes known as “ecosystem-based approaches” and results in the maintenance and enhancement of nature’s contributions. Required actions include reducing the direct pressures on the ecosystems that provide services related to the regulation of air quality, hazards and extreme events and quality and quantity of water, and proactive measures to conserve and restore key ecosystems, or to create or recreate green and blue spaces in urban areas.

Regulation of air quality, quality and quantity of water – Nature’s contributions are provided by key ecosystems, such as forests and wetlands especially in upstream areas, coral reefs, mangroves, kelp forests, and sea-grass beds. As a result, people benefit from services such as the regulation of water flows, prevention of erosion, provision of protection against extreme events through physical barriers, or filtration of pollutants, which in turn result in the regulation of air quality, and quality and quantity of water.

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – sustainable use of the components of biological diversity

Drivers of biodiversity loss – land/sea use change, direct exploitation, climate change, pollution

GBF targets – all targets

• Reducing threats to biodiversity – T1 spatial planning, T2 ecosystem restoration, T3 protected areas, T4 species recovery, T5 trade, harvest and use, T6 invasive species, T7 pollution (esp. nutrients), T8 climate/ecosystem-based approaches
• Meeting people’s needs – T9 sustainable management of wild species & customary sustainable use, T10 managed/productive ecosystems, T11 nature’s contributions to people, T12 green and blue spaces, T13 access to genetic resources
• Tools and solutions – T14 biodiversity values, T15 businesses, T16 responsible choices, T17 biotechnology, T18 harmful incentives, T19 means of implementation, T20 traditional knowledge & education, T21 equitable participation and rights over resources

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
• Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
• Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

GBO-5 pathways

Essential for the achievement of all transitions to sustainable pathways identified in GBO-5

[50] The full list of nature’s contributions includes: Habitat creation and maintenance, Pollination and dispersal of seeds, Regulation of air quality, Regulation of climate, Regulation of ocean acidification, Regulation of freshwater quantity, location and timing, Regulation of Freshwater Quality, Formation, protection and decontamination of soils and sediments, Regulation of hazards and extreme events, Regulation of organisms detrimental to humans, Energy, Food and feed, Materials and assistance, Medicinal, biochemical and genetic resources, Learning inspiration, Physical and psychological experiences, Supporting identities, Maintenance of options (see page 346 onwards,  IPBES (2019) Global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. IPBES secretariat, Bonn, Germany)

[51] UNEP (2016). Actions on Air Quality. Policies and programmes for improving air quality around the World. https://www.unep.org/resources/assessment/actions-air-quality

[52] CBD. Living in harmony with nature. https://www.cbd.int/undb/media/factsheets/undb-factsheet-ecoserv-en.pdf

[53] UNEP. About water. https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/water/about-water

[54] United Nations World Water Assessment Programme/UN-Water (2019), The United Nations World Water Development Report 2019: Leaving No One Behind. Paris, UNESCO. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000367306.

Target 12. Increase the area of, access to, and benefits from green and blue spaces, for human health and well-being in urban areas and other densely populated areas.

Objective: 

Green and blue spaces have a range of positive effects on human physical and mental wellbeing[55]. Further, these spaces can provide important habitat for species, improve habitat connectivity, provide ecosystem services and help mediate extreme events, if managed with such objectives in mind[56]. To achieve the 2050 Vision and the proposed Goals of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework there is a need to increase the area of, access to (including ex-situ transportation), and benefits from green and blue spaces.

Further explanation of target elements

• Green and blue spaces – areas of vegetation, inland and coastal waters, generally in or near to urban areas. These can have a range of positive effects on human physical and mental well-being and provide connection to nature. Further, green and blue areas provide important habitat for species, improve habitat connectivity, provide ecosystem services and help mediate extreme events, if managed with such objectives in mind[57].
• Human health and well-being – Physical and psychological health and well-being. As an example, the critical importance of urban nature in providing resilience in time of crisis was demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic, during which access to green spaces in cities and the countryside has been an important factor in supporting health and well-being while people observe social distancing requirements.
• Urban and other densely populated areas – Generally, access to green and blue spaces is more limited for urban dwellers and those living in densely populated areas. Further, more economically and/or socially marginalized groups often have more limited access to such spaces[58], requiring specific attention to ensure that their needs are met.

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – sustainable use of the components of biological diversity

Drivers of biodiversity loss – land/sea use change, direct exploitation, climate change, pollution, invasive species

GBF targets

• Reducing threats to biodiversity – T1 spatial planning, T2 ecosystem restoration, T3 protected areas, T4 species recovery, T7 pollution, T8 climate/ecosystem-based approaches
• Meeting people’s needs – T11 nature’s contributions to people
• Tools and solutions – T14 biodiversity values

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
• Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
• Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

GBO-5 pathways  

Sustainable freshwater transition, land and forests transition, sustainable cities and infrastructure transition, sustainable climate action transition, biodiversity-inclusive one health transition

[55] For example, see Tyrväinen et al (2019). Health and well-being from forests – experience from Finnish research. Santé Publique, S1(HS1), 249-256. https://doi.org/10.3917/spub.190.0249; Wood et al (2018). Not All Green Space Is Created Equal: Biodiversity Predicts Psychological Restorative Benefits From Urban Green Space. Frontiers in Psychology 9.

[56] Lepczyk, et al (2017). Biodiversity in the City: Fundamental Questions for Understanding the Ecology of Urban Green Spaces for Biodiversity Conservation. BioScience. 67. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/bix079; Aronson et al (2017). Biodiversity in the city: key challenges for urban green space management. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. 15.

[57] Op. cit. Lepczyk, et al (2017)

[58] Geary et al (2021). A call to action: Improving urban green spaces to reduce health inequalities exacerbated by COVID-19. Preventive Medicine. 145. 106425. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106425; Miró et al (2018). Links between ecological and human wealth in drainage ponds in a fast-expanding city, and proposals for design and management. Landscape and Urban Planning. 180. 93-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2018.08.013.

Target 13. Implement measures at global level and in all countries to facilitate access to genetic resources and to ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources, and as relevant, of associated traditional knowledge, including through mutually agreed terms and prior and informed consent.

Objective: 

The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources is one of the three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity, further supported by the Nagoya Protocol. Sharing the benefits from the use of genetic resources creates incentives for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and contributes to the creation of a fairer and more equitable economy to support sustainable development.

Further explanation of target elements

• Fair and equitable sharing of benefits – Refers to the measures taken to ensure that the benefits arising from the utilization of biodiversity and associated traditional knowledge, as well as the subsequent applications and commercialization, are shared in a fair and equitable way among all those organizations or communities identified as having contributed to resource management, research and development, and/or commercialization[59].
• Associated traditional knowledge – In some cases, access to genetic resources may depend on the traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples and local communities. Access and benefit-sharing rules recognize the value of this knowledge by requiring users to obtain permission to use it, and to share any benefits resulting from its use with the communities who own it[60].
• Mutually agreed terms (MAT) – Mutually agreed terms are an agreement reached between the provider of genetic resources and a user with respect to the conditions of access to genetic resources in the provider country and the benefits to be shared between both parties, further to the commercial or other use of these resources[61].
• Prior and informed consent (PIC) – Permission from the competent national authority, or authorities of the provider country is to be obtained prior to accessing genetic resources, in accordance with national legislation[62].

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources

GBF targets

• Reducing threats to biodiversity – T2 ecosystem restoration, T4 species recovery, T5 trade, harvest and use, T6 invasive species
• Meeting people’s needs – T9 sustainable management of wild species & customary sustainable use, T11 nature’s contributions to people
• Tools and solutions – T14 biodiversity values, T15 businesses, T17 biotechnology, T20 traditional knowledge & education, T21 equitable participation and rights over resources

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

GBO-5 pathways  

Sustainable food systems transition, biodiversity-inclusive one health transition, sustainable agriculture transition

[59] The Union for Ethical BioTrade (2013). Fair and equitable benefit sharing. Manual for the assessment of policies and practices along natural ingredient supply chains. https://www.cbd.int/abs/submissions/icnp-3/EU-UEBT-Sharing-Manual.pdf

[60] CBD (2011). Convention on Biological Diversity: ABS. Introduction to access and benefit-sharing. https://www.cbd.int/abs/infokit/revised/web/all-files-en.pdf

[61] CBD. Frequently Asked Questions on Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS). https://www.cbd.int/doc/programmes/abs/factsheets/abs-factsheet-faqs-en.pdf

[62] Ibid.

Target 14. Fully integrate biodiversity values into policies, regulations, planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, accounts, and assessments of environmental impacts at all levels of government and across all sectors of the economy, ensuring that all activities and financial flows are aligned with biodiversity values.

Objective: 

Reaching the goals of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework and the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity will require that biodiversity moves from the periphery of decision-making to become a core consideration in decision and planning processes across government and all sectors of the economy and of society, recognizing the multiple values of biodiversity. There will be a need for greater and more explicit recognition of all biodiversity values in key national strategic policy and planning documents. Progress towards this target will support the attainment of most of the proposed goals and targets of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.

Further explanation of target elements

Policies, regulations, planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, accounts, and assessments of environmental impacts – The greater and more explicit recognition of all biodiversity values in key national strategic policy and planning documents will need to be supported by the further development and more effective use of instruments or policy tools for addressing biodiversity and ecosystem services and functions in a comprehensive manner within and across different sectors and policy areas. More specific actions to reach this target will include greater efforts to incorporate biodiversity values and considerations into sectoral policies, including policies related to development, forestry, agriculture, fisheries, energy, finance, and other economic sectors; to develop natural capital accounts; to undertake more effective strategic environmental assessments (SEA) and environmental impact assessments (EIA) and to further develop tools, guidelines and methodologies to support institutions in decision-making.

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – conservation of biological diversity, and sustainable use of the components of biological diversity

Drivers of biodiversity loss – (all) land/sea use change, direct exploitation, climate change, pollution, invasive species

GBF targets – all targets

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all
• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
• Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
• Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

GBO-5 pathways

Essential for the achievement of all transitions to sustainable pathways identified in GBO-5

[63] UN. Sustainable Development Goals. Paragraph 197 of the Future We Want, Rio+20. https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/unsystem/index.php?page=view&type=5007&menu=32&nr=164&template=924

[64] COP 6 Decision VI/7

[65] CBD (2021). Financial Sector Guide for the Convention on Biological Diversity KEY ACTIONS FOR NATURE. https://www.cbd.int/doc/c/8e24/f151/326b69024f014a8fb9684a8d/cbd-financial-sector-guide-f-en.pdf

Target 15. All businesses (public and private, large, medium and small) assess and report on their dependencies and impacts on biodiversity, from local to global, and progressively reduce negative impacts, by at least half and increase positive impacts, reducing biodiversity-related risks to businesses and moving towards the full sustainability of extraction and production practices, sourcing and supply chains, and use and disposal.

Objective: 

Unsustainable production and supply chains used to meet the demand for goods and services globally are one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss and a factor contributing to unsustainable consumption. Reducing the negative impacts on biodiversity from production practices and supply chains will be important in making progress towards the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity.

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – conservation of biological diversity and sustainable use of the components of biological diversity

Drivers of biodiversity loss – (all) land/sea use change, direct exploitation, climate change, pollution, invasive species

GBF targets – all targets

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
• Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
• Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

GBO-5 pathways

Essential for the achievement of all transitions to sustainable pathways identified in GBO-5

[66] CBD. 2018. Dependencies and Impacts. https://www.cbd.int/business/info/bb.shtml

[67] See Capitals Coalition – The Natural Capital Protocol, https://capitalscoalition.org/capitals-approach/natural-capital-protocol/?fwp_filter_tabs=guide_supplement 

[68] OECD (2019). Biodiversity: Finance and the Economic and Business Case for Action. Annex A. Biodiversity-related risks to businesses. OECD Publishing. Paris. https://doi.org/10.1787/a3147942-en

[69] IRP (2019) Global Resources Outlook 2019: Natural Resources for the Future We Want. A Report of the International Resource Panel. United Nations Environment Programme. Nairobi, Kenya. https://www.resourcepanel.org/reports/global-resources-outlook.

[70] The draft long-term approach to mainstreaming, and the associated action plan, contains a strategic action area directly relevant to this target and provides an indicative list of possible actions. For more information see CBD/SBI/3/13 and CBD/SBI/3/13/Add.1.

Target 16. Ensure that people are encouraged and enabled to make responsible choices and have access to relevant information and alternatives, taking into account cultural preferences, to reduce by at least half the waste and, where relevant the overconsumption, of food and other materials.

Objective: 

Unsustainable consumption underlies each of the main direct drivers of biodiversity loss. Reaching the 2050 Vision will require that the use of biological resources does not exceed the capacity of the Earth to generate them. This will necessitate action across society, with governments having a particularly important role to play in creating an enabling environment for actions by the private sector and individuals.

Further explanation of target elements

• Responsible choices – Responsible choices are critical for eliminating unsustainable consumption patterns, and begin by ensuring people everywhere understand and appreciate the value of biodiversity.
• Encouraged and enabled – This could include promoting changes in consumer preferences for the amount and type of resources which are consumed, promoting the use of goods from sustainable sources, support for biodiversity friendly business practices, developing national procurement policies that are in line with the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the development of methods to promote science-based information on biodiversity in consumer and producer decisions.

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – conservation of biological diversity and sustainable use of the components of biological diversity

Drivers of biodiversity loss – (all) land/sea use change, direct exploitation, climate change, pollution, invasive species

GBF targets

• Reducing threats to biodiversity – T4 species recovery, T5 trade, harvest and use, T6 invasive species, T7 pollution (esp. plastic waste), T8 climate/ecosystem-based approaches
• Meeting people’s needs – T9 sustainable management of wild species & customary sustainable use, T10 managed/productive ecosystems, T11 nature’s contributions to people, T12 green and blue spaces
• Tools and solutions – T14 biodiversity values, T15 businesses,  T18 harmful incentives, T19 means of implementation (esp. capacity-building), T20 traditional knowledge & education, T21 equitable participation and rights over resources

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
• Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
• Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
• Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

GBO-5 pathways

Essential for the achievement of all transitions to sustainable pathways identified in GBO-5

Target 17. Establish, strengthen capacity for, and implement measures in all countries to prevent, manage or control potential adverse impacts of biotechnology on biodiversity and human health, reducing the risk of these impacts.

Objective: 

The Convention on Biological Diversity requires that Parties, as far as possible and as appropriate, establish or maintain means to regulate, manage or control the risks associated with the use and release of living modified organisms resulting from biotechnology, which are likely to have adverse environmental impacts that could affect the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account the risks to human health. To achieve the 2050 Vision, there is a great potential to advance considerations of the issue of biotechnology, including strengthened capacity and improved management to reduce impacts on biodiversity and human health.

Further explanation of target elements

Biotechnology – Under the Convention, “biotechnology” means any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use (Article 2 of the Convention).

Reducing risk – Biotechnology is a very new field, and much about the interaction of LMOs with various ecosystems is not yet known. Some of the concerns about the new technology include its potential adverse effects on biological diversity, and potential risks to human health. Potential areas of concern might be unintended changes in the competitiveness, virulence, or other characteristics of the target species; the possibility of adverse impacts on non-target species (such as beneficial insects) and ecosystems; the potential for weediness in genetically modified crops (where a plant becomes more invasive than the original, perhaps by transferring its genes to wild relatives); and the stability of inserted genes (the possibilities that a gene will lose its effectiveness or will be re-transferred to another host)[71]. Risk assessments are required under the Biosafety Protocol to make decisions on import of LMOs for intentional introduction into the environment in accordance with scientifically sound risk assessments[72], and can be effective tool to reduce the risks associated with new biotechnologies.

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – conservation of biological diversity and sustainable use of the components of biological diversity and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources

GBF targets

Reducing threats to biodiversity – T2 ecosystem restoration, T4 species recovery, T5 trade, harvest and use, T6 invasive species, T7 pollution, T8 climate/ecosystem-based approaches

Meeting people’s needs – T9 sustainable management of wild species & customary sustainable use, T10 managed/productive ecosystems, T11 nature’s contributions to people, T13 access to genetic resources

Tools and solutions – T14 biodiversity values, T15 businesses, T16 responsible choices, T18 harmful incentives, T20 traditional knowledge & education, T21 equitable participation and rights over resources

Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

GBO-5 pathways

Biodiversity-inclusive one health transition, sustainable food systems transition, sustainable agriculture transition, land and forests transition; sustainable fisheries and oceans transition

[71] Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Cartagena Protocol. https://bch.cbd.int/protocol/cpb_faq.shtml

[72] CBD. Risk Assessment. http://bch.cbd.int/protocol/cpb_art15.shtml

Target 18. Redirect, repurpose, reform or eliminate incentives harmful for biodiversity, in a just and equitable way, reducing them by at least US$ 500 billion per year, including all of the most harmful subsidies, and ensure that incentives, including public and private economic and regulatory incentives, are either positive or neutral for biodiversity.

Objective: 

Harmful incentives, including certain subsidies, are one of the main indirect drivers of biodiversity loss, particularly where they contribute to harmful land-/sea-use, unsustainable consumption and production patterns, overexploitation, pollution and climate change. Substantial and widespread changes to harmful incentives, will be a necessary and critical step to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Further explanation of target elements

Incentives harmful for biodiversity – The value of subsidies that are harmful or potentially harmful to biodiversity is estimated at about US$ 500 billion per year[73]. The most harmful elements include government support to agriculture and capacity-enhancing subsidies for fishing fleets[74].

Incentives positive or neutral for biodiversity – A positive incentive measure is an economic, legal or institutional measure designed to encourage beneficial activities. Positive incentive measures include for instance incentive payments for organic farming, agricultural land set-aside schemes, as well as public or grant-aided land purchases or conservation easements[75]. Further, increasing interest is being given to the concept of payments for ecosystem services.

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of the components of biological diversity

Drivers of biodiversity loss – (all) land/sea use change, direct exploitation, climate change, pollution, invasive species

GBF targets – all targets

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
• Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
• Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
• Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

GBO-5 pathways

Essential for the achievement of all transitions to sustainable pathways identified in GBO-5

[73] OECD (2020). A Comprehensive Overview of Global Biodiversity Finance. https://www.oecd.org/environment/resources/biodiversity/report-a-comprehensive-overview-of-global-biodiversity-finance.pdf; Also, see Deutz et al (2020). Financing Nature: closing the global biodiversity financing gap. The Paulson Institute, The Nature Conservancy, and the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability; and "Biodiversity, natural capital and the economy: A policy guide for finance, economic and environment ministers", OECD Environment Policy Papers, No. 26, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/1a1ae114-en.

[74] OECD (2019), Producer and Consumer Support Estimates. OECD Agriculture statistics (database), http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/agr-pcse-data-en; Sumaila et al (2019). Updated estimates and analysis of global fisheries subsidies. Marine Policy, 109, 103695. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2019.103695; Deutz et al (2020). Financing Nature: closing the global biodiversity financing gap. The Paulson Institute, The Nature Conservancy, and the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability; Martini and Innes (2018). Relative Effects of Fisheries Support Policies, OECD Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Papers, No. 115, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/bd9b0dc3-en; Martini and Innes (2018), Relative Effects of Fisheries Support Policies, OECD Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Papers, No. 115, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/bd9b0dc3-en.

[75] CBD. Positive Incentive Measures. https://www.cbd.int/incentives/positive.shtml

Target 19. Increase financial resources from all sources to at least US$ 200 billion per year, including new, additional and effective financial resources, increasing by at least US$ 10 billion per year international financial flows to developing countries, leveraging private finance, and increasing domestic resource mobilization, taking into account national biodiversity finance planning, and strengthen capacity-building and technology transfer and scientific cooperation, to meet the needs for implementation, commensurate with the ambition of the goals and targets of the framework.

Objective: 

Lack of financial resources has frequently been noted as a main obstacle to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Hence, progress towards resource mobilization will have implications for the feasibility of achieving all proposed goals and targets of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.

Further explanation of target elements

• Leveraging private finance – Recognizing that the public sector cannot provide all the finance needed, there is a potentially critical role for private sector financing[77].  This can be achieved through improved supply chain sustainability, investment risk management, expanding green financial products and others.

• Increasing domestic resource mobilization – Governments hold significant power to influence and direct the economy in ways that can both increase certain types of revenue and discourage activities that harm nature. Examples of policies that would create new funding streams include taxes, fees, debt relief, loans, and tariffs[78].
• Needs for implementation (commensurate with ambition of the goals and targets) – Determining funding needs for the implementation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework is challenging given the different methodological approaches exist for estimating financial needs. Recent estimates suggest a funding gap in the order of US$ 700 billion per year[79].

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of the components of biological diversity, fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources

Drivers of biodiversity loss – land/sea use change, direct exploitation, climate change, pollution, invasive species

GBF targets – all targets

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
• Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
• Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
• Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

GBO-5 pathways

Essential for the achievement of all transitions to sustainable pathways identified in GBO-5

[76] OECD. Official development assistance – definition and coverage. https://www.oecd.org/dac/financing-sustainable-development/development-finance-standards/officialdevelopmentassistancedefinitionandcoverage.htm

[77] Deutz et al (2020). Financing Nature: closing the global biodiversity financing gap. The Paulson Institute, The Nature Conservancy, and the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability

[78] Ibid.

[79] A proposed increase of US$ 200 billion in financial resources, couples with a US$ 500 billion in reduction in harmful subsidies, will contribute to closing the US$ 700 billion financial gap, based on Deutz et al (2020). Financing Nature: closing the global biodiversity financing gap. The Paulson Institute, The Nature Conservancy, and the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability     

Target 20. Ensure that relevant knowledge, including the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous peoples and local communities with their free, prior, and informed consent, guides decision-making for the effective management of biodiversity, enabling monitoring, and by promoting awareness, education and research. 

Objective: 

Quality and timely biodiversity information is required to identify threats to biodiversity, to determine priority actions for conservation and sustainable use and to determine if such actions are effective. Biodiversity information, including traditional knowledge, will underpin progress towards all of the proposed goals and targets of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. Similarly, improving public understanding of biodiversity, including awareness of its values, and the steps that can be taken to conserve and use it sustainably, will underpin progress towards the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity.

Further explanation of target elements

• Free, prior, and informed consent – A principle meant to ensure that potential users of knowledge, innovations and practices that are held by indigenous peoples and local communities obtain the “free, prior and informed consent” in accordance with national legislation, and that these indigenous peoples and local communities obtain a fair and equitable share of benefits arising from the use and application of such traditional knowledge[80].
• Effective management – Aims to prevent negative impacts on biodiversity, while promoting positive ones (e.g. improved ecosystem resilience and connectivity, improved population growth and genetic diversity for threatened species).
• Monitoring – Refers to the monitoring of the status, trends and threats to biodiversity.
• Awareness – Among the many barriers to achieving the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and of the other biodiversity-related conventions, lack of public awareness on the importance of biodiversity ranks as one of the most serious. Without an awareness of the fundamental value of biodiversity to human well-being, citizens and stakeholders cannot take the steps needed to mainstream biodiversity considerations into their daily lives and practices. The lack of public awareness also contributes to the relatively low political priority given to biodiversity issues to date[81].
• Education - In 1992, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development recognised the important role of education and public awareness in the quest to achieve sustainable development. Chapter 36 of the Agenda 21 is devoted to promoting education, public awareness and training. Significant progress has been made in developing CEPA capacities through the Global Initiative on Biodiversity Education, which seeks to develop a plan to integrate biodiversity into all levels of formal and non-formal education.  More recently, Parties agreed that Education was one of the 10 priority activities for the programme of work on CEPA[82].
• Research - Greater support for research and innovation will be required to achieve many targets. This includes research in effort to address major imbalances in the location and taxonomic focus of biodiversity studies and monitoring and to address knowledge gaps related to the consequences of biodiversity loss for people, including indigenous peoples and local communities, women, youth, and people living in vulnerable situations. Further, research and innovation can help us find solutions to many of the challenges we face.

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of the components of biological diversity, fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources

Drivers of biodiversity loss – land/sea use change, direct exploitation, climate change, pollution, invasive species

GBF targets – all targets

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
• Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

GBO-5 pathways

Essential for the achievement of all transitions to sustainable pathways identified in GBO-5

[80] Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (2019). Mo’ otz Kuxtal Voluntary Guidelines for the development of mechanisms, legislation or other appropriate initiatives to ensure the “prior and informed consent”, “free, prior and informed consent” or “approval and involvement”, depending on national circumstances, of indigenous peoples and local communities for accessing their knowledge, innovations and practices, for fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of their knowledge, innovations and practices relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, and for reporting and preventing unlawful appropriation of traditional knowledge. Montreal, 9 p. (CBD Guidelines Series)

[81] CBD. Aichi Biodiversity Target 1 and CEPA. https://www.cbd.int/cepa/

[82] CBD. Education. https://www.cbd.int/education/

Target 21. Ensure equitable and effective participation in decision-making related to biodiversity by indigenous peoples and local communities, and respect their rights over lands, territories and resources, as well as by women and girls, and youth.

Objective: 

Reaching the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity will require a whole-of-society approach. It is important that the views, perspectives and experiences of all groups are taken into account in decision-making processes related to biodiversity. This will require equitable participation in decision-making processes, with a view to ensure that indigenous peoples and local communities, women and girls, and youth can effectively shape these decisions and that their rights are respected. Indigenous peoples and local communities, women and youth should be recognized and empowered in their crucial role as leaders and key actors in action towards biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

Further explanation of target elements

• Equitable and effective participation in decision-making – Under article 21.1 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “[e]veryone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.”[83]

• Rights over lands, territories and resources – Under article 26 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, “[i]ndigenous peoples have the right to the lands, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired”[84].

Linkages

Objectives of the CBD – conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of the components of biological diversity, and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources

GBF targets – all targets. The equitable and effective participation of indigenous peoples, local communities, women and girls, and youth is a precondition to the successful implementation of the entire post-2020 global biodiversity framework.

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
• Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

GBO-5 pathways

Essential for the achievement of all transitions to sustainable pathways identified in GBO-5

[83] UN. Universal Declaration of Human Rights. https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights 

[84] UN. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/11/UNDRIP_E_web.pdf