Part one of UN Biodiversity Conference closes, sets stage for adoption of post-2020 global biodiversity framework at resumption in 2022
- COP-15, part one, addressed critical areas of work, demonstrated capacity of countries to adjust to changes and advance on path towards global sustainability
- High Level Segment of the Meeting adopted Kunming Declaration, with countries committing to negotiate effective post-2020 global biodiversity framework due to be agreed in 2022
- Government of China established 1.5 billion-yuan (c.$233 million) Kunming Biodiversity Fund
- Other commitments by governments and agencies will enable early implementation of the framework
- Interim budget approved, ensuring operations during the crucial months to come.
With the participation of almost 2918 delegates in Kunming, and 2478 connecting online, Part one of the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP-15) closed today, setting the stage for the adoption of an effective post-2020 global biodiversity framework at the resumption of the meeting in spring 2022.
The conference’s two-day High-Level Segment (12-13 October), which opened with the announcement by Chinese President Xi Jinping of the 1.5 billion-yuan (about $233 million) Kunming Biodiversity Fund, saw the adoption of the Kunming Declaration, where Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) committed to negotiate an effective post-2020 global biodiversity framework that can bend the curve of biodiversity loss.
The landmark framework, due for adoption at the resumption of the UN Biodiversity Conference in May 2022 following further formal negotiations in January 2022, gives clear political direction for those negotiations.
Important initiatives and commitments introduced during the meeting included the announcement by the Global Environment Facility, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Environment Programme, that they will fast-track financial and technical support to developing country governments to prepare for the rapid implementation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.
Moreover, the European Union announced it is doubling external funding for biodiversity; President Macron of France committed 30% of climate funds to be used for biodiversity; the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland announced that a significant part of its increased climate funding will be directed towards biodiversity; the Government of Japan announced a 17 million USD extension to its Japan Biodiversity Fund; and, a coalition of financial institutions, with assets of 12 trillion Euros, committed to protect and restore biodiversity through its activities and investments.
The meeting also saw China assuming the role of COP-15 Presidency, the adoption of an interim integrated budget for 2022 for the Convention, the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing, and a progress report from the co-chairs of the Open-ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. Many non-State actors participated the meeting, ensuring good participation of a wide range of stakeholders.
Global leaders participating in the conference included Chinese President Xi Jinping, Egypt President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, President Vladimir Putin of Russia, French President Emmanuel Macron, President Carlos Alvarado Quesada of Costa Rica, Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea, HRH The Prince of Wales, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
More information
Watch the closing session of the UN Biodiversity Conference
Watch all the COP-15 part 1 events
COP-15 webpage (part 2 will resume in spring 2022)