Decision COP 16/14

The Conference of Parties,

Recalling the preamble to the Convention on Biological Diversity, in which the Parties acknowledge that they are conscious of the intrinsic value of biological diversity and of the ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic values of biological diversity and its components,

Recalling also its decision 15/19 of 19 December 2022,

Emphasizing the fact that the diverse value systems and concepts are recognized and considered in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including, for those countries that recognize them, the rights of nature and the rights of Mother Earth as an integral part of the successful implementation of the Framework,

Emphasizing also that Target 14 of the Framework calls for the full integration of biodiversity and its multiple values into decision-making at all levels and across all sectors,

1. Welcomes The Methodological Assessment Report on the Diverse Values and Valuation of Nature of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, including its summary for policymakers and its key messages, and notes its relevance to the work undertaken under the Convention on Biological Diversity and to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework;

2. Notes the relevance of the findings of the assessment, which calls for the recognition and consideration of integrating diverse knowledge and value systems, valuation methods and concepts and world views of nature in policymaking and decision-making to leverage a transformative change towards sustainable and just futures for people and nature, and thus for the implementation of the Framework adopted under the Convention, including its goals and targets, the 2050 vision for biodiversity and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development;

3. Recognizes the relevance of the assessment as an important input for the implementation of the programme of work on Article 8(j) and other provisions of the Convention related to indigenous peoples and local communities to 2030 and the joint programme of work on the links between biological and cultural diversity;

4. Encourages Parties, and invites other Governments at all levels, relevant organizations, indigenous peoples and local communities and stakeholders, to make use, as appropriate, of the information contained in the assessment in their implementation of the Convention and the Framework, including in planning, monitoring, reporting and review, including through the update and revision of national biodiversity strategies and action plans, and in the preparation of the seventh and subsequent national reports;

5. Also encourages Parties to develop capacities, as appropriate, to take into account and consider the findings of the assessment in relevant national implementation processes, including the use of the proposed methodologies for measuring progress in national implementation, and urges developed country Parties, other Parties and other Governments in a position to do so, as well as relevant organizations, to provide support to developing countries in this regard, including through capacity-building, financing and technology transfer; 

6. Further encourages Parties, according to their national needs, capacities and circumstances, and in accordance with relevant international obligations, to take, as appropriate, steps to:

7. Encourages Parties, and invites other Governments, to ensure the full and effective participation of indigenous peoples and local communities, women, youth and persons with disabilities, in line with Targets 22 and 23 of the Framework, in incorporating diverse intrinsic, relational and instrumental values of and perspectives on biodiversity and knowledge systems in decision-making.