Parties at COP15 adopt “Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework” (GBF)

Montreal – After an intensive two-week meeting, nations of the world agreed on a historic package of measures to addressing the dangerous loss of biodiversity and restoring natural ecosystems. Convened under UN auspices, chaired by China, and hosted by Canada, the 15th Conference of Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity adopted the “Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework” (GBF), including four goals and 23 targets for achievement by 2030.

Next to the goals to protect 30% of Earth’s lands, oceans, coastal areas, inland waters by 2030, the International Alliance against Health Risks in Wildlife Trade particularly welcomes the agreement on Target 5 on safe and sustainable wildlife trade while reducing the risk of pathogen spill-over as well as considering the One Health Approach for the implementation of the framework.

Excerpt of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (CBD/COP/15/L.25) 18 December 2022:

SECTION A. Background […]

SECTION B. Purpose […]

SECTION C. Considerations for the implementation of the framework […]

Biodiversity and health
25. The framework acknowledges the interlinkages between biodiversity and health and the three objectives of the Convention. The framework is to be implemented with consideration of the One Health Approach, among other holistic approaches that are based on science, mobilize multiple sectors, disciplines and communities to work together and aim to sustainably balance and optimize, the health of people, animals, plants and ecosystems, recognizing the need for equitable access to tools and technologies including medicines, vaccines and other health products related to biodiversity, while highlighting the urgent need to reduce pressures on biodiversity and decrease environmental degradation to reduce risks to health, and, as appropriate, develop practical access and benefit-sharing arrangements.”

SECTION D. Relationship with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development […]

SECTION E. Theory of change […]

SECTION F. 2050 Vision and 2030 mission […]

SECTION G. Kunming-Montreal Global Goals for 2050 […]

SECTION H. Kunming-Montreal 2030 Global Targets […]

The framework has 23 action-oriented global targets for urgent action over the decade to 2030.

1. Reducing threats to biodiversity

[…]
TARGET 5
“Ensure that the use, harvesting and trade of wild species is sustainable, safe and legal, preventing overexploitation, minimizing impacts on non-target species and ecosystems, and reducing the risk of pathogen spill-over, applying the ecosystem approach, while respecting and protecting customary sustainable use by indigenous peoples and local communities.”
[…]

COP15 Montreal, Credit: CHRISTINNE MUSCHI/REUTERS