Fighting chance

The new framework on biodiversity provides the opportunity for a fresh start, but countries must ensure implementation

- VIBHA VARSHNEY

THE YEAR 2023 begins with a new blueprint for conservation of biological diversity, its sustainable use and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from its use. As many as 188 nations, gathered at Montreal, Canada in December 2022, adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) after 13 days of negotiations. "We have reached a historical, iconic outcome document, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. I believe that this document can guide us all in our efforts to hold and reverse biodiversity loss and put biodiversity on the path to recovery for the benefit of all humanity, especially our children and grandchildren," said Huang Runqiu, minister of ecology and environment of China and president of COP15.

Implementation would be key to ensuring that the world meets the 23 targets identified in the framework by 2030, along with the four overarching goals that have to be reached by 2050. It will not be an easy road as Inger Andersen, executive director of the UN Environment Programme, points out. "I will be honest. Time is not on our side. We have backed nature into a corner, and it is time to ease the pressure." However, she adds that nature will bounce back if given a chance. This makes implementation of the framework an urgency.

Finalisation of the roadmap was already delayed by two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and members have to scramble fast to make up for the lost time. Despite three decades of work, countries have failed to meet the objectives of CBD, and the framework provides an opportunity for a fresh start.

PLAN TO UNDO DAMAGE

Nations adopt four goals, 23 targets in Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

Goals for 2050: