Posted on December, 18 2023

Adopted on 19 December 2022 at the COP15 UN biodiversity conference in Montreal, the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) commits the world to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by the end of the decade. Described by some as nature’s equivalent of the ‘Paris Agreement’, the GBF aims to combat the world’s accelerating nature crisis, which has seen a 69% average decline in global wildlife populations since 1970.

Some encouraging progress in the past year includes a number of countries, including Japan and Luxembourg, as well as the EU, submitting revised national biodiversity strategies (NBSAPs)1, and the operationalization of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund in September. The agreement to establish a new fund to support the biodiversity conservation efforts of developing countries was one of the key moments at COP15 that enabled countries to find a common way forward to secure the GBF, with its 23 global action-oriented targets to set nature on the path to recovery by 2030.

However, overall progress has been insufficient, with the vast majority of countries yet to submit their revised NBSAPs, low ambition, and a lack of clear and funded implementation plans. WWF notes with particular concern the low level of new biodiversity funding announced in the past twelve months. At COP15, developed countries pledged to increase international biodiversity finance to at least $20 billion per year by 2025, and to at least $30 billion per year by 2030.

The one-year anniversary of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework comes days after the conclusion of the COP28 climate talks in Dubai, which alongside the historic agreement from countries to transition away from fossil fuels, saw greater recognition of the need to tackle our climate and nature crises as one. 

Li Lin, Senior Director of Global Policy and Advocacy at WWF International, said: “While we have seen some progress since the adoption last December of the Global Biodiversity Framework, in truth it is piecemeal and woefully inadequate to the challenge at hand, with only 6 years left to deliver. Human activities have swung a wrecking ball at the natural ecosystems that sustain us and it’s time that countries get out of first gear on nature. Leaders need to stand up and deliver on the historic commitment they made last year to safeguard nature, in support of climate action and delivering sustainable and inclusive development for all. There is no time to waste. Now is the moment we truly need to see the pedal hitting the metal.

“In the coming months, it is vital that countries fulfill the promise of Montreal by announcing sufficiently ambitious national biodiversity strategies and by delivering action on the ground. We also need to see rich countries stepping up the finance to support the efforts of developing countries, the home to much of our planet’s incredible biodiversity.

“WWF strongly welcomes the news that Colombia will host the COP16 biodiversity talks. It has shown real leadership on nature on the international stage, together with action at home. We are optimistic that Colombia, together with China, which led the COP15 talks, can galvanize all countries and accelerate global momentum on nature to ensure we arrive at COP16 in the best possible position to ensure that the Global Biodiversity Framework delivers a turning point in our relationship with the natural world.” 

Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, Global Climate and Energy Lead at WWF International and CBD Action Agenda Champion for Nature and People, said: “Let me be clear: if we fail on nature, we fail on climate - with disastrous consequences for people and wildlife. One year on from the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, we are yet to see leaders truly step up on nature. The few revised national biodiversity strategies that have been announced are not sufficiently ambitious to reverse biodiversity loss and action on the ground remains sparse. We needed to see finance reaching the communities on the frontline of the nature crisis yesterday.

“I urge leaders to urgently deliver on their biodiversity commitments, and for rich nations to deliver the promised financial support to developing nations. Nature remains our greatest ally in tackling the climate crisis. There is no pathway to limiting global warming to 1.5C without it. This is why it is essential that countries must increase protections for nature and work to rapidly integrate their national climate and nature plans.” 

WWF welcomes the efforts to link and build synergies between the two Rio Conventions addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. Notably during UNFCCC COP28, the UAE and China - the COP28 and COP15 Presidencies - launched a Joint Statement on Climate, Nature and People, with endorsers committing to integrate national action on nature and climate.

Biodiversity loss has been identified as one of the greatest threats facing humanity. Alongside undermining nature’s ability to sequester carbon and protect us from the worse impacts of the climate crisis, the loss and degradation of ecosystems increases our vulnerability to pandemics and threatens food security and livelihoods. More than half of global GDP is moderately or highly dependent on nature.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For interviews contact:
WWF International’s media team news@wwfint.org

1 The GBF commits countries to submit revised National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) ahead of COP16, currently scheduled to take place 21 October to 1 November 2024. WWF recommendations for countries updating their NBSAPs, The NBSAPs We Need, is available here.

2 On 11 December 2023, Colombia formally offered to host the COP16 UN biodiversity conference. WWF reaction here. On 15 December 2023, Susana Muhamad, Colombia’s Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, announced Colombia will host COP16, which will take place October 21 November 1, 2024.