Posted on August, 18 2021

“WWF welcomes the decision on COP15, which provides clarity about the timeline and process to conclude an ambitious nature agreement. Recognizing the challenges of virtual negotiations, the proposed dates are the only viable option under the circumstances.

“At the same time, WWF expresses concern that the momentum to protect nature is at risk of stalling. With the recently published first draft of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework falling short in several key areas, it is now more vital than ever that world leaders and Parties show that they are serious about tackling nature loss by taking action domestically and by championing an ambitious and transformative global biodiversity agreement at the upcoming conference in October. 

“Nature loss has not paused. It is essential that the extra time is used well.

“The opening of COP15 in October will be a critical opportunity for China, taking on the CBD COP presidency, to lead and inspire world leaders to show political will to reverse biodiversity loss towards a nature positive world by 2030. It will be important for China to continue to build trust in its strategy at a global level, bringing Parties together with confidence to secure an ambitious - and vital - outcome. With significant domestic efforts underway, China can and should play a key role in global governance processes linking action on climate and nature. The expectation from many countries for China to step into this role is very high.

“While world leaders publicly signalling that they are taking nature loss seriously, the race is on for key countries to step up and lead. Heads of state and government who have endorsed the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature must show continued leadership by urgently turning commitments into action and G7 leaders must translate the G7 2030 Nature Compact into real-world impact.

“Leaders must now come together at the UN General Assembly and October’s United Nations Biodiversity Conference and show leadership through the Kunming Declaration by urgently turning commitments into action. This will send a strong signal that nature is indeed a global priority and that next year they will deliver an ambitious and comprehensive agreement.”

ENDS