Dr.Fawzy Younis: The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework..Toward Living in Harmony with Nature by 2050

We can begin by stating that protecting nature today means living in harmony tomorrow. The fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), held in Montreal, Canada (under Chinese presidency, December 2022), marked a pivotal moment in global efforts to address the accelerating loss of biodiversity.

The conference adopted the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, also known as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), establishing a new and ambitious roadmap through 2030.

Background: Why a New Framework Was Needed

Following the failure to meet most of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (2011–2020), it became evident that the global ecosystem urgently required a structural transformation.

Biodiversity is facing unprecedented pressures due to:

1. Destruction of natural habitats

2. Climate change

3. Pollution

4. Invasive alien species

5. Unsustainable use of natural resources

Vision and Overall Goal

The framework sets out a bold vision:

> “Living in harmony with nature by 2050.”

With a primary global target for 2030:

> “To halt and reverse biodiversity loss and set the world on a path to ecological recovery.”

Structure of the Framework: Goals and Targets

The GBF comprises 4 long-term goals to be achieved by 2050, and 23 action-oriented targets for implementation by 2030, organized under key thematic areas:

Long-Term Goals (by 2050)

1. Conservation and Restoration of Biodiversity: Ensure the survival of species, ecosystems, and their functions.

2. Sustainable Use of Biodiversity: Utilize biological resources without harming ecosystems.

3. Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits: Derive from genetic resources in accordance with international agreements.

4. Adequate Financing and Resource Mobilization: Mobilize financial and technological resources from all sources.

Key Targets for 2030 – Top 10 Highlights

1. Protect at least 30% of terrestrial and marine areas globally (known as Target 30×30).

2. Restore 30% of degraded ecosystems and lands.

3. Reduce extinction rates tenfold compared to the previous decade.

4. Cut the use of hazardous pesticides by 50%.

5. Minimize plastic pollution in the environment to near zero.

6. Halt the loss of important natural habitats.

7. Promote sustainable management of agricultural and food systems.

8. Respect traditional knowledge and the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

9. Prevent and control invasive alien species.

10. Double biodiversity-related public and private funding, securing at least $200 billion annually.

Implementation Tools and Support Mechanisms

Transparent monitoring, reporting, and review mechanisms

Innovative financing models, such as payments for ecosystem services and green bonds

Technology transfer and capacity building, especially for developing countries

Community empowerment, with a focus on Indigenous Peoples and local communities

Biodiversity, Climate Justice, and Environmental Equity

The framework underscores the importance of:

Equitable benefit-sharing from genetic resources, as per the Nagoya Protocol

Upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities

Linking biodiversity and climate change as interconnected global crises

Anticipated Challenges to Implementation

Insufficient financing, particularly in developing countries

Balancing economic development with biodiversity protection

Weak monitoring and evaluation systems in some regions

Need for sustained international political will and coordination

Status in the Arab and African Regions

The Arab and African regions face severe threats from desertification, climate change, and habitat loss.

However, they also offer significant opportunities for implementation, such as:

Expanding protected areas and nature reserves

Leveraging local and traditional knowledge

Promoting afforestation and ecosystem restoration

Strengthening Arab-African regional cooperation through joint initiatives

Conclusion

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework represents a watershed moment in global environmental action. Its success hinges not only on governmental commitments but also on active engagement from all sectors of society—academia, the private sector, civil society, youth, and local communities.

Achieving the 2030 targets demands:

Firm global commitment

Regular monitoring and accountability

Alignment of national policies with the new framework

Integration of biodiversity into development planning and green economy strategies