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Less Specific and More Comprehensive? An Analysis of How the Ocean Is Reflected in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

Published Article

Global

Publication date: June 18, 2024

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The Kunming‑Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets 2030 targets and 2050 goals to halt biodiversity loss. Despite debate over ocean representation, analysis shows the GBF fully covers marine and coastal ecosystems, with all targets applicable when aligned with existing CBD marine decisions and programs.

Subject Tags

  • Marine protected areas
  • Coastal
  • Biodiversity

Abstract

In response to the increasing trend of biodiversity decline globally and its consequences for the planet as a whole, the Convention on Biological Diversity Conference of the Parties adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in December 2022. The Framework sets conservation, sustainability and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of genetic resources and MEAns of implementation goals to be achieved by 2050, and actionable targets to be achieved by 2030 to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. During the negotiations and even after the adoption of the GBF, much debate has surrounded how the ocean has been represented in the Framework. By addressing the scope of the GBF vis-à-vis the Convention, quantifying and comparing the use of marine-related terms in the GBF and in the previous biodiversity framework, and aligning relevant COP decisions and objectives and activities of the CBD Programme of Work on Marine and Coastal Biodiversity with the GBF targets, we conclude that the GBF does not fail to address marine and coastal biodiversity and all targets are applicable to this ecosystem.

Citation

Hazin, C. and Diz, D., 2024. Less Specific and More Comprehensive? An Analysis of How the Ocean Is Reflected in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Ocean Yearbook Online, 38(1), pp.323-373. 10.1163/22116001-03801013

TNC Authors