The Global Biodiversity Framework: A Youth4Nature Perspective (PDF)

The Global biodiversity FRamework: A Youth4nature perspective translating the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework for youth audiences A n i l l u s t r at e d r e p o r T Hello! Youth4Nature (Y4N) is pleased to present its illustrated report on the Ku...

The Global biodiversity FRamework: A Youth4nature perspective translating the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework for youth audiences A n i l l u s t r at e d r e p o r T Hello! Youth4Nature (Y4N) is pleased to present its illustrated report on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM GBF). We created this document for a youth audience. We used graphic visuals and storytelling tools to highlight key parts of the KM GBF text, such as elements related to the nature-climate nexus and nature-based solutions, that may be relevant for youth audiences in their local contexts. Our report aims to translate technical terms and concepts into simpler language to empower youth in their understanding and encourage reflection and inspire effective action for biodiversity. We hope you enjoy reading this as much as we have enjoyed writing it! For people and the planet, Youth4Nature HI! WE WERE PART OF THE GLOBAL YOUTH DELEGATION THAT ATTENDED COP15 IN MONTREAL, CANADA. LET US GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE VERY TECHNICAL TEXT OF THE KM GBF, GIVE YOU SOME CONTEXT AND SHOW YOU HOW ITS RELEVANT TO YOUNG PEOPLE. ARE YOU READY? HOW DID WE GET HERE? Context behind COP15 and the KM GBF To understand the importance of the Global June 1992 Biodiversity Framework, we need to rewind. Convention on Biological Diversity adopted at the Let’s zoom out to the bigger picture first: Rio Earth Summit The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UN CBD) is the international legal December 1993 Convention on Biological instrument for "the conservation of biological Diversity enters into force diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources" and has been ratified by 196 nations (“the Parties to the Convention”). Between 2011 to 2020, the UN CBD focused their November 1994 First meeting of the work on a Strategic Plan for Biodiversity through Conference of the Parties the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. to CBD Under the UN CBD, the 15th Conference of Parties November 2001 (COP15) was scheduled to take place in 2020 in The CBD publishes the Kunming, China under the presidency of the First Global Chinese government, to discuss what comes next Biodiversity Outlook after the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. During this time, the international community recognized that: October 2010 Strategic Plan for the Aichi Biodiversity Targets had limited Biodiversity, including Aichi success given its heavy focus on quantitative Biodiversity targets adopted values for each target and lacked national targets and strategies for implementation it is vital to have a holistic point of view to October 2020 conservation so that society could get to a Post-2020 Plan for point where we can live in harmony with nature Biodiversity INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT UN CBD AND COP15? climate change and biodiversity are related and ABOUT UN CBD AND COP15? CHECK OUT THIS YOUTH4NATURE BLOG! CHECK OUT THIS YOUTH4NATURE BLOG! cannot be discussed separately, centering HTTPS://WWW.YOUTH4NA- HTTPS://WWW.YOUTH4NA- biodiversity in these discussions would be a key tool to address the consequences of climate December 2022 change and vice versa COP15 and KM GBF But the COVID-19 pandemic had other and commitment to protecting the world’s plans. Initial meetings scheduled for COP15 natural ecosystems and biodiversity. were postponed several times. The second session of COP15 addressed the As a result, COP was split into two meetings final items of the agenda, including finalizing for the first time in its history. The first negotiations of the KM GBF language. This session was held virtually in October 2021, meeting was held in Montréal, Canada, in with the purpose of continuing the UN December 2022. After countless meetings CBD’s technical work and protocol and discussions, the Kunming-Montreal implementation. The first session was Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted attended by Party members and included a by all 196 Parties. High Level Segment. After two days of high-level meetings, the Kunming Declaration was adopted by all Parties with the intention of building political momentum towards the KM GBF, a renewed agreement INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT UN CBD AND COP15? ABOUT UN CBD AND COP15? CHECK OUT THIS YOUTH4NATURE BLOG! CHECK OUT THIS YOUTH4NATURE BLOG! HTTPS://WWW.YOUTH4NA- HTTPS://WWW.YOUTH4NA- What is The Kunming-Montreal Global biodiversity framework? The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted decisions aimed at guiding biodiversity policies througH 4 overarching goals to be achieved by 2050 and a set of 23 targets to be reached by 2030, to achieve a vision of living in harmony with nature by 2050. THE 15 TH CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES (COP) OF THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY WAS HELD FROM THE 7-19TH DECEMBER 2022 IN MONTREAL, CANADA THIS IS THE LARGEST AND MOST AT COP15 THE NATIONS FINALIZED THIS IMPORTANT GLOBAL EVENT FOR DOCUMENT, WHICH WILL DRIVE NATURE-RELATED BIODIVERSITY IN OVER A DECADE! POLICIES FROM INTERNATIONAL TO LOCAL SCALES FOR THE NEXT TEN YEARS THIS IS AN AMBITIOUS AGREEMENT THAT ALL MEMBERS AGREED UPON. IT CAN SET US UP ON THE PATH TO A SAFE FUTURE FOR THE PLANET AND HUMANITY THIS SOUNDS GREAT! BUT YOU MIGHT WONDER: WHAT DOES THIS ACTUALLY MEAN IN PRACTICE? LET'S BREAK THIS COMPLICATED POLICY LANGUAGE DOWN TOGETHER! What’s in The Kunming-Montreal Global biodiversity framework? Access & Biodiversity THINK OF THE KM GBF AS A Benefit Sharing conservation & DOCUMENT THAT IS BROKEN UP INTO FOUR BIG PUZZLE PIECES - restoration THERE ARE FOUR OVERARCHING GOALS TO BE ACHIEVED, AT A GLOBAL LEVEL, BY 2050. AACH COUNTRY HAS A DIFFERENT PUZZLE AND THEY ARE TRYING TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE THEIR PUZZLE PIECES Tools & FIT TOGETHER. solutions Nature’s for contribution to mainstreaming people THESE ARE BIG GOALS THOUGH, SO WE CAN CONSIDER FURTHER BREAKING DOWN THESE GOALS INTO TARGETS - THERE ARE 23 ACTION-ORIENTED TARGETS, WHICH ARE TO BE ACHIEVED, AT A GLOBAL LEVEL, BY 2030. REMEMBER THAT BECAUSE ALL 196 PARTIES HAVE AGREED TO THE KM GBF, THIS MEANS THAT ALL GOALS AND TARGETS ARE MEANT TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY ALL PARTIES. THE KM GBF IS A DOCUMENT, SIMILAR TO OTHER UNITED NATIONS CONVENTIONS DOCUMENTS, THAT SETS AMBITIOUS GLOBAL GOALS AND TARGETS. IT IS, AS THE TITLE SAYS, A FRAMEWORK. IT PROVIDES AN OVERALL STRUCTURE AND IS A REFERENCE FOR EVERY PARTY TO CONSIDER HOW THEY WILL CARRY OUT BIODIVERSITY-RELATED WORK, CONSERVE NATURE, AND ENSURE ITS SUSTAINABLE USE. IT CAN ALSO BE USED TO KEEP PARTIES ACCOUNTABLE TO WHAT THEY HAVE AGREED TO DO. How is the Kunming-Montreal GBF relevant to young people? HOW DOES THIS TEXT APPLY TO ME AS A YOUNG PERSON? LET'S LOOK AT SECTION B. THE PURPOSE OF THE KM GBF IS OUTLINED AS A FRAMEWORK TO: [...]“the implementation of the Framework should be guided by the principle of intergenerational equity which aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs and to ensure meaningful participa- tion of younger generations in decision-making processes at all levels.”[...] NOT ONLY IS THIS TEXT IMPORTANT TO THE DOCUMENT ITSELF, BUT IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO THE YOUTH MOVEMENT WITHIN THE BIODIVERSITY LANDSCAPE. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME EVER THAT YOUTH ARE MENTIONED IN UN CBD TEXTS! THIS IS A HUGE WIN BUT IT ALSO PRESENTS A HUGE CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITY TO THINK ABOUT WHAT THE KM GBF'S GOALS AND TARGETS MEAN FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ACROSS THE WORLD.  The Four Overarching Goals of the Kunming-Montreal GBF THE ENTIRE TEXT OF THE KM GBF HAS BEEN CAREFULLY NEGOTIATED BY ALL PARTIES TO THE UN CBD (AND WE MEAN, VERY CAREFULLY NEGOTIATED, DOWN TO EVERY PUNCTUATION MARK YOU READ). IN AN EFFORT TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THIS AGREED-UPON TEXT, YOUTH4NATURE HAS CREATED THIS REPORT TO COMPARE THE ACTUAL TEXT TO WHAT A YOUTH PERSPECTIVE MIGHT LOOK LIKE IN INTERPRETING THE TEXT. KEY TAKEAWAYS HOW YOUTH PER GOAL ARE CONNECTED GOAL A Everyone will be affected by the loss of nature. Biodiversity conservation Young people can think about their local ecosystems and what elements are important to & restoration preserve to ensure that those ecosystems, as a whole, can continue to exist. Natural ecosystems are deeply interconnected and must be either preserved, improved, or returned to their previous state. By doing this, as a society, we can take a step in the direction of halting or even reversing human-caused losses of nature. GOAL B nature’s contribution to Youth recognize that in order to ensure a sustainable future, we must carefully people consider the who, why, what, where, when, and how of the resource within its natural The ecosystems around us play many differ- ecosystem. ent roles in our lives and hold value and meaning depending on how we sustainably Youth can consider what value nature use and manage them. brings to your daily life - what does nature mean to you? What does it contribute Sustainable use and management of resourc- to your life? es also takes into consideration other factors such as who is using the resource, where the resource is coming from, why it is being used, and how the local ecosystem and its members are affected. We need to also assess the status and trends of resources in the context of local communities  GOAl C Youth have an integral role in advocating for the sustainable use of genetic resources, and have an integral role in Access & Benefit Sharing continuing to advocate for different knowledge systems and rights and access When we think about biodiversity and held by their traditional knowledge holders. conservation, we often focus on large landscapes or species that we see around us. Youth can play a role in keeping users accountable for fair and equitable sharing This goal looks at biodiversity at its core, of genetic resources. through a genetic lens, outlining how genetic diversity and its equitable use is important and holds value, especially to traditional knowledge holders. GOAl D Youth can consider contributing through different avenues that exist in their communities and focus on building their tools & solutions capacity through training to further the goals of the KM GBF. for mainstreaming We encourage youth to challenge traditional This goal focuses on implementation and institutions to critically think about the roles having strong financial, and other systems in they play in conservation work and hold them place, such as technical and scientific accountable to closing the biodiversity capacity, that can enable the global finance gap of $700 billion per year. community to come together and deliver the rest of the KM GBF. There is special consideration in implementation when establishing these systems in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).  WE PICKED 7 OF THE 23 TARGETS THAT MAY BE MOST RELEVANT FOR YOUTH, SIMPLIFIED SOME OF THE TECHNICAL TEXT, AND TARGETS of the KM GBF SUGGEST SOME WAYS THAT THEY CAN RELATE TO YOU AND OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE! Target 3 REducing threats to Biodiversity Ensure and enable that by 2030 at least 30 percent of terrestrial, inland water, and of Quality or quantity? coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and Target 3, also known as the “30x30” ecosystem functions and services, are conservation target, focuses on effectively conserved and managed through area-based conservation measures of ecologically representative, well-connected and protected areas (PAs) and other equitably governed systems of protected areas effective area-based conservation and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). measures, recognizing indigenous and traditional territories, where applicable, and This target follows up on Aichi integrated into wider landscapes, seascapes and Target 11 that focused on establishing the ocean, while ensuring that any sustainable PAs for conservation, which, at the use, where appropriate in such areas, is fully time, was the leading method to consistent with conservation outcomes, conserving biodiversity. recognizing and respecting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, There is now growing recognition that including over their traditional territories. OECMs are also important areas that can be key biodiversity hotspots, and in some cases, can be even better in preserving biodiversity. Furthermore, there is recognition that Indigenous-managed lands and the Free, Prior and Informed Consent of Measuring progress and achieving Indigenous peoples, must be included success in Target 3 not only depends on to achieve Target 3 so that the global how much land is conserved (i.e. it’s not community can move towards more just about conserving at least 30%), but integrated rights-based conservation. will depend on how well countries are able to prioritize conservation over other land-uses, and collaborate and include Indigenous land management practices and other human rights-based approaches in their conservation measures. The target level of at least 30% is well supported by the scientific community as a lower limit for biodiversity conservation.  Target 8 Climate Change Minimize the impact of climate change and ocean acidification on biodiversity and increase its resilience through mitigation, adaptation, and disaster risk reduction actions, including through nature-based solution and/or ecosystem-based approaches, while minimizing negative and fostering positive impacts of climate action on biodiversity. In the context of preserving biodiversity, the KM GBF identifies the key drivers of biodiversity as land and sea use change, exploitation, invasive alien species, and pollution. Today, around one million species of an estimated 8 million animal and plant species are already threatened with extinction. There is a clear need for resilience and how biodiversity can withstand and recover from climate change impacts, through the protection and restoration of natural ecosystems and increasing the integrity of managed ecosystems. This target explicitly defines a role for nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation as adaptation and mitigation tools so that Member countries can use them to achieve this target. This target is also an opportunity to further discuss the climate-nature nexus and bridge UNFCCC and CBD commitments.  ONE OF THE STRENGTHS OF THE KM GBF IS ITS EXPLICIT OUTLINING OF TOOLS AND SOLUTIONS FOR Target 14 COUNTRIES TO LEVERAGE WHEN ACHIEVING THE OTHER TARGETS IN THE KM GBF. THIS TARGET OUTLINES AN APPROACH THAT EMBEDS BIODIVERSITY Tools and solutions for INTO THE WORK OF ALL SECTORS IN ACTIONS implementation and mainstreaming RELATED TO POLICY, FINANCE, AND ACCOUNTABILITY AND MONITORING. Ensure the full integration of biodiversity and its multiple values into policies, regulations, planning and development processes, poverty eradication strategies, strategic environmental Target 14 highlights the importance of assessments, environmental impact assessments mainstreaming the alignment of financial and, as appropriate, national accounting, within flows with nature which means and across all levels of government and across all considering where investments are made, sectors, in particular those with significant what biodiversity-related risks and impacts on biodiversity, progressively aligning all impacts will occur, and how investments relevant public and private activities, fiscal and will impact biodiversity at a larger level financial flows with the goals and targets of this for both the environment and society. framework. While in previous years, biodiversity conservation funding was mainly supported by the public sector, there is now recognition that public funding alone will not be sufficient in reaching the goals set by the global community. Private sector funding will play an important role in setting up new innovative financial mechanisms and bringing new innovative investments to support biodiversity conservation. Countries are encouraged to consider how biodiversity will be integrated into their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and align them both with the KM GBF as a whole and with other climate-related commitments such as their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).  This target is focused on encouraging countries to support their citizens in thinking about how biodiversity is Target 16 impacted by our consumption patterns and systems at a broader scale. Sustainability This could include consideration for life Ensure that people are encouraged and enabled cycles of products, how our economies to make sustainable consumption choices are structured, and increasing including by establishing supportive policy, regulation to large corporations and legislative or regulatory frameworks, improving companies that supply the products education and access to relevant and accurate that we use on a daily basis. information and alternatives, and by 2030, reduce the global footprint of consumption in One of the main drivers of biodiversity an equitable manner, including through halving loss is the increase in agriculture and global food waste, significantly reducing urban land use. overconsumption and substantially reducing waste generation, in order for all people to live Ecosystems that are rich in biodiversity well in harmony with Mother Earth. are increasingly cleared to feed growing populations, producing waste and pollution in the process. Today, an estimated one-third of all the food produced in the world goes to waste. When we waste food, we also waste all the energy and water it takes to grow, harvest, transport, and package it. There is an opportunity to set systems-wide goals for all societies, recognizing that key drivers and solutions lie in our economic, financial and governance decision-making.  Target 21 Accessibility Ensure that the best available data, information and knowledge, are accessible to decision makers, practitioners and the public to guide effective and equitable governance, integrated and participatory management of biodiversity, and to strengthen communication, awareness-raising, education, monitoring, research and knowledge management and, also in this context, traditional knowledge, innovations, practices and technologies of indigenous peoples and local communities should only be accessed with their free, prior and informed consent, in accordance with national legislation. Effective actions on conserving biodiversity are better made when we have the best available data and information on ecosystems. In this target, it is important to remember the ‘best available’ form of data will look different in different contexts and can include data that is not only quantitative, but also qualitative, and also encompasses different systems of knowledge such as traditional knowledge held by Indigenous peoples. This target especially values data and information held by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) as rights holders and decision makers in conservation and sustainable use of nature. If traditional knowledge is used, countries are also reminded that Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) from Indigenous knowledge- holders is required. Target 21 seeks to democratize biodiversity data, empower policymakers, and inform stakeholders with open data. This means the data that is collected and organized can be accessed by all users and can directly support progress towards other global commitments. Data sets can advance the world in the right direction; to protect our planet, the creatures that we share it with, and to ensure we have the knowledge needed to make this a better world for nature and people.  Target 22 Biodiversity conservation is a human right in advancing towards the 2050 vision of living in harmony with nature. Inclusiveness & intergenerational equity Implementing solutions to reverse and halt biodiversity loss requires all of society to be Ensure the full, equitable, inclusive, effective more engaged and resilient, including the and gender-responsive representation and world’s youngest citizens, children participation in decision-making, and access to and women. justice and information related to biodiversity by indigenous peoples and local communities, Participation can take multiple forms based respecting their cultures and their rights over on a young person’s age, gender, and other lands, territories, resources, and traditional identity intersections, indigenous and local knowledge, as well as by women and girls, community required scale of involvement, children and youth, and persons with disabilities means or resources available (such as and ensure the full protection of environmental in-person or online), and ability for an human rights defenders. organization to meaningfully participate in consultations, collaborative partnerships, or in activities led by young people. Reframing young people as partners, ensuring their equitable access to climate and nature knowledge, and providing opportunities for meaningful participation will help harness their unique body of knowledge, experiences and views for more effective and relevant climate-biodiversity policies.  Interested in learning more about UN CBD and COP15? Check out our Youth4Nature blog and find out how you can get involved! www.youth4nature.org/blog/cop15 Feel free to also have a look at the UN CBD materials and the Global Youth Biodiversity Network: www.cbd.int/gbf www.gybn.org Fonts Billie 2.0, Bebas Neue, Leto Publisher Youth4Nature Conception, lllustrations & Design Manuel Recker Graphic Recording & Illustration Publication Date May 2023 Please cite as Youth4Nature and Manuel Recker (2023): Global Biodiversity Framework: A Youth4Nature perspective An illustrated report for youth audiences