As many of us settled down for the holidays, the EU joined 195 countries in what’s being called the ‘historic’ Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This framework consists of global goals aimed at protecting and restoring nature. “Together with the Paris Agreement on climate, it paves the way towards a climate-neutral, nature-positive and resilient world by 2050,” the European Commission said in a statement.
The signing took place during the UN Biodiversity COP15 in Montréal, Canada, held between 7 and 19 December 2022. The conference was initially planned to be held in April 2022, in Kunming, China, but was postponed due to Covid.
What is the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework?
According to the European Commission, “the Kunming-Montreal agreement will accelerate ambitious policies around the world”, which are geared towards the protection and repatriation of nature, as well as pollution removal. In a strategy that forms part of the European Green Deal, it will also mobilise financing for biodiversity, which will total $200 billion per year by 2023 – or a whopping $1.4 trillion over the seven years to the 2030 finish line.
Furthermore, the agreement has a framework that consists of clear, measurable goals and targets to restore nature for future generations. It also includes reporting, monitoring and review arrangements to track progress.
“[The Kunming-Montreal agreement] will ensure that nature continues sustaining societies, economies and communities for decades to come,” the Commission said in a statement.
What are some of the Kunming-Montreal agreement goals?
While we understand what the agreement is all about, it is essential to look at the specific goals of it. Are they, for example, geared towards the most appropriate outcomes, and are they result orientated?
Here’s a look at some of the goals and actions listed in the Kunming-Montreal agreement, as provided by the Commission, to be reached by 2030 and 2050 (take a look at the full list here):