Fighting chance
Down To Earth|January 01, 2023
The new framework on biodiversity provides the opportunity for a fresh start, but countries must ensure implementation
VIBHA VARSHNEY
Fighting chance

THE YEAR 2023 begins with a new blueprint for conservation of biological diversity, its sustainable use and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from its use. As many as 188 nations, gathered at Montreal, Canada in December 2022, adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) after 13 days of negotiations. "We have reached a historical, iconic outcome document, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. I believe that this document can guide us all in our efforts to hold and reverse biodiversity loss and put biodiversity on the path to recovery for the benefit of all humanity, especially our children and grandchildren," said Huang Runqiu, minister of ecology and environment of China and president of COP15.

Implementation would be key to ensuring that the world meets the 23 targets identified in the framework by 2030, along with the four overarching goals that have to be reached by 2050. It will not be an easy road as Inger Andersen, executive director of the UN Environment Programme, points out. "I will be honest. Time is not on our side. We have backed nature into a corner, and it is time to ease the pressure." However, she adds that nature will bounce back if given a chance. This makes implementation of the framework an urgency.

Finalisation of the roadmap was already delayed by two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and members have to scramble fast to make up for the lost time. Despite three decades of work, countries have failed to meet the objectives of CBD, and the framework provides an opportunity for a fresh start.

PLAN TO UNDO DAMAGE

Nations adopt four goals, 23 targets in Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

Goals for 2050:

Denne historien er fra January 01, 2023-utgaven av Down To Earth.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra January 01, 2023-utgaven av Down To Earth.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA DOWN TO EARTHSe alt
In leading role again
Down To Earth

In leading role again

MOVIES AND WEB SERIES ARE ONCE AGAIN BEING SET IN RUSTIC BACKGROUNDS, INDICATING A RECONNECT BETWEEN CINEMA AND THE COUNTRYSIDE

time-read
5 mins  |
December 16, 2024
One Nation One Subscription comes at a huge cost
Down To Earth

One Nation One Subscription comes at a huge cost

As top US universities scrap big deals with top scientific publishers, India’s ONOS scheme seems flawed and outdated

time-read
4 mins  |
December 16, 2024
Return of Rambhog
Down To Earth

Return of Rambhog

Bid to revive and sell the aromatic indigenous paddy variety has led to substantial profits for farmers in Uttar Pradesh's Terai region

time-read
4 mins  |
December 16, 2024
Scarred by mining
Down To Earth

Scarred by mining

Natural springs of Kashmir drying up due to illegal riverbed mining

time-read
5 mins  |
December 16, 2024
Human-to-human spread a mutation away
Down To Earth

Human-to-human spread a mutation away

CANADA IN mid-November confirmed its first human case of avian influenza, with a teenager in the British Columbia being hospitalised after contracting the H5N1 virus that causes the disease. The patient developed a severe form of the disease, also called bird flu, and had respiratory issues. There was no known cause of transmission.

time-read
1 min  |
December 16, 2024
True rehabilitation
Down To Earth

True rehabilitation

Residents of Madhya Pradesh's Kakdi village take relocation as an opportunity to undertake afforestation, develop sustainable practices

time-read
2 mins  |
December 16, 2024
INESCAPABLE THREAT
Down To Earth

INESCAPABLE THREAT

Chemical pollution is the most underrated and underreported risk of the 21st century that threatens all species and regions

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 16, 2024
THAT NIGHT, 40 YEARS AGO
Down To Earth

THAT NIGHT, 40 YEARS AGO

Bhopal gas disaster is a tragedy that people continue to face

time-read
8 mins  |
December 16, 2024
A JOKE, INDEED
Down To Earth

A JOKE, INDEED

A CONFERENCE OF IRRESPONSIBLE PARTIES THAT CREATED AN OPTICAL ILLUSION TO THE REALITY OF A NEW CLIMATE

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 01, 2024
THINGS FALL APART
Down To Earth

THINGS FALL APART

THE WORLD HAS MADE PROGRESS IN MITIGATING EMISSIONS AND ADAPTING TO CLIMATE IMPACTS. BUT THE PROGRESS REMAINS GROSSLY INADEQUATE

time-read
4 mins  |
December 01, 2024