The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework also aims to halve food waste.
COP15 was originally scheduled to take place in Kunming, China in October 2020 but was postponed due to COVID-19 Pandemic.
“Strengthening the Web of Life”
However, the framework and the associated package of goals, objectives and financing “represents a first step in restoring our relationship with the natural worldd,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Speech during the final plenary session.
“Now is our chance to shore up and strengthen the web of life so it can bear the full weight of generations to come,” she added.
“Actions we take for nature are actions to reduce poverty; they are measures to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals; they are measures to improve human health.”
protection and recovery
The Head of the UN Development Program (UNDP), Achim Steiner, described the agreement as “historical”and urges countries to take it forward.
“This agreement means people around the world can hope for real progress to halt biodiversity loss and protect and restore our lands and seas in a way that protects our planet and respects the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities,” he said.
Mr. Steiner underscored the commitment to “turning this blueprint into reality” through the UNDP Nature Pledge, which will support more than 140 countries.
“We are operational. UNDP is there for that deliver the systemic changes that may shift the needle to our natural crisis,” he said.
“Biodiversity is connected, intertwined and indivisible with human life on earth. Our societies and our economies depend on healthy and functioning ecosystems. There are No sustainable development without biodiversity. Without biodiversity there is no stable climate.”
Speaking to reporters at the end of the year press conference in New York, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the agreement shows that “we are finally beginning to make a peace pact with nature” and urged all countries to deliver on their promises.
Accelerating action
COP15 also saw the launch of a platform to help countries advance implementation of the framework.
23 countries, led by Colombia and supported by Germany, signed a declaration establishing the Accelerator Partnership to help governments rapidly implement their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).
Goals include facilitating access to financial and technical support, developing institutional capacity tailored to different levels and national needs, and promoting dialogue.
Elizabeth Mrema, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, welcomed the development.
“Urgent action is needed to not only boost implementation of the new global biodiversity framework, but also to further accelerate and expand implementation of the NBSAPs as we work together to realize the shared vision of live in harmony with nature and secure asustainable future for all” She said.
The accelerator partnership was launched on the second day of the high-level segment at COP15.
Colombia and Germany, together with the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, UNEP and UNDP, will assist in the conception, development, structuring, operationalization and monitoring of the mechanism.
