Science Task Force Paper Spotlight: The CBD Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and people´s place within nature

In the perspective article “The CBD Post-2020 biodiversity framework: people´s place within the rest of nature,” Friedman and colleagues argue that the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) must firmly recognise people as an integral part of nature—not separate from it—to drive transformative biodiversity outcomes.

The CBD Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework is a comprehensive plan to address the global biodiversity crisis, with a focus on achieving a Nature-Positive world by 2030 and a world living in harmony with nature by 2050. In summary, it aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, and achieve a world where biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored, and wisely used by 2050. It focuses on achieving specific, measurable global targets, integrates Nature-based Solutions, and embraces diverse perspectives from all stakeholders, recognising the crucial role of people within nature. 

With this perspective, the authors highlight six key foci that offer potential to strengthen delivery of the framework and break the ‘business as usual’ logjam:

1. Reframe the narrative of people's relationship with nature, shifting away from viewing humans as either "threats" or "beneficiaries" of biodiversity and emphasise the importance of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) in conservation efforts.
2. Move beyond a focus on species and places, prioritising ecosystem function and resilience.
3. Support diverse governance, combining top-down structures with grassroots and bottom-up approaches, and encourage active IPLC participation in decision-making processes.
4. Adopt new technologies and leverage tools for effectively monitoring and measuring progress.
5. Align corporate strategies and finance with biodiversity goals to mobilise private-sector support.
6. Engage international agencies—by coordinating the efforts of global institutions, NGOs, financial institutions, and urban civil society to deliver framework targets.

Implementing these six foci together will lead to a much-needed broadening of the framework, especially those of business and broader urban civil society, as well as those of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, the authors argue.

Friedman, K., Bridgewater, P., Agostini, V., Agardy, T., Arico, S., Biermann, F., Brown, K., Cresswell, I. D., Ellis, E. C., Failler, P., Kim, R. E., Pratt, C., Rice, J., Rivera, V. S., & Teneva, L. 2022. The CBD Post-2020 biodiversity framework: People's place within the rest of nature. People and Nature, 4, 1475–1484. https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10403.

This blog is part of a series developed by UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration’s IUCN-led Science Task Force (STF). The blog series aims to highlight papers and resources relevant to the UN Decade and ecosystem restoration practitioners. Opinions expressed in these