IUCN’s Main Messages

Marine and coastal biodiversity

• IUCN encourages Parties at COP15 to agree on the procedures and modalities described in the annexes of CBD/SBSTTA/REC/24/10 for modifying descriptions of ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs) and for describing new areas.
• IUCN highlights the urgent need for a relevant and strengthened Programme Work on Marine and Coastal Biodiversity so that it fully supports the implementation of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in relation to marine issues.
• IUCN calls on Parties to ensure that language addressing threats to marine and coastal biodiversity, as well as its conservation and sustainable use, is appropriately included in the Post-2020 GBF.
• IUCN recalls its Resolution WCC-2020-Res-122 on the protection of deep-ocean ecosystems and biodiversity through a moratorium on seabed mining and urges Parties to consider the provisions therein.

Invasive alien species

• IUCN and its Species Survival Commission (SSC) Invasive Species Specialist Group welcome the invitation to assess the magnitude of negative impacts from alien pathogens or parasites and invasive alien species that may transmit pathogens or parasites that may affect biodiversity.
• IUCN recommends a systematic and consistent reference to Nature-based Solutions throughout the decision text

Biodiversity and climate change

• IUCN recommends to considerably update the draft decision in light of all scientific and political developments since this item was last discussed. For example, recognising the findings of the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, the UNEA Resolution defining Nature-based Solutions and the recent decisions adopted by UNFCCC and Paris Agreement Parties at UNFCCC COP27/CMP17/CMA4 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
• IUCN recommends a systematic and consistent reference to Nature-based Solutions throughout the decision text.

Biodiversity and agriculture

• IUCN invites Parties to consider its report Common Ground restoring land health for sustainable agriculture that provides clear recommendations in relation to the importance to recognize biodiversity as a key asset for agriculture production systems and conversely the crucial role these systems can play in biodiversity conservation, among others.

• IUCN globally supports the draft plan of action 2020-2030 of the international initiative

Nature and culture

IUCN welcomes the Elements and Tasks related to the Joint Programme of Work on the Links between Nature and Culture in the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, and fully supports the proposed draft decision including its Annex, as previously agreed at the Working Group on Article 8(j) and Related Provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2019.