Book Review: Governing Global Biodiversity: The Evolution and Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity

AbstractThe Ninth Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP9) in May 2008 in Bonn was one of the major international environmental meetings in 2008. Its decisions significantly advance global biodiversity politics on a range of critical issues and thereby help achieving the global target of substantially reducing current rates of biodiversity loss by 2010. This article describes the main decision adopted by COP9 on biofuels, marine biodiversity, biodiversity and climate change, access and benefit-sharing and the science-policy interface of international biodiversity politics.

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Scaling Biodiversity Conservation Efforts: An Examination of the Relationship Between Global Biodiversity Targets and Local Plans

Frontiers in Conservation Science ◽

10.3389/fcosc.2021.752387 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 ◽

Author(s):

Jennifer Rae Pierce ◽

Sabrina Drill ◽

Michael D. Halder ◽

Mika Mei Jia Tan ◽

Anushri Tiwari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biodiversity Conservation ◽

Biological Diversity ◽

Critical Role ◽

Well Being ◽

Global Scale ◽

Local Scale ◽

Convention On Biological Diversity ◽

Spheres Of Influence ◽

Global Biodiversity ◽

The Relationship

Cities have a critical role to play in meeting global-scale biodiversity targets. Urban socio-ecological systems connect human and ecological well-being. The outsized impact of cities reaches well-beyond their geographic borders through cultural, ecological, and economic interactions. Although cities account for just 2% of the earth's surface, they host over half of the human population and are responsible for 75% of consumption. The Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and others have acknowledged the important role cities can play in achieving global targets. In response, at least 110 cities have produced plans focused on biodiversity, but we do not know the extent to which these city plans align with global targets or what role they play in achieving these targets. Here, we explore the relationship between global biodiversity conservation targets and local biodiversity plans to identify how elements at the two scales align or diverge. We compared the CBD Strategic Plan 2011–2020 (Aichi Targets) with 44 local biodiversity plans (often called LBSAPs) from cities around the world. We analyzed more than 2,800 actions from the local plans to measure the relationship with these global targets. Our results show how local approaches to biodiversity conservation can inform post-2020 global frameworks to improve coordination between global and local scale processes. We identify actions particular to the local scale that are critical to conserve global biodiversity and suggest a framework for improved coordination between actors at different scales that address their respective roles and spheres of influence.

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The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)’s Post-2020 target on invasive alien species – what should it include and how should it be monitored?

NeoBiota ◽

10.3897/neobiota.62.53972 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 62 ◽

pp. 99-121 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Franz Essl ◽

Guillaume Latombe ◽

Bernd Lenzner ◽

Shyama Pagad ◽

Hanno Seebens ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biological Invasions ◽

Alien Species ◽

Biological Diversity ◽

Invasive Alien Species ◽

Convention On Biological Diversity ◽

Wide Range ◽

Biodiversity Policy ◽

Global Biodiversity ◽

Main Components

The year 2020 and the next few years are critical for the development of the global biodiversity policy agenda until the mid-21st century, with countries agreeing to a Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Reducing the substantial and still rising impacts of invasive alien species (IAS) on biodiversity will be essential if we are to meet the 2050 Vision where biodiversity is valued, conserved, and restored. A tentative target has been developed by the IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG), and formally submitted to the CBD for consideration in the discussion on the Post-2020 targets. Here, we present properties of this proposal that we regard as essential for an effective Post-2020 Framework. The target should explicitly consider the three main components of biological invasions, i.e. (i) pathways, (ii) species, and (iii) sites; the target should also be (iv) quantitative, (v) supplemented by a set of indicators that can be applied to track progress, and (vi) evaluated at medium- (2030) and long-term (2050) time horizons. We also present a proposed set of indicators to track progress. These properties and indicators are based on the increasing scientific understanding of biological invasions and effectiveness of responses. Achieving an ambitious action-oriented target so that the 2050 Vision can be achieved will require substantial effort and resources, and the cooperation of a wide range of stakeholders.

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Four Steps for the Earth: mainstreaming the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

10.31235/osf.io/gjps6 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

E.J. Milner-Gulland ◽

Prue Addison ◽

William Arlidge ◽

Julia Baker ◽

Hollie Booth ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biological Diversity ◽

Convention On Biological Diversity ◽

Human Needs ◽

Mitigation Hierarchy ◽

Indigenous Groups ◽

Conservation Actions ◽

Global Biodiversity ◽

National Governments ◽

City Of London ◽

The City

The upcoming meeting of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, and future adoption of the new Global Biodiversity Framework, represent an opportunity to transform humanity's relationship with nature. Restoring nature while meeting human needs requires a bold vision, but this will only succeed if biodiversity conservation can be mainstreamed in society. Here, we present an overarching framework that could support this mainstreaming: the Mitigation and Conservation Hierarchy. This novel framework places the well-established four-step Mitigation Hierarchy for mitigating and compensating the impacts of developments on biodiversity (1: Avoid, 2: Minimise, 3: Restore, 4: Offset, towards a target such as No Net Loss of biodiversity) within a broader framing that encompasses all conservation actions. We illustrate the potential application of the framework in four cases; national governments, sub-national levels (specifically the City of London, a fishery, and indigenous groups), companies, and the general public. The Mitigation and Conservation Hierarchy supports decisions about both the choice of actions to conserve and restore nature, and evaluation of the effectiveness of those actions, across sectors and scales. As such it can guide actions towards a sustainable future for people and nature in support of the CBD's vision.

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Safeguarding Freshwater Life Beyond 2020: Recommendations for the New Global Biodiversity Framework from the European Experience

10.20944/preprints202001.0212.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Charles B. van Rees ◽

Kerry A. Waylen ◽

Astrid Schmidt-Kloiber ◽

Stephen J. Thackeray ◽

Gregor Kalinkat ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biological Diversity ◽

Integrated Water Resources Management ◽

Convention On Biological Diversity ◽

The European Union ◽

Freshwater Biodiversity ◽

Biodiversity Crisis ◽

Implementation Planning ◽

European Experience ◽

Global Biodiversity ◽

Freshwater Monitoring

The drafting of a new Global Biodiversity Framework for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Biodiversity Strategy for the European Union (EU) render 2020 a critical crossroad for biodiversity conservation. Freshwater biodiversity is disproportionately threatened and poorly studied relative to marine and terrestrial biota, despite providing numerous essential ecosystem services. The urgency of the mounting freshwater biodiversity crisis necessitates approaches catered to the unique ecology and threats of freshwater life, which are not adequately addressed by current strategies. We present a set of 15 special recommendations for freshwater biodiversity to guide the CBD’s post-2020 framework and the 2020 EU strategy based on European case studies, both challenges and successes. Our recommendations cover key outcomes and guiding concepts, enabling conditions and methods of implementation, planning and accountability modalities, and cross-cutting issues. They address topics including invasive species, integrated water resources management, strategic conservation planning, data management, and emerging technologies for freshwater monitoring, among others. These recommendations will enhance the ability of global and European post-2020 biodiversity agreements to halt and reverse the rapid global decline of freshwater biodiversity.

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Understanding international non-state and subnational actors for biodiversity and their possible contributions to the post-2020 CBD global biodiversity framework: insights from six international cooperative initiatives

International Environmental Agreements Politics Law and Economics ◽

10.1007/s10784-021-09547-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Marcel T. J. Kok ◽

Kathrin Ludwig

Keyword(s):

Biological Diversity ◽

Convention On Biological Diversity ◽

Successful Implementation ◽

State Action ◽

Learning Capacity ◽

Study Approach ◽

Challenges And Opportunities ◽

Global Biodiversity ◽

State Actors ◽

Biodiversity Governance

AbstractWhile multilateral approaches and national policies have been unable to halt the unprecedented loss of biodiversity, responses from non-state and subnational initiatives are increasing. The successful implementation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework (GBF), to be agreed upon under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), ultimately depends on commitments and action by state and non-state actors, including subnational actors. However, non-state and subnational actors have so far received little attention in academic analysis of global biodiversity governance. In order to better understand and harness the potential of non-state and subnational involvement, this paper addresses the ways in which non-state initiatives contribute to global biodiversity governance and how productive linkages can be built between state and non-state actors in the post-2020 GBF. This paper applies an explorative case study approach and analyses six international cooperative initiatives (ICIs) that highlight novel approaches in international biodiversity governance. We analyse the qualities of ICIs for biodiversity governance in terms of strengths and potential, the governance functions that they fulfil, and how they are engaging with the CBD and the post-2020 GBF. Based on this analysis, we discuss challenges and opportunities related to non-state and subnational actors involvement in global biodiversity governance and identify possible steps forward. We emphasise the importance of a collaborative framework for non-state action within the CBD that builds on existing and emerging activities of non-state actors, organises monitoring and review as part of an accountability framework of state and non-state actors, and provides for learning, capacity building and follow-up action.

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Towards monitoring ecosystem integrity within the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

10.32942/osf.io/eyqw5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Andrew J. Hansen ◽

Bengamin P. Noble ◽

Jaris Veneros ◽

Alyson East ◽

Scott J. Goetz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biological Diversity ◽

Human Impacts ◽

Ecological Integrity ◽

Convention On Biological Diversity ◽

Natural Ecosystems ◽

Ecosystem Integrity ◽

Essential Biodiversity Variables ◽

Global Biodiversity ◽

Restoration Strategies ◽

Definition Of

Signatory countries to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) are formulating indicators through 2030 under the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). These goals include increasing the integrity of natural ecosystems. However, the definition of integrity and methods for measuring it remain unspecified. Moreover, nations did not achieve their 2011-2020 CBD targets, partly due to inability to monitor and report progress on these targets. Here, we define ecological integrity (EI) and suggest a framework to measure and evaluate trends in terrestrial EI. Our approach builds on three topics: the concept of ecological integrity, satellite-based Earth observation, and Essential Biodiversity Variables. Within this framework, EI is a measure of the structure, function and composition of an ecosystem relative to the pre-industrial range of variation of these characteristics. We recommend 13 indicators of EI to facilitate the efforts of nations to monitor, evaluate, and report during implementation of the post-2020 GBF. These indicators can help assess the condition of ecosystems relative to benchmark states, and track the degradation or improvement of ecosystem condition due to human impacts or restoration strategies. If operationalized, this framework can help Parties to the CBD systematically evaluate and report progress on achieving ecosystem commitments in the post-2020 GBF

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Neutral theory exposes the challenge of bending the curve of biodiversity loss for the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

10.22541/au.161605601.11680229/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Falko Buschke

Keyword(s):

Biological Diversity ◽

Neutral Theory ◽

Biodiversity Loss ◽

Convention On Biological Diversity ◽

Biodiversity Indicators ◽

Geographical Patterns ◽

20Th Anniversary ◽

Global Biodiversity ◽

Species Specific ◽

Ecological Drift

In May, nations of the world will meet to negotiate the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework under the Convention on Biological Diversity. An influential ambition is “bending the curve of biodiversity loss”, which aims to reverse the decline of global biodiversity indicators. A second relevant, yet less prominent, milestone is the 20th anniversary of the publication of The Unified Neutral Theory of Biodiversity and Biogeography. Here, I apply neutral theory to show how global biodiversity indicators for population size (Living Planet Index) and extinction threat (Red List Index) decline under neutral ecological drift. This demonstrates that declining indicators alone do not necessarily reflect deterministic species-specific or geographical patterns of biodiversity loss. Thus, “bending the curve” could be assessed relative to a counterfactual based on neutral theory, rather than static baselines. If used correctly, the 20-year legacy of neutral theory can be extended to make a valuable contribution to the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

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Aichi Target 18 beyond 2020: mainstreaming Traditional Biodiversity Knowledge in the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal ecosystems

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.9616 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. e9616

Author(s):

Paola Fajardo ◽

David Beauchesne ◽

Alberto Carbajal-López ◽

Rémi M. Daigle ◽

L. Denisse Fierro-Arcos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biodiversity Conservation ◽

Biological Diversity ◽

Biodiversity Loss ◽

Natural World ◽

Coastal Ecosystems ◽

Convention On Biological Diversity ◽

Marine Biodiversity ◽

Biodiversity Knowledge ◽

Global Biodiversity

Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) have inhabited coastal areas, the seas, and remote islands for millennia, and developed place-based traditional ancestral knowledge and diversified livelihoods associated with the biocultural use of marine and coastal ecosystems. Through their cultural traditions, customary wise practices, and holistic approaches to observe, monitor, understand, and appreciate the Natural World, IPLCs have been preserving, managing, and sustainably using seascapes and coastal landscapes, which has been essential for biodiversity conservation. The international community has more than ever recognized the central role of IPLCs in the conservation of biodiversity-rich ecosystems, in particular, for the achievement of the Global Biodiversity Targets determined by the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity to tackle biodiversity loss. However, much remains to be done to fully recognize and protect at national levels IPLCs’ Traditional Biodiversity Knowledge (TBK), ways of life, and their internationally recognized rights to inhabit, own, manage and govern traditional lands, territories, and waters, which are increasingly threatened. At the 2018 4th World Conference on Marine Biodiversity held in Montréal, Canada, eight themed working groups critically discussed progress to date and barriers that have prevented the achievement of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets agreed for the period 2011–2020, and priority actions for the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. Discussions in the “Application of Biodiversity Knowledge” working group focused on Targets 11 and 18 and the equal valuation of diverse Biodiversity Knowledge Systems (BKS). This Perspective Paper summarizes the 10 Priority Actions identified for a holistic biodiversity conservation, gender equality and human rights-based approach that strengthens the role of IPLCs as biodiversity conservation decision-makers and managers at national and international levels. Furthermore, the Perspective proposes a measurable Target 18 post-2020 and discusses actions to advance the recognition of community-based alternative conservation schemes and TBK to ensure the long-lasting conservation, customary biocultural use, and sustainable multi-functional management of nature around the globe.

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