On December 19, 2022, parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity adopted the Global Nature Treaty in Montréal, aimed at preserving ecosystems and reducing biodiversity loss with specific targets set for 2030. Despite initial optimism, experts criticized the agreement for its vague goals and lack of clear implementation plans. As nations grapple with fulfilling their commitments, the importance of increased funding and effective monitoring is emphasized, especially for developing countries. Upcoming discussions at COP 16 aim to address these challenges further.
On December 19, 2022, at approximately 4 a.m., the landmark Global Nature Treaty was adopted in Montréal by parties of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This treaty is designed to safeguard ecosystems, species, and genetic resources across the globe.
Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke expressed satisfaction with the treaty’s clearly defined objectives. Key goals include the protection of 30 percent of terrestrial and marine areas, a commitment to halving pesticide usage by 2030, and a reduction in environmentally harmful subsidies. However, she emphasized, “The real work begins now. Once the nearly 200 countries that negotiated here return home, they must translate this framework into effective national policies.”
Some unresolved issues remain at the UN Conference regarding the protection of the High Seas.
Have All Countries Completed Their Assignments?
The framework, referred to as the ‘Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework,’ outlines 27 long and medium-term objectives, most of which are to be met by 2030. Additional targets include significantly reducing plastic waste and achieving a tenfold decrease in species extinction rates. Moreover, 30 percent of impaired ecosystems are to be restored. However, doubts about the efficacy of the new agreement surfaced immediately following its adoption.
Jörg-Andreas Krüger, President of the German Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), critiqued the agreement, stating, “The document does not adequately address the urgent need to curb biodiversity loss and species extinction,” calling for a reassessment of the treaty.
He noted that the goals were overly ambiguous, the timelines and financing were unclear, and the accountability measures insufficient, particularly concerning corporate disclosures on biodiversity dependencies and impacts. “It merely suggests that we should do as much as possible to halt the crisis,” critiqued Krüger, “but it lacks the necessary impetus to be considered a definitive convention for halting species extinction.”
Environmental specialist Stefan Hain remarked that the agreement signifies just the beginning of the journey.
Pushing Forward with Caution
Since the conclusion of the World Conference on Nature in Montréal, progress appears to be sluggish, especially from a German viewpoint. A notable advancement was the global endorsement of the UN Convention on the Protection of the High Seas, with Germany as an early signatory in 2023. Conversely, reports from the European Court of Auditors indicated contradictions between national strategic plans under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy and the environmental goals set by the European Union.
Heike Vesper from WWF Germany highlighted concerns about funding distribution at both federal and EU levels, noting, “The resources allocated are not enhancing biodiversity support; in fact, they are decreasing.” Heading into the next World Conference on Nature, COP 16, Vesper’s optimism is muted due to ongoing global crises competing for attention and resources.
Aiming for Less Plastic and a ‘Peace with Nature’
Despite the challenges, Vesper remains hopeful about potential outcomes from the upcoming conference in Cali, Colombia, particularly the negotiation of a binding UN agreement to combat plastic pollution, which is set to be discussed at COP 16.
With nearly 20 percent of vertebrate species facing extinction, the role of zoos in species conservation is also under scrutiny.
Urgent Need for Enhanced Monitoring
Strengthening monitoring processes is essential, as only a handful of countries have finalized and made public their action plans and national implementation strategies (NBSAPs) for the Global Nature Treaty. “They were instructed to do so in Montréal,” emphasized Prof. Dr. Katrin Böhning-Gaese, Scientific Director of the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Leipzig, noting that Germany has also lagged in this area.
To accurately assess the potential improvements from NBSAPs, biodiversity monitoring must advance at COP 16, according to Böhning-Gaese. “Funding is another pivotal aspect. Without increased financial support, achieving the goals outlined in Montréal will remain elusive. Many of the world’s biodiversity hotspots are in developing countries that often lack the necessary resources for effective conservation efforts,” she added.
Consequently, during the conference in Montréal, wealthy nations pledged to provide at least 30 billion euros annually to assist developing countries in their biodiversity conservation efforts by 2030. “This commitment must be actioned urgently,” stated Vesper.
Integrating Climate Change and Biodiversity
Colombian Environment Minister Susana Muhamad noted that climate change receives more attention from politics and businesses, yet climate issues and biodiversity challenges are intrinsically linked. Ignoring this connection poses significant risks. COP