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Kunming Declaration - Uniting for Global Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development"
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The Kunming Declaration is a landmark agreement for biodiversity that was adopted by over 190 countries at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) in Kunming, China, on October 13, 2021. The declaration sets out a framework for action to protect biodiversity and reverse the loss of species by 2030.
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What is Kunming Declaration
- Representatives from 188 governments, including 196 UN CBD parties and two non-parties (the United States and the Vatican), have collectively endorsed a novel framework to counteract the significant and ongoing decline of biological species.
- Named the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), this new approach outlines four overarching goals to be achieved by 2050 and establishes 23 specific targets to reach by 2030. These efforts are geared toward preserving existing biodiversity.
- One of the GBF's pivotal objectives is to safeguard a minimum of 30% of the Earth's surface by 2030, contributing to the reversal of ecosystem degradation and the enhancement of global biodiversity.
- Replacing the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, the Kunming-Montreal GBF emerges as a comprehensive successor. Introduced during the 2010 COP 10 conference in Nagoya, Japan, the Aichi Biodiversity Targets set forth 20 goals, including a halving of natural habitat loss and the implementation of sustainable consumption and production plans by 2020.
- Regrettably, as per the 2020 CBD report, none of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets have been entirely achieved, highlighting the urgency for more effective measures and strategies.
- Widespread shortcomings in Asia are evident, particularly concerning the goal of protecting a minimum of 17% of land by 2020. Data collected from 40 countries reveal that most Asian nations have fallen short of this global minimum protection benchmark.
Also, read about Bonn Climate Change Conference here for UPSC.
History of UN-CBD
In November 1988, the Ad Hoc Working Group of Experts on Biological Diversity was convened by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) with the aim of assessing the necessity for an international convention focused on biological diversity. Subsequently, in May 1989, the Ad Hoc Working Group of Technical and Legal Experts was established by UNEP to formulate an international legal instrument that addresses the preservation and responsible utilization of biological diversity.
By February 1991, the Ad Hoc Working Group's nomenclature had transformed into the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee. Its endeavors reached fruition on 22 May 1992, culminating in the Nairobi Conference, where the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted. On 5 June 1992, this Convention was made available for signature during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, also known as the Rio Earth Summit.
Effectively coming into operation on 29 December 1993, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is characterized by three overarching objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable utilization of its components, and the just and equitable distribution of benefits stemming from the utilization of genetic resources.
Kunming Montreal Agreement Key Features
- Protect at least 30% of the planet by 2030: This includes protecting 30% of land, inland waters, and coastal and marine areas.
- Reverse ecosystem degradation: This includes halting and reversing the loss of biodiversity, restoring degraded ecosystems, and preventing the extinction of species.
- Increase financial resources for biodiversity: This includes providing more funding for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
- Strengthen the governance of biodiversity: This includes improving the way that biodiversity is managed at the global, regional, and national levels.
- Engage with all stakeholders: This includes working with governments, businesses, civil society, and indigenous peoples to protect biodiversity.
30 by 30 target
- The statement alluded to the '30 by 30' objective, a pivotal proposal under discussion at COP15. This proposal seeks to allocate safeguarded status to 30% of the Earth's land and oceans by 2030.
- In addition to this, deliberations are ongoing regarding the objective of reducing chemical utilization in agriculture by 50% and ceasing the generation of plastic waste.
Read about National Action Plan on climate change here for UPSC
Kunming Biodiversity Fund
China has committed to allocating a substantial amount of USD 233 million to establish a novel fund aimed at safeguarding biodiversity in less developed nations. This initiative is termed the Kunming Biodiversity Fund, representing a commendable stride towards this objective. Nonetheless, there exist reservations among certain countries concerning this fund's effectiveness.
Some nations have labeled this financial commitment as "insufficient" in light of China's status as the world's largest contributor to pollution. Moreover, affluent donor countries contend that the introduction of a new conservation fund is redundant, given that the United Nations' Global Environment Facility is already assisting developing countries in funding environmentally sustainable projects.
What is Climate Financing mentioned in the Kunming declaration?
- Climate finance encompasses funding from various sources—public, private, and alternative—to support actions aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change.
- The UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement emphasize the need for financial aid from wealthier parties to those less economically endowed and more susceptible to climate impacts.
- Climate finance addresses the varying contributions to and capacities for climate change response among nations.
- It plays a critical role in both mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation requires substantial investments for emission reduction, while adaptation demands resources to combat changing climate effects.
- Developed countries, following the "common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities" principle, are expected to financially assist developing countries in fulfilling UNFCCC objectives.
- The Paris Agreement not only reinforces the obligations of developed nations but also introduces the concept of voluntary contributions from other Parties.
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Kunming Declaration FAQs
What is the Kunming Declaration?
The Kunming Declaration is a significant global commitment made by multiple countries to address biodiversity loss and promote conservation efforts.
What are the key goals of the Kunming Declaration?
The Kunming Declaration aims to set ambitious goals to halt the loss of biodiversity, promote sustainable development, and enhance global environmental efforts.
What is the '30 by 30' target mentioned in the Kunming Declaration?
The '30 by 30' target refers to the objective of safeguarding 30% of the Earth's land and oceans by 2030 to protect and preserve biodiversity.
Why is the Kunming Declaration important?
The Kunming Declaration is crucial as it highlights the urgent need for international collaboration to counteract the alarming decline of global biodiversity and emphasizes the role of nations in achieving sustainable development.
How does the Kunming Declaration address climate change?
While not focused solely on climate change, the Kunming Declaration aligns with climate efforts by recognizing the interconnectedness of biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
What challenges does the Kunming Declaration face?
Some countries express reservations about the fund's effectiveness, citing concerns over China's polluting status and the redundancy of a new conservation fund given existing global mechanisms.