Biodiversity COP15
The 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) takes place in Montreal from December 7-19, 2022. The CBD has three overarching objectives: (1) the conservation of biological diversity; (2) the sustainable use of its components; and (3) the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. After two years of delay, governments around the world convened in Montreal to reach an agreement on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) aligned with the Convention’s vision of living in harmony with nature by 2050.
The outcome of COP15 is crucial for the planet and people. No progress was made on any of the previous biodiversity targets (Aichi targets agreed in 2010). The Living Planet Index shows 69% drop in global wildlife since 1970. The stakes are high. The outcome of COP15 must be an ambitious agreement led by science. It must set clear time-bound targets and make fairness and equity a top priority.
A team from York University is attending COP15. The team comprises two faculty members and two students. Professors Idil Boran and Ravi de Costa in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, are joined by Laura Stevenson and Emma Workman, students at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University.They will be following the negotiations. Some of the key issues the team is following include:
- The goal to protect 30% of the world’s land and water by 2030 (referred to as 30x30)
- Integration of biodiversity and climate goals
- Cooperation of all levels of government and all actors beyond governments toward the implementation of biodiversity goals
- Mandatory disclosures by businesses
- Respect for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities
- Access to data derived from genetic resources and equitable benefit sharing
- Biodiversity finance
- Metrics for monitoring progress
Blogs
COP 15: Article 8(j) and Quality vs Quantity in 30x30 - Emma Workman
Upstream Threats to a New IPCA Announced at COP15 - Lo Stevenson
On thin ice: The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework negotiations at COP15 - Idil Boran