Highlights and images for 26 June 2022

The start of the closing plenary for the Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (WG2020) was delayed by over two hours due to late completion of deliberations of post-2020 global biodiversity framework (GBF) Contact Group 4 on targets related to implementation and mainstreaming.

The plenary began its deliberations by considering the outcomes of contact groups, contained in conference room papers (CRPs). Plenary heard reports from contact groups’ co-leads, and reviewed and approved the following CRPs:

• Goals of the GBF, where overall progress on the four goals was noted: A (on ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity), B (on conservation and sustainable use) C (sharing of benefits from utilization of genetic resources) and D (on means of implementation). All goals except Goal C have incorporated milestones to 2030.
• Section A-E (background, purpose, relationship with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, theory of change, and 2050 Vision and 2030 Mission, and other sections). Delegates noted the need for concerted efforts during intersessional work to tackle text duplication and agree on the content of the new Section B.bis on principles and approaches.
• Targets on reducing threats to biodiversity. Delegates noted, among other issues, the need to ensure that headline indicators will be adequately addressed, particularly with inputs from the expert workshop on the GBF monitoring framework to be held in Bonn, Germany from 29 June - 1 July 2022.
• Targets on meeting people’s needs through sustainable use and benefit sharing, noting that clean text was produced on Target 12 on green and blue areas for urban areas, but considerable work remains, especially on Target 10 on sustainable agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture, and on Target 13 on access and benefit sharing.
• Targets on tools and solutions for implementation and mainstreaming, noting that even though the text is stable enough to allow reaching consensus at the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15), outstanding issues remain in most targets. Target 19.1 on financial resources was flagged as requiring considerable amount of further work. 
• Digital sequence information on genetic resources, noting considerable progress on developing a common understanding, and highlighting important intersessional work prior to COP15, including under the relevant Informal Advisory Group.

Delegates also reviewed and approved the CRP containing draft elements of a possible decision for COP15, operationalizing the GBF.

During the closing plenary delegates adopted the meeting report.

Co-Chair Basile van Havre (Canada), discussing intersessional work, reported the Bureau’s proposal to hold a three-day fifth meeting of the WG2020 prior to COP15.

Zhou Guomei, Deputy Secretary General, China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED), speaking on behalf of the COP15 Presidency, noted that the world is watching and waiting for the CBD to deliver and adopt a balanced GBF for the planet and for future generations.

Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, CBD Executive Secretary commended parties for continued commitment and engagement, through which “a new framework for nature and a beacon of hope for humanity is coming to shape.”

The final day of the WG2020, which began just after mid-day, saw tired delegates skip lunch in the hope of an early finish and thus an early dinner. However, as deliberations proceeded, it became clear that an early finish was no longer imminent. The news of plans for a three-day fifth meeting of the WG2020 were received with recognition that there is no room for failure in launching an ambitious framework for a biodiversity-positive future.

The Earth Negotiations Bulletin summary and analysis of the meeting will be available on this site on Wednesday, 29 June 2022.