Highlights from latest CBD COP15 talks

 

Business for Nature actively contributed to the third Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG-3) negotiation meeting for the adoption of a new and ambitious global agreement on nature: the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (the Framework)

What is the OEWG-3?

Representatives from countries under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), conservation organizations and other relevant stakeholders gathered virtually from 23 Aug – 3 Sept to discuss the new draft 1 of the Framework, including its five goals and 21 targets.

The meeting provided an opportunity for everyone to present their positions on each goal and target with concrete text proposals.

Business for Nature participated in this important series of meetings to demonstrate and amplify a credible business voice and to reassure negotiators that leading companies stand ready to take action and work together with governments towards achieving an equitable, nature-positive net-zero world.

Prior to the meeting, we shared eight suggestions, with specific text amendments, for negotiators to include in the Framework and strengthen its ambition. We were pleased to see many of our messages and text amendments presented by Parties in their national positions to be considered in future negotiations.  

Executive Director, Eva Zabey, was also invited to speak at the Biodiversity Pre-Conference of the Parties hosted by the Government of Colombia on 30 August, where she called on governments to adopt a clear mission to reverse nature loss by 2030 and clear rules for all actors to be empowered to act. This high-level meeting featured Heads of State, Ministers and world leaders coming together with a strong call to reverse nature loss by 2030.  

What happens next?  

These deliberations will be continued in January 2022, where the OEWG-3 will be resumed for in-person negotiations taking place in Switzerland.   

The opening (Part 1) of COP15 will be held from 11-15 October as a hybrid event, where China will assume the Presidency During the high-level session. Ministers are expected to adopt a “Kunming Declaration” to ensure political momentum in support of the ongoing negotiations. 

 
 
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Business for Nature recognizes the many improvements in the new draft 1 and the efforts of all Parties to advance in this process. However, we remain concerned about the level of ambition of the Framework. We therefore ask policymakers to: 

  1. Set a global mission for nature that will drive business action. 

  2. Value and embed nature into all decision-making. 

  3. Eliminate or redirect all subsidies and incentives harmful for biodiversity 

 
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