3. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

Question 1

Name 2 characteristics of the CBD.

Answer 1

• Adopted in 1992
• Entered into force in 1993
• 196 member states
• It is a comprehensive approach covering all biodiversity
• It is a framework convention

Question 2

What makes the CBD different from other biodiversity conventions?

Answer 2

It covers all of biodiversity, while most other conventions are very specific.

Question 3

Name 3 critiques on the CBD.

Answer 3

• It only establishes broad guidelines, vague language
• USA not a member
• Little engagement with the trade or climate regime
• Involvement of nonstate actors comes with risks such as commodification and lower ambitions
• Lack of accountability
• Lack of pragmatic challenges
• Generally weak implementations
• Adaptibility is not sufficient compared to the rate of biodiversity loss

Question 4

What are the three objectives of the CBD?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

What does the Conference of the Parties do? Name 2 things.

Answer 5

1. Generates and specifies norms across thematic issues
2. Write international legal documents
3. Adopts decadal strategic action plans

Question 6

Despite not having been able to stop extinctions, argue why the CBD is still a good thing.

Answer 6

The CBD generates norms, sets targets, and helps countries to formulate what they need to do.

Question 7

Name 2 of the 4 reasons why the CBD has thus far not succeeded in its mission?

Answer 7

1. Lack of guidance and ambition
2. Lack of political will
3. Weak monitoring and reporting regime
4. Lack of capacity and resources

Question 8

Describe two of the global goals for 2050 that are part of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Answer 8

1. Maintain or enhance the area of natural ecosystems, species abundance and genetic diversity within populations
2. Sustainably use biodiversity and value, maintain and enhance nature, for the benefit of present and future generations
3. Fairly and equitably share benefits, both monteray and non-monetary
4. Provide adequate means of implementation (financial, capacity, scientific, technological)

Question 9

What are the GBF’s three main targets for 2030?

Answer 9

1. Reducing threats to biodiversity
2. Meeting people’s needs through sustainable use and benefit sharing
3. Tools and solutions for implementation and mainstreaming

Question 10

What is unique about the Kunming-Montral GBF compared to the CBD? Name 2 things.

Answer 10

1. Mentions (over) consumption
2. Mentions harmful subsidies
3. Puts a specific dollar figure to biodiversity loss

Question 11

Describe the ability to pay principle.

Answer 11

Exempts those below a threshold of material wealth from bearing (opportunity) costs of biodiversity action.

Question 12

Describe the contributor pays principle.

Answer 12

Requires those who have caused a problem to assume responsibility for its elimination.

Question 13

Describe the Beneficiary Pays Principle.

Answer 13

Requires people who benefit from environmentally harmful actions to share in the costs of mitigation.

Question 14

Describe the Rewards Principle.

Answer 14

Entitles those who incur costs to steward biodiversity to compensation.

Question 15

What is the GEF?

Answer 15

The Global Environmental Facility, which established the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund.

Question 16

What is a major critique of the biodiversity regime?

Answer 16

It is too much in line withe trade agendas and therefore lacks the ability to achieve transformative change by implicitly supporting neoliberal globalization, especially embedded in in the trade regime, as opposed to challenging it with broader, ecosystemic approaches.

Question 17

What is the ‘naming but not shaming approach’?

Answer 17

Rather than punishing noncompliance, it aims to support state parties struggling to reach tehir goals through increased financial support and capacity building.

Question 18

Why did the US not want to be a part of the CBD?

Answer 18

They felt that point 3 (The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources) would harm their economy.

Question 19

Why is implementation of the CBD rules severely hindered?

Answer 19

Lack of accountability mechanisms