The draft of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework is now out

The Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) released the Zero Draft of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, which will form the basis for the second round of its negotiation next month in Kunming (China). The draft results from numerous Party submissions, several regional and thematic consultations, and the outcomes of other relevant CBD meetings.

The document contains background information, an introduction and recommendations of goals and targets for the new Framework. There is one target related to biosafety, aiming to prevent the potential adverse impacts of biotechnology on biodiversity. The target suggested focuses on the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol, sound risk assessment and the necessary legal and administrative biosafety measures to avoid and manage the potential adverse impacts.

The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework will set the level of ambition and commitment of all stakeholders to environmental conservation, and guide biodiversity management and policymaking during the next decade. The negotiation process culminates at the UN Biodiversity Conference, in October 2020, where Parties to the Convention are expected to adopt the new framework.

The Zero Draft and other relevant documents for the meetings next month are available at the CBD website.