Progress in negotiations on the post-2020 global biodiversity framework and suggestions for Chinese government

Abstract

The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework is currently the focus of negotiation at the Convention on Biological Diversity. Understanding the progress of the negotiation will have a positive impact on the success of the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) which will be held in China. Based on the progress of the negotiation, this paper analyzes the views of the main parties involved and makes suggestions to the government of China on how to prepare for international negotiations and promote the development of the framework as the host country. Results show that the main parties involved have reached a relatively unanimous consensus on timetable, procedures and general principles for the formulation of the framework. They believe that the procedures and the timetable for the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework should be confirmed as soon as possible. Additionally, the main parties have expressed the following views on the formulation of the framework. Firstly, the framework should be based on experience gained by implementation of the Aichi Biodiversity Target, scientific conclusions and extensive sources of information. Secondly, negotiation should be linked with the Sustainable Development Goals and other international processes. Thirdly, scenarios and models should be used. Fourthly, support should be extended for more stakeholders’ participation in the formulation process. Involved parties also believe that the framework should mainly include land use, measures to protect and restore biodiversity, address underlying causes of biodiversity loss, mainstreaming, capacity building, resource mobilization, and national commitments. In order to prepare for international negotiations, it is suggested that China put forward the following viewpoints at the conferences of the convention on negotiations in a timely manner: accord importance to achieving the goals on sustainable use; improving the rationality of the evaluation index system; making measures scientific. In addition, it is suggested that China should promote the development of the framework by making full use of the international high-level meeting to increase political attention to the framework, actively collaborate with major international processes to promote in-depth discussion of the framework, and make it a priority to mobilize the enthusiasm of stakeholders.