Biodiversity 2050: Can the Convention on Biological Diversity Deliver a World Living in Harmony with Nature?

Abstract

Stemming the continued destruction of nature is one of humanity’s greatest glo- bal challenges.5 COP-15 presents a critical window to change the global biodiver- sity extinction trajectory.6 In this retrospective, I examine the developments of the CBD to date and the transformations needed in international law today to achieve a thriving and diverse planet for people and nature by 2050. I first discuss the current state of biodiversity and the particular challenges of global biodiversity governance. Next, I set out developments under the CBD since its entry into force almost thirty years ago. I then evaluate the target-based approach of the CBD—the convention’s modus operandi of the last twenty years. I conclude by setting out the fundamental and urgent changes required within and beyond international law so that humans and nature may thrive in the present and into the future.