Statement by the Nature Champions Network

The Nature Champions Network, a group of countries who seek to advance global ambition on the successful implementation of the historic Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework, issued the following statement during COP16: 

We, the Nature Champions, call upon all Parties of the Convention on Biodiversity to come forward with domestic plans that meet the objectives outlined in the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework in order that we may establish a collective path forward to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity, protect 30 percent of lands and waters globally by 2030 and achieve the shared vision of living in harmony with nature.

As a collective of ambitious countries committed to delivering on the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework, we:

• Recognize that, in order to implement the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework by 2030, all participating countries should rapidly review or develop and implement national biodiversity strategies and action plans or other domestic initiatives^{Footnote 1}

• Reaffirm that national action plans must be inclusive of indigenous peoples and local communities, cooperative and ambitious to bring about transformative and durable action in our societies’ relationship with biodiversity

• Resolve to meet annually to review our progress in advancing the goals and targets of the KMGBF, and to overcome barriers to its implementation; and to use COP 17 and COP 18 to report on efforts and steps taken

• Recognize that an urgent increase in financial and non-financial resources from all sources is needed in order to support KMGBF implementation and conserve biodiversity in particular in line with the financial commitments agreed to by Parties under Target 19 of GBF

•  Acknowledge a coordinated approach should jointly address the interdependent global crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and global pollution challenges, in order to put our planet on a path of recovery for the benefit of people and planet by 2030

• Recognize the need to work together towards building nature-positive and low-carbon and climate resilient economies

• Support efforts by the Presidencies of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to coordinate and galvanize action and cooperation

We, the Nature Champions, will continue to focus on growing international awareness, and fostering understanding of the critical role biodiversity plays for the health and well-being of our citizens, for addressing climate change, and in achieving many of our socio-economic aspirations. We welcome new members to join our Champions Network.

With a view to ensure continued and growing political momentum on biodiversity, Nature Champions will continue to nurture collaboration and partnerships between developed and developing countries, as well as with Indigenous Peoples and local communities.