Avoid cherry-picking targets and embrace holistic conservation to pursue the global diodiversity framework

Reed, James, Barlow, Jos, Carmenta, Rachel, Fakheran, Sima, Ickowitz, Amy and Sunderland, Terry (2025) Avoid cherry-picking targets and embrace holistic conservation to pursue the global diodiversity framework. Conservation Letters, 18 (3). ISSN 1755-263X

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Abstract

The Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) marked a renewed commitment to addressing the global biodiversity crisis. This framework of four goals and 23 interim targets is intended to guide and accelerate conservation efforts over the next 25 years and is more ambitious than its predecessor, the Aichi 2020 targets. However, the pursuit of multilateral agreements is dependent upon national pledges, and the limited success of the Aichi targets shows that national pledges are of little worth without aligned (sub)national action. We assessed the submitted National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans of several member countries to determine their alignment with the bold ambition of the GBF. We find a lack of alignment between the GBF and country submissions across many targets, with the notable exception of Target 3—commonly interpreted as increasing protected area coverage to 30% by 2030. Reflecting on the submissions, recent developments, and our collective experience, we outline key considerations that could help guide future submissions and implementation strategies. We caution against cherry-picking specific targets, highlighting that an overemphasis on Target 3 will fail to achieve the overarching vision of living in harmony with nature. This requires a more holistic and inclusive approach to conservation and a focus on the full suite of GBF targets.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Data Availability Statement: The authors have nothing to report. Funding: The authors received no specific funding for this work.
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Global Development (formerly School of International Development) University of East Anglia Research Groups/Centres > Theme - ClimateUEA
UEA Research Groups:	University of East Anglia Schools > Faculty of Science > Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research Faculty of Science > Research Centres > Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Global Environmental Justice
Related URLs:	https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/d...
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	03 Jun 2025 08:30
Last Modified:	08 Jun 2025 06:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/99381
DOI:	10.1111/conl.13104

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