In 2010, Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity agreed a set of 20 Biodiversity Targets that they committed to achieve by 2020. As that deadline draws near, they met again this week in Montreal to discuss, among other things, how to better protect and sustain life on earth in the ‘Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework’. A range of interesting suggestions were made regarding the process required to develop that Framework and substantive ideas were proposed relating to its vision, mission and possible Targets. One contribution by Natural Justice to the debate was the suggestion of having a stand-alone Target that is directly linked to Sustainable Development Goal 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. SDG 16’s Targets are the following, all of which have direct relevance to the drivers of and effects of biodiversity loss and natural resource uses.
- Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
- End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children
- Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
- By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crime
- Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms
- Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels
- Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels
- Broaden and strengthen the participation of developing countries in the institutions of global governance
- By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration
- Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements
- Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, for building capacity at all levels, in particular in developing countries, to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime
- Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development
A number of groups have begun to discuss the merits of the idea and have begun to plan for follow up processes in 2018.
