Applying a human rights-based approach to the Global Biodiversity Framework

A human rights-based approach (HRBA) in the context of biodiversity conservation, means that biodiversity policies, governance and management do not violate human rights, but instead actively seek ways to support and promote human rights in the design and implementation of actions related to biodiversity.

The “Human Rights in Biodiversity Working Group ” established in Chiang Mai, 2020 have collaboratively compiled a human rights analysis of ”Draft One of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework”.

The authors urge the Open-ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework to integrate, maintain and strengthen elements of a human rights-based approach in the first draft of the framework (at their 3rd meeting, 23 August – 3 September). As for now, the human rights-related advancements are not sufficient and without further improvement the framework risks falling short of its ambition to achieve transformative change.

Key messages:

● Actions towards addressing the biodiversity crisis  are promoted by recognition of the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities nurturing  biological and cultural diversity in their daily life.

● The shaping of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework is an opportunity to enable transformational change through through human rights-based approaches. 

● Failure to adequately incorporate the protection of human and environmental rights defenders would mean risks not only  for expanding violations of human rights, but also increased destruction of biodiversity.

The analysis brief was prepared by members of the “Human Rights in Biodiversity Working Group” including Forest Peoples Programme (FPP), CBD Alliance, Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN), ICCA Consortium, Natural Justice, SwedBio at Stockholm Resilience Centre, Tebtebba Foundation, WWF International, Friends of the Earth International, the CBD Women’s Caucus and Women4Biodiversity.

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