COP15 stands for United Nations Biodiversity Conference, where representatives from 188 governments gathered to negotiate agreements on global action for the conservation of biodiversity.

Chaired by China and hosted by Canada, COP15 resulted in the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) on the last day of negotiations. The GBF aims to address biodiversity loss, restore ecosystems and protect indigenous rights. The plan includes concrete measures to halt and reverse nature loss, including putting 30% of the planet and 30% of degraded ecosystems under protection by 2030. It also contains proposals to increase finance to developing countries, a major sticking point during talks.

December 7-19, 2022 in Montreal, Canada, governments from around the world came together to agree on a new set of goals to guide global action through 2030 to halt and reverse nature loss. Nature is critical to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals and limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees. Adoption of a bold global biodiversity framework that addresses the key drivers of nature loss is needed to secure our own health and well-being alongside that of the planet.

What took place at COP15:

• Adoption of an equitable and comprehensive framework matched by the resources needed for implementation

• Clear targets to address overexploitation, pollution, fragmentation and unsustainable agricultural practices

• A plan that safeguards the rights of indigenous peoples and recognizes their contributions as stewards of nature

• Finance for biodiversity and alignment of financial flows with nature to drive finances toward sustainable investments and away from environmentally harmful ones