Goals, Targets, and Indicators of the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) was adopted in 2022 at the 15th COP (Conference of the Parties) to the CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity), held in Montreal, Canada, with the aim of reversing the current biodiversity crisis. The goals and targets of the KMGBF are comprehensive and include ambitious benchmarks such as “30 by 30”, alongside the consideration of minorities, including indigenous peoples, women, and children, as well elements of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) and SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). Two of the KMGBF’s four goals and eight of its 23 targets are numerical. The KMGBF also provides frameworks for measuring the achievements of each party, using various indicators, and a platform for reporting and evaluation. Overall, the KMGBF’s goals and targets are SMART (Specific Measurable Ambitious Realistic Time-bound), in contrast to the Aichi Targets. However, there are many overlapping elements within the KMGBF, and the complex wording of its goals and targets has resulted in difficulty with regard to understanding the differences between them. Furthermore, some indicators are unsuitable for measuring goal achievement$2014probably due to the priority given to using common indicators for all parties$2014and have been left to expert meetings for further consideration. This review examines the goals, targets, and indicators of the KMGBF based on comparisons with the Aichi Targets. Key points and essential information are explained; data gaps, both nationally and internationally, are identified; and the actions that must be taken to achieve the KMGBF are considered.