About
Often referred to as the 'Paris Agreement for nature', the KM-GBF is the result of the 15th Conference of Parties ('COP15') to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
The four long-term global goals for 2050 under the KM-GBF are:
- Halt loss and restore nature;
- Use lands and seas sustainably;
- Share benefits and services; and
- Adequate means of implementation.
The 23 global targets for 2030 include, inter alia, bringing the loss of areas of high biodiversity importance close to zero, restoration of at least 30% of degraded ecosystems, as well as the conservation of at least 30% of land and sea areas. Further, pollution risks and the negative impacts of pollution shall be reduced to levels that are not harmful to biodiversity and ecosystem function and services.
The KM-GBF has been criticised by some environmental groups for being non-binding and lacking specific targets, funding commitments and timelines for achieving its goals. The framework has also been criticised for relying heavily on voluntary actions and partnerships, rather than mandatory regulations and enforcement measures.
The UNEP Finance Initiative ('UNEP FI') has published a report providing guidance to investors who wish to align their investment activities with the goals of the KM-GBF.
Who does it impact?
The state parties to the CBD have signed the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Companies can be indirectly affected by legislation, regulations or requirements imposed by the signatory states.
Status: In force
The Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework was signed on 19 December 2022.
Relation to other initiatives and regulations
- The purpose of the KM-GBF is to contribute to the fulfilment of the objectives of the CBD (including its protocols), which entered into force on 29 December 1993.
- The KM-GBF builds on the previous strategic plans under CBD (the latest being Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, which includes the "Aichi Targets").
Participants
As of August 2025, 196 states have ratified the KM-GBF.
Thommessen's comments
The KM-GBF is not legally binding, but the signatory governments have committed to take measures in order to meet the KM-GBF targets and goals.
Prior to COP 16 in Cali, Columbia, which took place in October 2024, all countries were to prepare updated National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, and National Biodiversity Finance Strategies. The Norwegian government presented a new action plan for biodiversity (Nw. stortingsmelding) for the Norwegian parliament 27 September 2024. The report includes the Norwegian government's measures intended to contribute to the global targets. The Norwegian Environment Agency (Nw. Miljødirektoratet), together with other relevant expert agencies, provided the technical basis for the report. Based on these Action Plans, it is expected that signatory parties, including Norway and the EU, will introduce legislation to achieve the objectives of the KM-GBF.