Outcomes of the Fourth Meeting of the Open-ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

The Post-2020 GBF, a new global biodiversity target following the Aichi Targets, is expected to be adopted at the second part of COP15, scheduled to be held this year. 

The third meeting of the OEWG (OEWG3) was held in March 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland. Because of the divergence of opinions among the Parties on many agenda items, a number of outcome documents (draft recommendations) were adopted, with multiple options. Given this background the fourth meeting of the OEWG (OEWG4) was held in Nairobi, Kenya, to further advance preparatory negotiations on the post-2020 framework.

Discussions in the meeting concentrated on the first draft of the Post-2020 GBF, and was attended by delegates of Parties, as well as international organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). From Japan, representatives of the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry participated in the meeting.

Discussions on the goals and targets of the post-2020 GBF and other items were continued based on the results of OEWG3, but many issues were not agreed upon, and they will be discussed in the second part of COP15. Based on the outcomes of OEWG4, it is expected that the Post-2020 GBF will be adopted at the second part of COP15.

(1)Dates:

June 21 to Jun 26, 2022

(2)Summary of main agenda items and outcomes:

-Goals and targets of the Post-2020 GBF
Discussions focused on the draft goals and targets of the Post-2020 GBF. Among the major targets, all Parties agreed on the wording for the targets relating to green and blue spaces in urban areas, and also capacity building for conservation. However, discussions on other draft goals and targets, including those noted below, could not be resolved and it was decided that they would be carried forward to the second part of COP15.

With regard to the draft target of conserving or protecting 30% of land and sea areas by 2030 (30by30) a great deal of time was spent discussing sections other than the numerical target, leaving insufficient time to discuss the specific numerical target of 30%. 

With regard to the draft target on climate change and biodiversity, although many countries including Japan supported efforts to minimize the impact of climate change on biodiversity, a number of revisions were proposed in terms of whether to include numerical targets and detailed wording. In addition, the term “nature-based solutions,” which has been controversial over whether it should be incorporated into the targets, was not discussed at OEWG4. 

With regard to the draft target relating to business and biodiversity, discussions continued based on the outcomes of OEWG3, focusing on issues such as what methods should be used to encourage corporate disclosure and whether a numerical target is needed. 

In discussions on the draft target on resource mobilization, with the outcomes of OEWG3, a proposal for the establishment of a new international fund for biodiversity was also discussed. However, there were different opinions between countries that emphasize the need for a new fund and countries that are calling for improved utilization of the existing financial mechanism.

-Digital sequence information (DSI) on genetic resources
Although the elements of a draft decision at COP15 concerning DSI have been discussed, further discussion is required, on the following points in particular. 

Whether to refer explicitly to DSI in the goals and targets of the Post-2020 GBF. 
Definition and scope of DSI, traceability and mechanisms for benefit sharing, etc.

In the opening session on the first day of OEWG4, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat announced that the second part of COP15 will be held this year in Montreal, Canada, from December 5 (Mon.) to 17 (Sat.). A press release containing the same information was simultaneously released by the CBD Secretariat. In addition, the OEWG co-chairs have suggested that it will be necessary for gatherings of small groups to be formed to continue work on some of the outstanding issues ahead of COP15 in December. Details are expected to be determined going forward. 

• Established in accordance with CBD-COP Decision 14/34 to support the preparation of the Post-2020 GBF.
• The first and second meetings were held in a physical setting in August 2019 and February 2020, respectively.
• The first part of the third meeting was held in the form of online sessions from August to September 2021.
• The second part of the third meeting was held in a physical setting in March 2022.