Biodiversity is fundamental to human well-being, planetary health, and economic prosperity around the world. Yet, it is facing an unprecedented crisis: nearly one million species are at risk of extinction. The current extinction rate is already tens to hundreds of times greater than the average over the past ten million years—and this rate is accelerating.
In response to this urgent situation, the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted on December 19, 2022, during the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. This landmark agreement aims to halt the alarming loss of biodiversity and drive global efforts to restore nature.
The Framework includes four long-term goals to achieve the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity, alongside twenty-three specific global targets set for achievement by 2030. These ambitious targets are grouped under three key themes: (1) reducing threats to biodiversity (Targets 1-8); (2) meeting people’s needs through sustainable use and equitable benefit sharing (Targets 9-13); and (3) tools and solutions for implementation and mainstreaming (Targets 14-23).
Here is the TARGET 11:
“Restore, maintain and enhance nature’s contributions to people, including ecosystem functions and services, such as the regulation of air, water and climate, soil health, pollination and reduction of disease risk, as well as protection from natural hazards and disasters, through nature-based solutions and/or ecosystem-based approaches for the benefit of all people and nature.”
TARGET 11 of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework recognises the vital role that nature plays in supporting human societies and the planet. By focusing on restoring, maintaining, and enhancing nature’s contributions, this target emphasises the protection and rehabilitation of ecosystem functions and services that are essential for life on Earth. These include the regulation of air and water quality, climate moderation, soil fertility, and pollination, all of which underpin food security, health, and resilience to environmental changes.
The implementation of TARGET 11 calls for the use of nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based approaches. Nature-based solutions involve actions that harness the power of natural processes to address societal challenges, such as planting trees to improve air quality and reduce flood risks, or restoring wetlands to filter water and provide habitat for wildlife. Ecosystem-based approaches focus on managing natural systems in a way that benefits both biodiversity and people, such as sustainable agriculture that enhances soil health and productivity while conserving habitats.
Achieving this target requires collaboration across sectors and scales, from local communities to national governments and international organisations. It also demands the integration of traditional knowledge, scientific research, and innovative practices. By investing in the restoration and sustainable management of ecosystems, societies can build resilience against natural hazards and disasters, reduce disease risks, and ensure that the benefits of nature are equitably shared among all people.
Ultimately, TARGET 11 is about recognising that human well-being and planetary health are deeply interconnected. Protecting and enhancing nature’s contributions not only safeguards biodiversity but also supports thriving economies, healthy communities, and a sustainable future for generations to come.
