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 7:
“Reduce pollution risks and the negative impact of pollution from all sources by 2030, to levels that are not harmful to biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services, considering cumulative effects, including: (a) by reducing excess nutrients lost to the environment by at least half, including through more efficient nutrient cycling and use; (b) by reducing the overall risk from pesticides and highly hazardous chemicals by at least half, including through integrated pest management, based on science, taking into account food security and livelihoods; and (c) by preventing, reducing, and working towards eliminating plastic pollution.”
TARGET 7 is a pivotal component of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, reflecting the urgent need to address pollution as a major driver of biodiversity loss. Pollution, whether from agricultural runoff, industrial chemicals, or plastic waste, poses significant threats to terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. By setting quantifiable goals—such as halving excess nutrient losses and reducing the risks from pesticides and hazardous chemicals—TARGET 7 emphasises both the scale of the challenge and the necessity for global cooperation and innovation.
Achieving these objectives requires a multifaceted approach. For example, reducing nutrient runoff involves promoting best practices in agriculture, such as precision fertilisation, crop rotation, and improved waste management. These strategies not only curb environmental harm but also enhance farm productivity and resilience. Similarly, integrated pest management offers a science-based pathway to minimise pesticide use, safeguarding both crop yields and ecological health. The target’s focus on food security and livelihoods underscores the importance of balancing environmental goals with human well-being, particularly in communities heavily reliant on agriculture.
Plastic pollution is another critical concern addressed in TARGET 7. The commitment to prevent, reduce, and ultimately eliminate plastic pollution calls for systemic change across production, consumption, and waste management. This includes promoting alternatives to single-use plastics, improving recycling infrastructure, and fostering consumer awareness. By tackling pollution from all sources, TARGET 7 not only aims to protect biodiversity but also supports ecosystem services vital to human societies, such as clean water, fertile soils, and healthy food systems.
In summary, the successful implementation of TARGET 7 will depend on collaborative action among governments, industries, and local communities. It requires robust policy frameworks, scientific research, technological innovation, and inclusive stakeholder engagement. Progress towards these goals will be crucial for reversing biodiversity loss and ensuring a sustainable future for both people and the planet.
