Abstract
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) was adopted by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) as the new global target for the period 2022 - 2030. In this special issue, we compare the KMGBF with its predecessors, thus the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011 - 2020 and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (ABTs), using the specific/measurable/ambitious/realistic/time-bound (SMART) perspective. We found that, in general, KMGBF was SMARTer than the ABTs. For example, the KMGBF includes 10 quantitative elements with numeric targets, including the conservation target of 30% of areas by 2030, the so-called “30 by 30”. Relevant elements are considered here: space-based conservation of areas other than protected areas, genetic diversity, and the oceans. During discussions on resource mobilization and digital sequence information (DSI) on genetic resources, developing countries have emphasized the need for fair and equitable sharing of the benefits afforded by DSI. The Conference of the Parties to the CBD thus adopted a framework that integrates resource mobilization with DSI; both are viewed as implementation measures - and often as bargaining conditions - by developing countries.
