The Global Biodiversity Framework: A Guide for Indigenous Peoples

This guide seeks to explain the importance of the 23 targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework from the perspectives of Indigenous Peoples. It seeks to set out some potential opportunities and risks of each target, describe some ways in which Indigenous Peoples contribute to its achievement, and consider how to monitor whether states are doing what they have promised. By better understanding the Global Biodiversity Framework, Indigenous Peoples will be better able to take full advantage of its advances and protections, and hold states accountable for their commitments.

The world is facing a crisis of nature.

There are multiple, interconnected drivers of biodiversity loss, such as the expansion of the agricultural frontier, or extractive activities like logging, mining, and infrastructure development. Similarly, the rapid growth of cities and overconsumption increases demand for things found in nature - natural resources – leading to the destruction of habitats and the fragmentation of ecosystems and communities. 

Many Indigenous Peoples have close, reciprocal relationships with nature and steward some of the most biodiverse places on Earth. As a result, Indigenous Peoples are often disproportionately affected by the destruction of nature. At the same time, through living their diverse values, traditional knowledges and practices, Indigenous Peoples also continue to make significant contributions to conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and at the global level, biodiversity loss has been slower in Indigenous Peoples’ territories than in other areas. 

The Global Biodiversity Framework – also sometimes called the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework – was adopted in 2022. It marks a step forward in governments’ recognition of the contributions of Indigenous Peoples to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, as well as of their rights. There are still, however, risks for Indigenous Peoples in how governments and others (such as conservation actors or businesses) may put the framework into practice in the real world. 

How to use this guide

Download individual targets

If you or your community is focusing on specific targets, you can also download each explainer individually.