The Global Biodiversity Framework: an opportunity for the Republic of Congo? (French Only)

Read the briefing here (French only) 

What is the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)?

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was adopted at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 under the aegis of the United Nations. It was ratified by the Republic of the Congo in 1996. It differs from other instruments in that its objective is to conserve, use, and share the benefits of biodiversity, taking into account human rights.

Every 10 years, to implement the Convention, all the States Parties approve a strategic plan with a 10-year roadmap. The current strategic plan is the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). In 2022, 196 countries, including the Republic of the Congo, agreed to the GBF as a new strategic plan to guide global efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss while promoting human rights.

The vision of the GBF, adopted by the States, is "a society living in harmony with nature by 2050." The related mission is "to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030."

It is essential to note that the GBF includes commitments approved by the Republic of the Congo, which must be incorporated into its national laws and policies.

The GBF differs from previous plans in that its objectives, targets, and implementation principles recognize the rights and contributions of indigenous peoples and local communities.

"This briefing explains the key principles of the GBF and explores opportunities to implement it effectively, while advancing the realization of the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities."

Key Points

1. The Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) is an opportunity for the Republic of the Congo: The Republic of the Congo has adopted the new Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which it views as a strategic plan to guide its efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss while promoting human rights by 2030. The GBF integrates respect for human rights and provides a framework for progress toward two major objectives: the protection of the rights of indigenous peoples and the preservation of biodiversity.

2. Gaps in the legal framework need to be filled to achieve the objectives of the GBF: The current legal framework is characterized by a centralized system for the creation and management of protected areas under the authority of the State, which does not take into account pre-existing customary land rights. It is important for the Republic of the Congo to undertake reforms to fill these gaps by reconciling biodiversity conservation with the needs, aspirations, and human rights of communities.

3. Recognizing the role and contribution of indigenous peoples and local communities: Support for and promotion of community initiatives, know-how, and traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples and local communities in biodiversity conservation must be strengthened.

4. A commitment to improving the legal framework for biodiversity conservation: Under the new GBF, the Republic of the Congo is committed to strengthening the promotion and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples by encouraging their involvement in decision-making processes. This includes efforts to incorporate target 3 of the GBF, which enshrines other effective conservation measures by zone (OECM), Community and Indigenous Heritage Areas (CIHA), and indigenous and traditional territories.

1. Adopted on 5 June 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, and entered into force on 29 December 1993.
2. Law 29-96 of 25 June 1996 authorising the accession of the Congo to the Convention on Biodiversity
3. CBB, sections 8(j), 10(c) and 10(d)
4. Decision CBD/COP/DEC/15/4, page 2 and 3, paragraphs 1 to 9