Biodiversity loss is emerging as a material business risk, not just an environmental concern. The World Economic Forum ranks biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse as one of the top five global risks in terms of impact over the next decade. Against this backdrop, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) is redefining how organisations must approach nature and resilience within their business sustainability strategies. Below, we explore the GBF’s 23 Global Targets and examine what this Framework means for businesses.
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework summary
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) is a historic agreement adopted at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in December 2022. It serves as the global roadmap for halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030, with a long-term vision of restoring harmony between humanity and nature by 2050.
The Framework replaces the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (2010–2020), which were largely unmet, and introduces a more structured and measurable set of goals and targets to address the biodiversity crisis. At its core, the GBF outlines four overarching global goals and 23 specific action targets. These include the widely cited “30×30” commitment – protecting at least 30% of the world’s land and marine areas by 2030.
Additionally, there are also targets for ecosystem restoration, pollution reduction, sustainable agriculture, and the alignment of financial flows with biodiversity goals. The Framework also places increased accountability on businesses, calling for mandatory biodiversity-related disclosure and risk management. While implementation will depend on national plans, the GBF marks a turning point by embedding biodiversity into global economic, financial, and governance systems, similar in ambition to the Paris Agreement on climate change.
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The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework 23 Targets
Below is a breakdown of the 23 global targets of the GBF. These targets are aimed at halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030, and are grouped under four long-term goals to be achieved by 2050.
1. Land and sea conservation
Conserve 30 percent of the world’s land, inland waters, coastal areas, and oceans through effective protected areas and other area-based conservation measures.
2. Ecosystem restoration
Restore at least 30 percent of degraded terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine ecosystems.
3. Halt species extinction
Halve the rate of introduction and establishment of invasive alien species and significantly reduce their impact.
4. Sustainable harvest and trade
Ensure that wild species are harvested and traded legally, sustainably, and safely.
5. Pollution reduction
Reduce pollution risks and the negative impact of pollution from excess nutrients, chemicals, waste and plastic.
6. Pesticides and hazardous chemicals
Reduce by at least half the risk from pesticides and highly hazardous chemicals.
7. Climate mitigation through nature
Enhance ecosystem contributions to climate mitigation and adaptation through nature-based solutions.
8. Ecosystem services and resilience
Minimise the impacts of climate change, pollution, and invasive species on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
9. Sustainable use of wild species
Promote sustainable use of biodiversity in all economic sectors and for all people.
10. Agriculture, aquaculture and forestry
Ensure that areas under agriculture, aquaculture and forestry are managed sustainably, especially through biodiversity-friendly practices.
11. Urban and infrastructure planning
Enhance green spaces and biodiversity-inclusive planning in urban areas and infrastructure development.
12. Access to biodiversity benefits
Ensure equitable access to the benefits of biodiversity, including for Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
13. Genetic diversity
Maintain genetic diversity of wild and domesticated species to safeguard resilience.
14. Integration into policies
Integrate biodiversity values into policies, regulations, planning, development processes, and poverty reduction strategies.
15. Business reporting on biodiversity
Ensure large businesses and financial institutions assess and disclose their impacts and dependencies on biodiversity.
16. Sustainable consumption
Encourage sustainable consumption patterns, reducing global overconsumption and waste.
17. Biosafety
Establish, strengthen and implement biosafety measures to manage the risks of biotechnology.
18. Subsidy reform
Identify and eliminate harmful subsidies and redirect them towards positive outcomes for biodiversity.
19. Mobilisation of financial resources
Substantially increase financial resources from all sources for biodiversity, including domestic and international funding.
20. Capacity building
Strengthen capacity-building, technology transfer, and scientific cooperation to implement the Framework.
21. Traditional knowledge
Ensure the full, equitable, and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, respecting their knowledge and rights.
22. Gender equality
Ensure gender equality and a gender-responsive approach in biodiversity decision-making.
23. Monitoring and reporting
Establish a robust monitoring framework to track progress on the Framework’s implementation.
What the Framework means for businesses
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) introduces significant expectations and implications for businesses across sectors. While the Framework is non-binding at the international level, it signals a clear shift toward embedding biodiversity into the global economic system.
Mandatory biodiversity disclosure is emerging
The GBF introduces Target 15, which calls on large businesses and financial institutions to assess and disclose their impacts and dependencies on biodiversity. This aligns with the growing adoption of frameworks like the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). For businesses, this means preparing for more detailed sustainability reporting that goes beyond carbon and includes nature-related risks, essential for compliance, investor trust, and brand credibility.
Financial flows must support biodiversity
Target 19 urges a shift in financial resources towards biodiversity-positive outcomes. Investors, banks, and insurers will increasingly expect companies to show how their operations and investments contribute to biodiversity protection. Businesses that demonstrate biodiversity leadership may benefit from improved access to finance, including biodiversity-linked loans or ESG-weighted capital.
Supply chain impact under the microscope
Targets related to land use, agriculture, forestry, and wild species (Targets 4, 9, and 10) signal increased scrutiny of supply chains. Companies will need to evaluate and mitigate their ecosystem impacts across the full value chain, from sourcing raw materials to final product delivery. Biodiversity due diligence will become essential, particularly for industries with high land or natural resource use.
Sustainable consumption and waste reduction are business priorities
Target 16 encourages sustainable consumption and reductions in the overuse of natural resources. This pushes businesses to rethink product design, packaging, and marketing. It’s a clear opportunity for innovation, especially for brands that want to align with growing consumer demand for sustainable and circular products.
Skills, culture, and Indigenous engagement matter
The GBF highlights the importance of capacity-building and knowledge-sharing (Targets 20 and 21). This means businesses must invest in upskilling their teams in biodiversity, embed it into company culture, and engage ethically with Indigenous Peoples and local communities. These actions build resilience and unlock collaborative advantage.
Early action builds competitive advantage
Just as early climate action created frontrunners in low-carbon innovation, biodiversity leadership is becoming a strategic differentiator. Companies acting now can future-proof their operations, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and build reputational capital in a rapidly shifting regulatory and investor landscape.
Final thoughts
The Kunming-Montreal Framework brings biodiversity into the heart of business strategy. From disclosure requirements to sustainable supply chains, companies are now expected to lead with transparency, responsibility, and measurable impact.
Those who take early, informed action won’t just meet future regulations but shape the standards. Discover how our corporate compliance training can help your organisation not only meet biodiversity goals but turn them into business value.
