The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) welcomes the adoption of an ambitious new Global Biodiversity Framework to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. If fully implemented, this framework could put us on a path towards living in harmony with nature.
“This global agreement is a win for people and the planet,” said Sandra Schwartz, National Executive Director of CPAWS. “We are pleased that it recognizes the need to protect much more land and ocean, and equally that Indigenous leadership and quality of protection is key to success.”
Target 3 of the framework requires the protection of at least 30% of land and of ocean globally by 2030. In addition to the goal of 30%, it also includes a requirement to protect areas of ecological importance, and ensure these areas are well-connected, effectively managed and equitably governed. Of critical importance, it requires Indigenous rights to be respected and Indigenous territories recognized.
Other targets in the agreement address a diverse range of issues from eliminating environmentally harmful subsidies to upholding the free, prior and informed consent of Indigenous Peoples. Together the goals and targets of the agreement present a comprehensive plan to protect and restore biodiversity.
“This is not a checkmark exercise for governments to protect what’s easiest and most convenient. How we implement this agreement will determine its success and we need decisive and strong actions on all fronts.” said Schwartz.
A sizeable delegation of CPAWS staff and Indigenous partners from across the country were present throughout the negotiations. “Our goal was to ensure that the voices of those working on the ground and on the water, especially those of our Indigenous Partners, filled the halls of the Palais and sent a strong message to world leaders,” said Schwartz, “CPAWS is committed to continuing our work, with Indigenous nations and communities, and the private sector in the months to come to ensure effective and equitable implementation of this plan in Canada.” she added.
As the geographic host for COP15, Canada played a key role in the negotiations and securing a positive outcome. This historic moment has created a wave of public attention and action for biodiversity globally and domestically. Canada now has an opportunity to build on this momentum and leadership if all levels of government commit to full implementation of the framework.
“We congratulate the Government of Canada, and in particular Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, for his leadership at COP15 in championing an ambitious framework including a strong 30 X 30 target and uplifting Indigenous rights and recognizing Indigenous leadership,” said Schwartz.
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is Canada’s only charity dedicated to the protection of public land, freshwater and ocean with a strong national and regional presence across the country. Working in a way that respects the sovereignty and leadership of Indigenous nations, we are focused on conserving nature to respond to the dual crises of accelerated biodiversity loss and climate change. The vision is that at least half of land, freshwater and ocean in Canada is permanently protected to sustain nature and people for current and future generations.
