There seems to be hope for biodiversity after COP15. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) acknowledges that ‘biodiversity is fundamental to human well-being and a healthy planet’.

"Biodiversity supports all systems of life on earth"

The Kunming-Montreal GBF aims to achieve the restoration of at least 30% of degraded terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine ecosystems by 2030.  This will enhance biodiversity, ecosystem functions and services, ecological integrity and connectivity.  The UK is one of the most nature depleted nations in the world. The new framework will require us to examine some of our own policies, bringing them in line with new global targets to protect nature. Find out more about how COP15 give nature hope for the future here.

"30by30 target of protecting 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030"

In order to achieve this, threats to biodiversity have to considered. The IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) have identified the five main drivers of global biodiversity loss, one of which is invasive species (also known as invasive alien species).

But what does this mean for invasive species? 

Targets 6 of the GBF specifically focusses on invasive species and aims to:

• eliminate, minimize, reduce and or mitigate the impacts of invasive alien species on biodiversity and ecosystem services by identifying and managing pathways of the introduction of alien species,
• prevent the introduction and establishment of priority invasive alien species,
• reduce the rates of introduction and establishment of other known or potential invasive alien species by at least 50%,
• by 2030, eradicate or control invasive alien species especially in priority sites, such as islands.

WaREN is contributing to achieving Target 6 here in Wales by raising awareness of invasive species, and facilitating work on the ground by supporting Local Action Groups (LAGs). Target 6 of the GBF is global but we have an important role here in Wales; let’s tackle invasive species!

If the ambitions of COP15 are met there is hope for biodiversity, whether this is a glimmer of hope is up to all of us – is it a COP half empty or a COP half full?