Trondheim Conference 2019

19 Jul, 2019

Focusing on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

‘Making Biodiversity Matter: Knowledge and Know-how for the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework’ was the theme for the Ninth Trondheim Conference on Biodiversity (2-5 July 2019, Norway).

The 15^th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) during the last quarter of 2020 in Kunming, China is expected to adopt a post-2020 global biodiversity framework. This will be a stepping stone towards the 2050 Vision of "Living in harmony with nature".The post-2020 framework is now being developed with full understanding that many of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets in the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 will not have been met. However, those negotiating for the post-2020 global biodiversity framework will need a clear understanding of the available evidence to help them develop a framework that is both sufficiently ambitious to achieve the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity, and at the same time ensures that biodiversity and ecosystem services support delivery of needs and aspirations in other sectors.

The key messages that emerged from the conference discussions include:

• need for immediate action to address the interlinked challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change;
• importance of biodiversity for all sectors of society and economy, and the cost of inaction will be large;
• it is imperative that the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity are integrated into plans and decision making in all sectors and at all levels; and
• need for a holistic approach to address simultaneously challenges related to biodiversity, climate, food, and health.

The Conference also featured presentations on recent assessments and their implications for the post-2020 framework. These included the IPBES Global Assessment on biodiversity and ecosystem services, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C (SR15); the report on the State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO); the Global Resources Outlook 2019 by the International Resource Panel; and the World Ocean Assessment from the Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment.

Since 1993, the Trondheim Conference on Biodiversity has sought to enhance cross-sectorial dialogue on biodiversity research and management, and to establish the best possible scientific basis for policy and management decisions in relation to the CBD implementation. The ninth Conference focused on the multi-dimensional nature of CBD implementation, and recognised the relevance of biodiversity-related issues for sustainable development.

Held from 2-5 July 2019 in Trondheim, Norway, the Conference was the largest in its history, with more than 450 invited participants from almost 120 countries. The conference also saw participation from UN bodies, international and non-governmental organisations, as well as to other major groups and stakeholders. It was organised by the Government of Norway, in partnership with the CBD Secretariat, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), with FAO as a patron.