The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) is a landmark international agreement adopted in December 2022 during the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 15). Its primary purpose is to address the ongoing loss of biodiversity and guide global efforts toward a vision of living in harmony with nature by 2050. For finance professionals, the GBF is a critical reference point as it establishes the international benchmarks for nature-related goals, risks, and disclosure expectations.

Organisation behind the tool

The framework was adopted by the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and is maintained by the CBD Secretariat. Its development involved a four-year consultation and negotiation process involving various stakeholders and international bodies.

What the tool does

The framework provides a structured global strategy comprising four overarching goals for 2050 and 23 specific targets for 2030. Key functions include:

• Establishing global targets for biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and the equitable sharing of benefits.
• Providing a monitoring framework to track implementation and progress through national reporting.
• Outlining implementation support mechanisms, including financial resource mobilisation, capacity building, and technical cooperation.
• Detailing agreements on digital sequence information on genetic resources.

Target audience

The primary audience includes national governments (Parties to the CBD), policymakers, and international organisations. It is also intended for private sector actors, financial institutions, and civil society groups encouraged to align their commitments with the global targets.

Relevance to finance professionals

The GBF serves as a foundational pillar for sustainable finance by defining the global nature agenda. Its relevance includes:

• Risk assessment – Identifying financial exposure to biodiversity loss and the physical and transition risks associated with new nature-related regulations.
• ESG analysis – Providing the metrics and targets that underpin emerging reporting standards, such as those from the TNFD, helping analysts evaluate corporate impacts on nature.
• Investment context – Informing long-term investment strategies by highlighting the target to mobilise at least US$ 200 billion per year for biodiversity by 2030.
• Market insights – Guiding the development of nature-positive financial products and services in sectors like agriculture, forestry, and infrastructure.