The discourse on global conservation, which is predominantly led by campaigns emerging through the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) negotiations, is the subject of this paper. Discourses tend to oversimplify the selected targets of the GBF, thereby neglecting the momentum toward more holistic conservation approaches. This paper considered the Anthropocene by using an Earth-systems-science and justice approach, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive conservation approach that considers the human context as much as the biodiversity one. It found that is important to recognise different responsibilities among actors and countries. Therefore, this paper calls for a full acknowledgment and commitment to a range of biodiversity and human-centred actions to ensure a “safe and just” future for everyone.  

The aim of the paper is to shed light on the difficulties that arise during the implementation of the GBF and offer insights into how to introduce transformational elements to existing campaigns. This is achieved through the Earth System Justice Approach, a comprehensive plan to address the challenges faced by declining biodiversity. One Earth’s framework incorporates six essential concepts that can effectively combat this issue. 

• Reduce and reverse direct and indirect drivers, causing a decline 
• Halt and reverse biodiversity loss. 
• Restore and regenerate biodiversity to a safe state 
• Raise minimum well-being for all  
• Eliminate over-consumption and excesses associated with the accumulation of capital. 
• Uphold and respect the rights and responsibilities of all communities, present and future.

These six sets of actions address the current conservation priorities and their principal shortcomings. These actions are categorised into two groups, namely “safe” and “just” outcomes, with a gradual distinction between them. The conservation campaigns around the GBF primarily focus on actions 2 and 3, although it has some weaknesses, as mentioned in the main text. These actions are roughly aligned with GBF targets and Sustainable Development Goals, indicating the importance of prioritising conservation efforts in achieving these goals. 

Ensuring the fairness and safety of proposed boundaries is crucial for creating sustainable, acceptable, and equitable futures. The principles of Earth system justice encompass interspecies, intergenerational, and intragenerational justice. The success of the GBF hinges on the reversal of biodiversity decline and the cultivation of political will for intergenerational justice. The “safe and just” model aligns with the GBF goals and convention objectives, emphasising the equitable sharing of nature’s benefits while reinforcing the importance of earth systems. This approach can be implemented on a local to global scale and provides a comprehensive framework for achieving our objectives. 

To promote a secure and equitable world, it is crucial that both the direct and indirect drivers of inequality are addressed. The Earth system perspective underscores the crucial role that biodiversity plays. Moreover, the paper argues that the conservation community, as well as all members of society, must prioritise investments in transformative initiatives that will help create a safe and just future. Encouraging cooperation and involvement of both nation-states and non-state actors is key to achieving a nature-positive and people-positive GBF.