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2021: A Year in Review
2021: A Year in Review
If 2020 forced the world to re-examine its relationship with nature, 2021 led us to experiment with new ways of connecting with biodiversity and each other. As the COVID-19 pandemic continued into its second year, 2021 saw a number of “firsts” for the Convention on Biological Diversity – from the first part of the UN Biodiversity Conference to the first virtual meeting of the Open-ended Working Group to the launch of the first detailed draft of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, key progress was made towards advancing the three objectives of the Convention: the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. Biodiversity continued to gain traction as a mainstream global issue with growing public awareness of its importance and new commitments to protect it.
As we wrap up 2021, we are still a long way away from being “back to normal”, but we continue to explore how to build back better from this crisis, for people and for nature.
Here are some key moments for biodiversity from the year that was.
International Day for Biological Diversity
The International Day for Biological Diversity was celebrated on 22 May under the theme, “We’re part of the solution”. The slogan continued the momentum from Biodiversity Day 2020, reminding us that biodiversity is critical for addressing many sustainable development challenges.
For the second year, the event was commemorated through an online-only campaign, which brought people together virtually to celebrate the diversity of life on Earth. Biodiversity Day 2021 was celebrated in at least 178 countries, with commemorations ranging from activities and events to messages and news articles that highlighted the importance of acting for biodiversity and sustainable development.
Release of the First Draft of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework
July saw the release of the first detailed draft of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. To be adopted at the second part of the UN Biodiversity Conference, this critical framework will guide action worldwide for biodiversity through 2030 with the aim of preserving nature and its essential services to people.
The framework is intended to be for everyone, engaging society at the global, national and local levels to ensure its successful implementation. More than 700 online news articles covered the first draft, appearing in at least 51 countries and 16 languages.
Third Meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework
From 23 August to 3 September, the Third Meeting of the Open-ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (WG2020-3) enabled the first draft of the framework to be further refined. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting was held virtually, demonstrating the dedication and commitment of delegates towards building a landmark new framework for biodiversity.
The 24th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice and the 3rd meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation were held over the same period and collected more input on the first draft of the framework.
To drive momentum for a robust, ambitious and effective post-2020 global biodiversity framework, the Government of Colombia hosted a virtual high-level political meeting. The Biodiversity PreCOP took place on 30 August 2021, under the leadership of President Iván Duque Márquez.
The event brought Heads of State and Government together for nature, including the leaders of political coalitions working to mobilize action and support for the protection and sustainable use of biodiversity, such as the High Ambition Coalition, the Global Ocean Alliance and the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature.
The first part of the UN Biodiversity Conference was held from 11 to 15 October. Due to the ongoing pandemic, it took place mostly virtually, with some in-person participation in the host city of Kunming, China.
Highlights from the first part of COP-15 included the adoption of the Kunming Declaration, the establishment of the Kunming Biodiversity Fund and commitments by governments and agencies that will enable early implementation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. A High-Level Segment was also held on 12 and 13 October, galvanizing political moment for nature.
The second part of COP-15 is set to be held in-person in 2022 with the main objective of adopting the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.
For the first time, nature took centre stage at a UN Climate Change Conference. COP-26, held in Glasgow from 30 October to 13 November, continued the drumbeat of momentum for nature. Governments and other actors stressed the essential interconnection of climate change and biodiversity, as well as nature’s importance for climate adaptation and mitigation.
A number of key announcements were made related to biodiversity, including the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use, the Multilateral Development Bank Joint Nature Statement and more than $7 billion in private finance for nature.