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GBO-5 About

FRI // 21.8.2020
Global Biodiversity Outlook (GBO) is the flagship publication of the Convention on Biological Diversity. It is a periodic report that summarizes the latest data on the status and trends of biodiversity and draws conclusions relevant to the further implementation of the Convention. The reports are based on different types of information including national reports, scientific literature, information from the Biodiversity Indicators Partnership and supplementary studies. While the main target audience for the report is policy makers, it is written to be accessible to a range of audiences including the general public.

GBO-5 synthesizes comprehensive evidence of the growing biodiversity crisis and the urgent need for action. The report presents pathways to reach new targets for by 2030, and the route to achieve the world’s ultimate vision:  Living in harmony with nature’ by 2050. 

This report comes as parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) negotiate a new 10-year global framework for biodiversity-related policymaking. The framework, which will set new goals for the protection and sustainable use of nature, will be considered for adoption at a historic UN Biodiversity Conference -- the 15th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP-15), Kunming, China, 22-31 May 2021.

GBO-5 builds on a wide range of evidence documenting the current status of global biodiversity, including:

  • Four previous GBO reports (2001, 2006, 2010, 2015)
  • Assessments by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), including the landmark Global Assessment (2019)
  • Recent research and indicators updated since the IPBES Global Assessment
  • 6th National Reports to the CBD from Convention’s member Parties
  • Reports from other international bodies, including: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and others
  • Plant Conservation Report (Global Strategy for Plant Conservation targets, 2011-2020)
  • Local Biodiversity Outlook (relating to indigenous peoples and local communities)

GBO-5 offers an integrated overview of the world’s achievements and shortfalls of the previous global biodiversity targets (Aichi Biodiversity Targets (2010-2020)). It examines causes of biodiversity and ecosystem change, the implications for people, and policy options based on programs worldwide that demonstrate successful approaches. The report also examines the essential links between biodiversity and other global agendas, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change.