Implementing a human rights-based approach in the post-2020 GBF: A matter of urgency

Implementing a human rights-based approach means, in simple terms, that biodiversity policies, governance and management do not violate human rights and that those implementing such policies actively seek ways to support and promote human rights in their design and implementation.


Embedding the rights of IPLC, women, the rights of the next generations and all human rights, including the right to a clean, safe and sustainable environment can ensure the effective implementation of the GBF and address the inter-connected crises of biodiversity loss, climate change and inequality. 


The Theory of Change in the First Draft of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) commits that the framework “will be implemented taking a rights-based approach and recognizing the principle of intergenerational equity”.  A group of NGOs, IPLC organizations, and Youth and Women networks took the inspiration from a workshop in Chiang Mai in February 2020, convened by CBD Secretariat, FPP and SwedBio, and AIPP, to outline what applying a RBA approach means, both in terms of legal principles and international instruments but also best practices.  

Indigenous peoples and local communities’ ways of life and territories are part of the solution to our global crises and must be identified and supported across the framework, including through recognition of rights over lands, territories and resources, in area-based measures, in customary sustainable use, in traditional knowledge and in full and effective participation. The role of women in biodiversity and their rights to participate in policy and decision-making are critical for realizing the aim of living in harmony with nature. This requires both disaggregation of data across Targets and Indicators, and the development of a specific gender target to ensure more accountability in the implementation of the framework. The rights of younger and future generations, and our responsibilities to them, are intergenerational and sacred. Transformative education and the full engagement of children and youth in the design and implementation of this framework will be essential to enable us to live up to those responsibilities. Applying a human-rights based approach in the GBF is not just about integrating it in goals and targets. Review, reporting, and monitoring constitute critical elements of this framework. 

The document recently published, implementing a human rights-based approach, is the third in a series of analyses and focuses more on completing a comprehensive approach for the effective implementation, monitoring and review of the GBF that respects and promotes human rights. A human rights-based approach means, in simple terms, that biodiversity policies, governance and management do not violate human rights and that those implementing such policies actively seek ways to support and promote human rights in their design and implementation.

By Cristina Eghenter, Member of the CSOs working group on human rights and biodiveristy

Side Event Registration (cbd.int)

We invite you this Saturday to a side event on "Applying Human Rights-Based Approach in the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework."


Featured here are sessions with Nina Mikander, Senior Specialist on Biodiversity, Government of Finland and Mphatso Martha Kalemba, Principal Environmental Officer, Government of Malawi, presenting their experience in implementing a human rights-based approach. Also part of the panel, Joseph Itongwa from ANAPAC/ICCA consortium, Vivienne Solis from CoopeSoliDar R.L., Abigail Kitma from Tebtebba and Ramson Karmushu from IMPACT Kenya, who will be bringing their experience on the ground in implementing human rights-based approach in biodiversity protection. David Boyd, as the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Environment, will be delivering an opening message. The event will be moderated by Helen Tugendhat from the Forest Peoples Programme, while Benjamin Schachter as the Coordinator on Environment and Climate Change at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights will be delivering the closing remarks.


Saturday/March 19th, 2022

13.15 – 14.45h

Venue (onsite) : International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG) - Salle D

Registration for online participation: http://tiny.cc/CBD19Mar22 

Interpretation available in English, Spanish and French.

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