New Proposed Goal E: Effective Implementation
In addition to taking a decision on an improved implementation framework, which is outlined in Section J of the GBF and CBD/SBI/3/CRP.5, there must be a goal to improve implementation. Experience from the Aichi targets shows that only the goals and targets will be respected and followed up in the long term. The GBF therefore needs to address the CBD and all of its obligations in its entirety, including enabling conditions and means for implementation, and if this is not the case, the Implementation mechanism must do so.
Main elements that should be part of the target
- Alignment in the structure and timing of NBSAPs and National Reports
NBSAPs need to be updated within two years of the adoption of the GBF (Details in CBD/SBI/3/CRP.5 and CBD/SBI/3/11/ADD 4). Any use of NBSAP, National reporting or other means of CBD implementation have to take into account all obligations of the CBD and fully comply with them, including any of those not dealt within the GBF. Two years are needed to ensure sufficient time for fully participatory processes.
- A peer review mechanism that enables discussion and sparks targeted additional action
Main tool for this is a standardised country-by-country peer review mechanism under the openended forum (CBD/SBI/3/11/ADD 5). This needs to include a data collection and report phase, a phase in which the results will be discussed with peers (scientists, NGOs, other CBD Parties) and a ratcheting up phase in which additional measures to ensure the targets are reached are taken.
- Addressing compliance
The Convention should have a compliance mechanism that makes it possible for Parties and civil society organisations to trigger actions for non-compliance of the Convention and hold parties accountable in an equitable manner and on the basis of types of national challenges encountered. Compliance must also address developed country Parties' compliance with their financing obligations to developing country Parties. If Parties do not comply there should be appropriate implications.
CITES, the Aarhus Convention and the Bern Convention have proven that such mechanisms can work well and help implement the agreements.
Compliance must also address developed country Parties'' compliance with their financing obligations to developing country Parties
- Equity and equitable participation
Any proposal for effective implementation must operationalise equity by providing the resources to developing country Parties to implement their CBD obligations, and for them to also meet additional planning, monitoring, reporting and review requirements. A peer review mechanism could help identify additional needs and enable donors to direct resources accordingly. Implementation measures should also be differentiated in an equitable manner and on the basis of types of national challenges encountered.
Elements that should not be part of the goal
- NBSAPs should not rely on the work of, and commitments by, business actors.
Any self- reporting by business about their activities should be independently verified and not be part of official reporting (National reports), as it is states parties which are responsible for the achievement of the CBD.
The proposed ''voluntary commitments' should not be part of the enhanced mechanism for planning, review and reporting, with the same rationale.
Further reading on goal
● CBDA submission at virtual session of SBI-9 (March 2021):
http://www.cbdalliance.org/sites/default/files/documents/Agenda%20item%209.%20Mechanism%20Review.pdf
● Joint NGO reactions by RSPB, ClientEarth, Friends of the Earth Europe, BirdLife International, WWF to online consultation (Feb. 2022):
https://www.cbd.int/sbi/review/submissions.shtml