In 2022, signatories to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) committed to provide at least $20-billion a year to restore biodiversity in developing nations by 2025. Just one year out, we are far from achieving this goal. With 55% of global GDP depending on high-functioning biodiversity and a quarter of known species globally facing extinction, the stakes for both people and planet are astronomically high.

The GBF seeks to catalyse collective action towards stemming biodiversity loss. However our report finds that only two countries, Norway and Sweden, have paid their fair share of financing towards this goal. Instead, the collective nature of the goal has enabled countries to evade their individual responsibilities. The overwhelming majority do not even provide half of their fair share, leaving a $11.6-billion shortfall to the $20-billion target.

This report seeks to mitigate the risk of individuals evading their fair share by strengthening accountability and raise awareness of the responsibilities of country parties to the GBF to meet their commitments. Failure to do so undermines the goals of the Framework and has tangible repercussions for developing countries on the frontline of biodiversity loss. Improving the transparency, accuracy and consistency of finance flows is crucial to catalyse action to protect our societies from the devastating impact of the crisis facing biodiversity.

By apportioning responsibility for this target, this report offers a roadmap for action to effectively mobilise the financial resources needed to fund the protection of biodiversity globally. Meeting these targets is an investment in our planet, our collective health and shared prosperity that cannot be overlooked.

Report by the Overseas Development Institute