In response to the alarming rates of biodiversity loss worldwide, almost 200 countries have committed to the active integration of biodiversity targets into policies and plans across relevant sectors, a process known as ‘biodiversity mainstreaming’. This strategy aims to ensure that biodiversity conservation and sustainable use are incorporated into decision-making across various sectors such as agriculture, forestry, urban planning, and infrastructure development. However, research suggests that current mainstreaming efforts have been largely ineffective due to non-binding commitments, vaguely formulated targets, “add-on” biodiversity initiatives, and insufficient resources.
The UN Convention on Global Diversity (CBD) has been ratified by almost 200 countries since its inception in 1992, with biodiversity mainstreaming being promoted as a key strategy to address the direct and indirect drivers of biodiversity loss such as land use change, resource exploitation, pollution, and consumption patterns. The CBD’s Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, ratified in 2022, is seen as a significant step towards achieving global biodiversity conservation goals. Despite the importance of mainstreaming biodiversity targets into sectoral policies, current efforts have been deemed ineffective due to vague targets, initiatives operating in isolation, and inadequate allocation of resources.
Conflicting targets between sectors and unclear responsibilities have also hindered effective mainstreaming of biodiversity considerations. The perception that efforts to conserve or restore biodiversity may lead to a loss of productivity in sectors like agriculture, forestry, and fisheries has contributed to the ineffectiveness of mainstreaming efforts. However, there are indications that increasing plant biodiversity in grasslands, for example, can actually help farmers become more resilient against droughts caused by climate change. The voluntary nature of mainstreaming efforts has also been noted as a contributing factor to their ineffectiveness.
On a positive note, biodiversity loss is increasingly being recognized as a risk by financial institutions. The European Central Bank’s 2023 report indicated that 75% of bank loans in the Euro Zone are highly dependent on ecosystem services that are at risk due to biodiversity loss. This growing financial interest in halting biodiversity loss may provide additional motivation for mainstreaming efforts. The authors suggest that a combination of regulatory measures and incentives may be more effective than voluntary approaches alone, with legal requirements for biodiversity action and showcasing the benefits of biodiversity to different sectors potentially encouraging greater commitment to mainstreaming.
In conclusion, the integration of biodiversity considerations into various sectors, policies, and plans is essential for addressing the direct and indirect drivers of biodiversity loss and achieving global conservation goals. However, current mainstreaming efforts have been deemed ineffective due to vague targets, initiatives operating in isolation, insufficient resources, conflicting targets between sectors, and a predominantly voluntary approach. The authors suggest that a combination of regulatory measures and incentives may be more effective in encouraging greater commitment to mainstreaming biodiversity considerations and achieving positive outcomes for both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
