Avoid Cherry‐Picking Targets and Embrace Holistic Conservation to Pursue the Global Biodiversity Framework

Reed, James and Barlow, Jos and Carmenta, Rachel and Fakheran, Sima and Ickowitz, Amy and Sunderland, Terry (2025) Avoid Cherry‐Picking Targets and Embrace Holistic Conservation to Pursue the Global Biodiversity Framework. Conservation Letters, 18 (3): e13104. ISSN 1755-263X

Abstract

The Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) marked a renewed commitment to addressing the global biodiversity crisis. This framework of four goals and 23 interim targets is intended to guide and accelerate conservation efforts over the next 25 years and is more ambitious than its predecessor, the Aichi 2020 targets. However, the pursuit of multilateral agreements is dependent upon national pledges, and the limited success of the Aichi targets shows that national pledges are of little worth without aligned (sub)national action. We assessed the submitted National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans of several member countries to determine their alignment with the bold ambition of the GBF. We find a lack of alignment between the GBF and country submissions across many targets, with the notable exception of Target 3—commonly interpreted as increasing protected area coverage to 30% by 2030. Reflecting on the submissions, recent developments, and our collective experience, we outline key considerations that could help guide future submissions and implementation strategies. We caution against cherry‐picking specific targets, highlighting that an overemphasis on Target 3 will fail to achieve the overarching vision of living in harmony with nature. This requires a more holistic and inclusive approach to conservation and a focus on the full suite of GBF targets.