The recently adopted Montreal-Kunming Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) marks a significant step forward in aligning global policy with scientific understanding of marine biodiversity. This is the result of a newly published study, that reviewed the marine biodiversity literature of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity to assess whether the GBF’s targets reflect the complexity of marine life and improve upon the previous Aichi Targets.
The United Nations Decade on Biodiversity (2011–2020) saw a surge in research and policy efforts to halt biodiversity loss. However, the Aichi Targets, adopted in 2010, were often criticised for not fully capturing the breadth of marine biodiversity. The new GBF, agreed at COP15, aims to address these gaps by setting more comprehensive and ambitious targets for 2030 and beyond.
The most important ingredient in comprehensive biodiversity conservation is to track the ongoing changes accurately. Specifically, making sure that all biodiversity facets are routinely monitored, since biodiversity change happens on the level of genes, species, and even ecosystems simultaneously. Effective biodiversity management wants to make sure that no level changes unnoticed.
The researchers analysed how well the new targets cover the Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) – a set of scientific metrics designed to track changes in biodiversity at all levels. Their findings show that the GBF now addresses the full suite of EBV classes, reducing the risk of overlooking crucial aspects of marine biodiversity.
One of the study’s key findings is the high degree of alignment between scientific research and policy in the use of EBVs. The GBF now has the genetic level on its radar. Even though it is only covered by few indicators, this shows a marked improvement over the previous iteration of global biodiversity targets – the Aichi Targets. The GBF also has another notable increase in attention to so-called “secondary variables” such as ecosystem function, which are important for understanding how marine systems respond to change. This shift mirrors trends in other global frameworks, such as Planetary Boundaries, and reflects a growing recognition of the need to monitor not just species, but also the processes and interactions that underpin ecosystem health.
» Our analysis shows that global policy is catching up with science in recognising the complexity of marine biodiversity. However, it is vital that we do not lose sight of foundational indicators, which build the basis of our ecosystems and are essential for guiding effective conservation action. «
Jan-Claas Dajka
Researcher in Marine Biodiversity Management and Policy
While the increased focus on ecosystem-level indicators is welcome, these secondary variables should not be overemphasised at the expense of “foundational” ones, such as genetic composition and species populations. These foundational indicators are essential for tracking real progress and guiding effective conservation action. There is a risk that, if governments cherry-pick indicators or prioritise only certain types, changes in important aspects of biodiversity could go unnoticed.
The research also points to the need for improved national-level implementation and more refined indicators to ensure that global policy translates into transformative change for biodiversity conservation. The most important biodiversity conservation happens at the local and regional levels. Even if a species, like herring, does not go extinct globally but instead migrates closer towards the poles due to climate change, its absence will still be strongly felt all throughout the food web of the southern North Sea. While the GBF sets the stage globally for a more science-based approach, its success will depend on how well countries adopt and monitor these targets using robust, transparent data.
Marine biodiversity underpins the health of our oceans and the services they provide, from food security to climate regulation and beyond. As the world faces unprecedented environmental change, having the right tools to accurately measure and manage biodiversity is more important than ever. This study provides a fact check of policy targets for policymakers and scientists alike, ensuring that future conservation efforts are both comprehensive and effective.
Jan-Claas Dajka
Dajka J-C, Eilrich A K, Franke A, Halpern B, Snow B, Lombard A, Jacob U, Laakmann S, Luhede A, Hillebrand H. (2025). From Science to Policy: Evolving Marine Biodiversity Targets. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment.
https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.70000