The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), ratified in 2022 by Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, sets out a new global agenda for safeguarding nature.

Published in the journal Ambio, the new study takes a closer look at a less-discussed but highly significant section: the “Considerations” (Section C). These eighteen Considerations provide important context for how the GBF’s goals and targets should be interpreted and implemented, and they introduce some boundary pushing ideas that could challenge conventional, market-driven approaches to conservation.

The experts explore the values and perspectives embedded in the Considerations to shine a light on how the political negotiation process has produced a mix of sometimes conflicting approaches that exist in tandem, reflecting both traditional Western-science and human-centred perspectives and more holistic, transformative visions of biodiversity governance. 

Transformative ideas

To better understand their transformative potential, the researchers organised the Considerations into five thematic areas:

• Full and far-reaching participation and effort (Considerations A, C, E).
• Recognition of diverse worldviews and knowledge systems (Considerations B, L, O, R).
• Acknowledgement of rights, empowerment, and justice (Considerations G, H, N).
• Practicalities for sustainable economic development and capacity (Considerations D, F, K, P).
• Consistency with internal and external governance and approaches (Considerations I, J, M, Q).

Study lead author, Dr Alison Hutchinson, of Newcastle University’s School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, said: “Biodiversity conservation strategies have often centred on approaches that measure nature and use market mechanisms such as biodiversity credits and services.

“Section C of the GBF points to more transformative ideas, for example by introducing the Rights of Mother Earth, upholding the rights of indigenous peoples and future generations, and striving for gender equality. To support truly transformative, rather than performative, change, our paper highlights the importance of ongoing learning and dialogue among Parties, negotiators, and practitioners to move beyond the limitations of previous biodiversity plans and foster more inclusive and effective approaches to conservation.”

Study author, Professor Philip McGowan, Professor of Conservation Science and Policy at Newcastle University, said: “It is encouraging that these Considerations are becoming embedded in the implementation of the GBF and it will be interesting to see if they do emerge as essential principles for global conservation efforts.”

Professor Anthony Zito, study co-author and Professor of European Public Policy, School of Geography, Politics and Sociology, Newcastle University, added: “The trajectory of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) shows great promise in terms of developing platforms for exchange of knowledge from diverse peoples and communities; our paper highlights even greater opportunities for building strategies, processes, discussions and arenas for enhancing co-production of mutual understanding about protecting biodiversity.”

The study highlights the importance of embracing diverse values and approaches to ensure the GBF delivers meaningful, inclusive, and lasting change for global biodiversity. The authors argue that the ecocentric approaches introduced in the Considerations provide areas to foster growth and transformative change in biodiversity governance. The team conclude that these approaches go beyond legal, procedural, and policy dimensions to recognise and uphold the rights of nature and biodiversity, while placing social and ecological justice at the core of future efforts.

Reference

Hutchinson, A., Zito, A.R. & McGowan, P.J.K. Pathways for transforming biodiversity governance: An examination of the Global Biodiversity Framework’s Considerations. Ambio (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-025-02215-8