What’s In An NBSAP?

National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) are the mechanism for implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at the national level. Most countries missed the COP16 deadline to submit their updated NBSAP, citing reasons including a lack of capacity,  national elections, or making updates to their national targets instead.

by Harveet Singh Purewal

National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) are the main way of implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) that was agreed at CBD COP15 at a national level. 

What are NBSAPs and how do they link international and national policy?

Under Article 6 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), all 196 signatories are required to develop National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) which outline how a country plans to protect and restore its biodiversity [1, 2]. These plans serve as the cornerstone for implementing the goals of the GBF at the national level [6]. Effectively, they serve a similar function to NDCs under the Paris Agreement, but for biodiversity instead of carbon emissions. However, while there is a legal requirement to submit NDCs, countries are not legally obliged to complete or update NBSAPs.

In addition to developing NBSAPs, Article 6 requires parties to integrate conservation and the sustainable use of biodiversity across sectors and in national decision-making [1, 5]. 

Creating an NBSAP

A rigorous and effective NBSAP should include the following [2]:

• Ambition, ensuring that national targets align with the 23 global targets of the GBF and tackle specific national drivers of biodiversity loss.
• Coordination between government ministries, integration into national policy frameworks, and participation of non-state actors.
• Means of implementation that outline specific steps with measurable goals.
• A human rights-based approach that addresses marginalised groups and respects traditional land rights.
• A monitoring system to track progress.

It is important to build a strong NBSAP because it provides a framework for countries to collect data and monitor and report their progress on national targets [2]. Moreover, NBSAPs can help unlock funding and resources, encourage the participation of various groups, and raise awareness of biodiversity loss [2].

Canada provides an example of an updated NBSAP that addresses the main drivers of biodiversity loss within its national context, with a strong focus on Indigenous Peoples [2]. Its 2030 Nature Strategy has ambitious targets to reduce biodiversity loss by decreasing subsidies that have detrimental impacts on biodiversity, while simultaneously respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and acknowledging their crucial role in conservation [2]. Still, – like all NBSAPs – there are aspects that can be improved upon, such as providing more clarity on how specific actions will be achieved [2].

COP16 – a missed deadline

At COP15, it was decided that parties would update their NBSAPs and national targets by COP16 [7]. However, by the COP16 deadline, more than 85% of countries had still not submitted their updated NBSAPs [8]. A range of issues were cited by countries, including a a lack of funding and resources – particularly for developing countries –  as well as the significant time investment, consultation processes, and disruption of national elections [8]. Among these countries that haven’t submitted, 77, including the UK, have published their updated national targets instead [8].     

Conclusion

NBSAPs are the foundation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and will guide biodiversity policy into the future. Developing an ambitious and effective NBSAP is important from both an environmental and social perspective. Additionally, bringing a diverse array of stakeholders into the process ensures that all groups are represented.

As countries are urged to publish their NBSAPs even after the COP16, challenges will need be addressed in order to ensure their effective implementation.

References:
[1] Convention on Biological Diversity. (2024, October 10). National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). Www.cbd.int. https://www.cbd.int/nbsap
[2] WWF. (2022). NBSAP tracker: Check your country’s nature progress. Panda.org. https://wwf.panda.org/act/nbsap_tracker_check_your_countrys_nature_progress/
[3] Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. (2024). NBSAPs | CMS. Cms.int. https://www.cms.int/en/activities/capacity-building/nbsaps
[4] United Nations Environment Programme. (2024). National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). UNEP – UN Environment Programme. https://www.unep.org/topics/nature-action/global-biodiversity-framework/national-biodiversity-strategies-and-action
[5] Convention on Biological Diversity. (2007). An Introduction to National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans Module B-1 This module was prepared with funds from the GEF, through the Biodiversity Planning Support Programme (BPSP), UNEP, in collaboration with the CBD Secretariat. https://leap.unep.org/sites/default/files/2020-09/B1-TRAIN-INTRO-NBSAP.pdf
[6] Environment and Resources Agency. (n.d.). National Biodiversity Strategy & Action plan. ERA. https://era.org.mt/topic/national-biodiversity-strategy-action-plan/
[7] Convention on Biological Diversity. (2020). COP Guidance on NBSAPs. Cbd.int. https://www.cbd.int/nbsap/guidance.shtml
[8] Dunne, D. (2024, October 15). COP16: More than 85% of countries miss UN deadline to submit nature pledges. Carbon Brief. https://www.carbonbrief.org/cop16-countries-miss-un-deadline-to-submit-nature-pledges/