A Coexistence-Based Model for Just and Effective Implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

Title: A Coexistence-Based Model for Just and Effective Implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

 

Abstract: The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) represents a historic commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. Yet its implementation faces persistent challenges: translating global targets into locally meaningful action, aligning conservation outcomes with social equity, and establishing credible mechanisms for monitoring, accountability, and finance. We explore the Coexistence paradigm (Target 4) and potential indicators as an enabling framework to support just and effective implementation of the GBF across diverse socio-ecological contexts.

Biodiversity targets are framed not as isolated conservation achievements, but as the maintenance of functional relationships among species, ecosystems, and human systems. By focusing on human attitudes, behaviors, and trends in relation to shared landscapes we reveal measurable pathways between ecological condition and governance performance. This allows other GBF targets—such as spatial planning (Target 1), protected and conserved areas (Target 3), restoration (Target 2), and nature-positive incentives (Targets 14–19)—to be assessed in terms of their contribution to long-term coexistence rather than short-term or discrete compliance measures.

Crucially, the forward-looking and dynamic framework of coexistence strategies embed justice considerations into biodiversity accounting. It enables differentiation between extractive, stabilizing, and regenerative land-use regimes, and supports attribution of ecological outcomes to cultural awareness, mutualism, governance choices, stewardship practices, and investment flows. This creates the conditions for scenario and capacity building, equitable benefit-sharing, transparent ecosystem management, and recognition of local and Indigenous stewardship as structural contributors to biodiversity outcomes.

The paper argues that the Coexistence can function as a shared operational language for policymakers, communities, financiers, and conservation actors implementing the GBF. By aligning ecological integrity with social legitimacy and economic accountability, the GBF’s ambitions can be translated into durable, place-based systems of care—where biodiversity recovery is not imposed, but co-produced through sustained learning opportunities.

 

by: Josh Adler, Robert Philipps, Stephen Boyd Davis