Contributions of the international frameworks on chemicals and waste to achieve the Global Biodiversity Framework’s targets to halt biodiversity loss

Pollution derived from hazardous chemicals and waste has emerged as a critical yet comparatively underexamined driver of global biodiversity loss. Increasing evidence demonstrates that exposure to persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, pesticides, mismanaged waste, etc., adversely affects species survival, ecosystem function, and genetic diversity. However, the scientific and policy responses to these stressors remain fragmented across multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) and global governance processes. This assessment studies the role of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions, the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC), and other international agreements in supporting the implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), with a focus on mechanisms to prevent, monitor and mitigate pollution impacts on biodiversity.

The analysis draws upon the 2025 joint BRS-GFC report on their contributions to the GBF targets, a comparative policy mapping against GBF indicators and ongoing collaborative work between biodiversity and chemicals and waste MEAS and International frameworks. In parallel, current work under the GFC’s measurability process is reviewed, examining proposed methodological approaches and indicator frameworks designed to quantify biodiversity benefits arising from improved chemicals and waste management. Particular attention is given to integrative approaches for identifying priority chemicals of concern, assessing exposure pathways and ecosystem-level impacts, and aligning regulatory and technical interventions across multiple actors.

Findings indicate that these international frameworks directly support the GBF implementation, particularly interventions related to mitigating pollution impacts, promoting sustainable production and consumption, enhancing knowledge and capacity for informed decision-making, and management and conservation efforts. Moreover, the emerging measurability framework under the GFC provides a basis for developing harmonized global indicators capable of capturing reductions in chemical pressures and associated positive biodiversity outcomes. Furthermore, collaboration with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) demonstrates the potential for cross-regime policy coherence through shared guidance development, integrated technical assistance, and coordinated negotiation inputs.

This assessment underscores the importance of integrating chemicals and waste governance into biodiversity policy processes and highlights opportunities for improved scientific collaboration, data harmonization, and implementation coordination. Strengthened alignment across MEAs, reinforced by coherent indicators and shared policy instruments, may significantly enhance the effectiveness of global efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss driven by pollution.