The adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at COP15 could be a first step towards fixing the broken relationship with (the rest of) nature. The framework is built around a theory of change and vision which recognises the underlying causes of biodiversity loss – the exploitation of nature fuelled by social values and behaviours. Fundamentally the framework speaks of relationships through recognising the need to live in harmony with nature.  The language is significant, it recognises that biodiversity is fundamental to human well-being, recreation and cultural inspiration, and that it supports all systems of life on earth. It refers to ‘Mother Earth‘ and recognises that nature is vital for a good quality of life. The text recognises our place in nature, the fundamental need for nature and a harmonious relationship with it.

A step towards a new relationship with nature?

Although the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is a plan to address the decline in biodiversity, it is also a plan to transform our relationship with nature by 2030. The framework aims to ‘catalyse, enable and galvanize urgent and transformative action’ by Governments, local governments, and communities across society – a whole of Government and whole of society approach. To do this the framework outlines a vision with specific goals and 23 action-oriented global targets for urgent action by 2030, with the aim of achieving the outcome-oriented goals for 2050.

The first 8 targets aim to reduce threats to biodiversity – from a human-nature relationship perspective broadly reducing the use and control of nature. These include the headline making targets to protect 30% of the globe for nature. Five targets are related to meeting people’s needs through sustainable use of nature. This includes access to nature, but goes beyond that to ‘mainstreaming’ urban biodiversity and improving human connection to nature and wellbeing. The start of a much deeper relationship than that delivered by access alone. Together with the wider values and language of harmony, and the need to be informed by science, evidence and indigenous worldviews this is a significant moment for nature connectedness research and related work.

The final 10 targets focus on tools and solutions for implementation and mainstreaming. Targets such as full integration of biodiversity across sectors and reducing over consumption – a country-level factor we found was a key factor in individual connection to nature.

Overall, the framework recognises that the human-nature relationship is fundamental, a causal issue and readers of my blog with know that nature connectedness captures that relationship. So the framework sits well with the moderation of negative human-nature relationships and promotion of positive relationships that build connection with nature – the pathways approach laid out in our Ecosystems & People paper. The framework provides a great basis for scaling-up nature connection work already underway and moving from viewing nature as a resource to an essential part of who we are.