Biodiversity – the basis for our livelihoods

© GIZ/Una Jovovic

Biodiversity – meaning the variety within species, between species and in ecosystems – is essential for a healthy planet and human well-being.

Aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are not only habitats for flora and fauna. They  also serve as insurance against future risks and are of great relevance for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Intact ecosystems provide a wide range of ecosystem services such as climate regulation, protection against extreme weather events and clean drinking water; they ensure soil fertility and protect against erosion. Nevertheless, biodiversity is declining faster than ever before, and ecosystems are becoming increasingly degraded. The main drivers include land conversion due to agriculture and deforestation, infrastructure development, overexploitation of resources, pollution due to the introduction of toxic substances and nutrients into water and soil, the spread of invasive alien species, and climate change.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is the binding international legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and the equitable distribution of benefits. In December 2022, the 196 Parties to the CBD adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and  to put nature on a path to recovery. In addition to four long-term goals to be achieved by 2050, the GBF also has 23 global targets  for urgent action until 2030. Key targets include the conservation of 30 per cent of the global land and sea areas by 2030, recognising indigenous and traditional territories, the restoration of 30 per cent of areas of degraded ecosystems, the reduction of pollution and the increased application of biodiversity-friendly practices in agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and fisheries.

On behalf of the German Government, GIZ supports partner countries in implementing their commitments under the CBD in national policies, planning and practice.

Services include, for example:

  • (Policy) advice and support to partner countries in the revision and updating of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP)
  • Promotion of cross-institutional and cross-sectoral cooperation in multi-stakeholder partnerships to engage all levels of government and strengthen cooperation with civil society, the private sector and academia in a multi-level approach that takes into account national, regional and local concerns
  • Capacity development to promote the implementation of national biodiversity targets in thematic areas such as management of protected and conserved areas, ecosystem restoration and nature-based solutions, inclusive nature-positive value and supply chains and biodiversity finance
  • Development and implementation of awareness-raising and public relations measures on the multiple values of biodiversity in order to embed the topic systematically in politics and society

Additional information

The aim of this guiding framework is to present principles that define professional standards and describe our scope of action as regards the realisation of human rights in the context of biodiversity conservation projects. It is primarily aimed at GIZ employees, but will also provide guidance to sub-contractors (consultants and consulting companies) and the recipients of financial contributions. It will guide GIZ employees and third parties in designing and implementing GIZ projects and will assist them in conducting a more focused assessment of the risks to human rights.