World falling short on 22 of 23 nature targets for 2030, says draft UN report
Brief
The UN Convention on Biological Diversity’s draft global report (second draft published 26 July 2026) assesses country progress on the 23 Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) 2030 targets and finds the world is off-track on 22 of 23 targets. The assessment synthesises national reports, updated NBSAPs and national targets (45% of parties submitted NBSAPs in time; 83% submitted at least one national target; 66% submitted a new national report), and applies a scorecard that combines self‑reported progress with agreed indicators (0–1 scale; four colour bands). Only Target 8 — actions to minimise climate-change impacts on biodiversity including nature‑based solutions — reached green; the report identifies two core gaps: insufficient national ambition and weak implementation, especially on indirect drivers such as harmful business practices and subsidies. The report documents stark finance and data shortfalls. Parties reported cumulatively $186.4bn for biodiversity over four years (domestic $135.9bn; international public financing $17.7bn for 2020–23, ~$4.4bn/yr; private $32.7bn for 2020–23), well below the GBF’s $200bn/yr north→south target and the overall $700bn gap. On subsidies (Target 18) 22 countries reported $268bn of harmful subsidies for 2022–25, versus a GBF aim to reduce harmful incentives by at least $500bn/yr by 2030. Restoration, protected-area expansion (Target 2 and 3), pollution control (Target 7), invasive species reduction (Target 6) and benefit‑sharing for genetic resources/DSI (Goal C) show mixed policy steps but weak monitoring, financing and measurable outcomes. The draft is peer‑reviewed and will be finalised ahead of COP17 in Armenia (19–30 Oct 2026) to inform the global review.
Why it matters
UN CBD draft global report (second draft published 26 July 2026) finds countries are off-track on 22 of the 23 GBF 2030 targets; only Target 8 (minimising climate change impacts on biodiversity) received a “green” score.
Key details
- Report scorecard (0–1 scale; 0–0.25 red, 0.25–0.5 orange, 0.5–0.75 yellow, 0.75–1 green) is based on countries’ national reports, NBSAPs and agreed indicators; first draft was 29 June 2026 and the report will be finalised ahead of COP17 (19–30 Oct 2026, Armenia).
- Finance gaps: Parties reported a cumulative $186.4bn mobilised for biodiversity over four years (domestic $135.9bn; international public $17.7bn for 2020–23, averaging $4.4bn/yr; private $32.7bn for 2020–23) — far below GBF Goal D’s $700bn gap closure and the $200bn/yr north→south target.
- Harmful subsidies (Target 18): only 22 countries reported values totaling $268bn for 2022–25 (~$67bn/yr); report highlights a $500bn/yr removal ambition by 2030, inconsistent methodologies, and that just ~30% of parties provided info on nature-positive incentives.
- Nature targets: “30 by 30” (Target 3) and restoration (Target 2) show expanding protected/restoration efforts but inadequate ambition, financing and monitoring — national submissions: 45% of countries published NBSAPs in time, 83% submitted at least one national target, 66% submitted a new national report.
- Genetic resources and DSI: 79% of countries included legal/policy measures on DSI, but monetary receipts are tiny ($6.9m reported for 2022–25); the Cali Fund has seen only a $1,000 initial contribution so far.