The UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination endorsed the "Common approach to integrating biodiversity and nature-based solutions for sustainable development into the United Nations policy and programme planning and delivery" in 2021.
The UN Common Approach to Biodiversity is designed to mainstream biodiversity and catalyse collective action across the United Nations system to address drivers of biodiversity loss and restore ecosystems.
The Common Approach is structured around:
A 2050 Vision for Biodiversity: “By 2050, biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering essential for all people”1.
The approach aims to integrate biodiversity considerations into all relevant policies, programmes and initiatives of UN agencies leveraging the collective strength of the UN system. It contains 15 medium-term objectives, contributing to three impact areas: (i) human rights, peaceful societies and planetary stability; (ii) a green and inclusive economic recovery; and (iii) strengthened institutions, accountability and justice to be delivered through collaboration between the UN System, Member States, business, social partners, academia, and civil society around: 1) Global advocacy and normative frameworks; 2) Regional collaboration; 3) National implementation.
Why it is important
The Common Approach allows UN agencies to collaborate, share best practices and align their efforts to tackle biodiversity challenges more effectively.
By leveraging the convening power and expertise from across the UN system, the Common Approach is vital to supporting the implementation of international agreements, such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change. It promotes a holistic view of biodiversity, recognizing its intrinsic value and critical role in sustaining ecosystems, economies, and societies.
UNEP's role
UNEP facilitates collaboration among UN agencies, governments, civil society and the private sector to ensure that biodiversity is prioritized in decision-making processes. Through its programmes and initiatives, UNEP provides technical support, capacity-building and resources to help implement the Common Approach effectively.
UNEP provides the secretariat of the UN Environment Management Group (EMG) and supports operationalization of the Common Approach through the EMG Issue Management Group on Biodiversity (IMG). UNEP, as one of the co-leads of the IMG together with the UN Development Programme and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, leads the IMG workstream on the monitoring and reporting framework of the Common Approach.
UNEP also collaborates with UN agencies to leverage the power of biodiversity and nature to drive equitable economic progress as a leading agency of the High Impact Initiative on Nature Driving Economic Transformation.
Through coordinated efforts, the UN can amplify its impact and ensure biodiversity considerations are woven into the fabric of sustainable development, climate action, and economic recovery efforts.
