Press Release

Board View

CBD COP15 Part 1 Held Online, Kunming Declaration Adopted

Minister HAN Jeoung-ae introduced South Korea's carbon neutrality policies, including the Green New Deal during Part 1 of the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) held virtually from 11 to 15 October.


Representatives of 196 contracting parties to the Convention, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations participated in the meeting. CBD COP15 was initially scheduled to be held in 2020 in Kunming but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CBD COP 15 will take place in two parts Part 1 took place in October 2021, while Part 2 will be held in April 2022.


The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was adopted in 1992 with objectives for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The Conference of the Parties biennially convening  has led the global efforts to develop and implement biodiversity conservation goals through decisions adopted at COP meetings and high-level segments.


The highlight of COP15 Part 1 is the High-Level Segment (12-13, Oct.), aimed to create the global momentum towards developing the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) to be adopted at COP 15 Part 2 next year.


Ministers and representatives of international organizations and businesses virtually participated in the High-Level Segment to share their views on four topics, including putting biodiversity on a path to recovery. At the end of the segment, the Kunming Declaration was adopted, which embodies 17 commitments of ministers for the adoption and implementation of a more ambitious GBF.


At the High-Level Segment, Minister Han introduced South Korea's efforts for biodiversity conservation and climate change responses, such as the announcement of the Green New Deal, the enactment of Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality, the development of strategic plans for greenhouse gas mitigation, and climate change adaptation, reaffirming South Korea's roles and responsibilities as part of the international community.


Through the Kunming Declaration, ministers affirm their commitment to renewing the National Biodiversity Strategies and Plans (NBSAP), improving management of protected areas, updating legal framework related to biodiversity, expanding application of nature-based solutions, and restoring ecosystems, all of which are expected to be key components of the GBF to be adopted next year.


Korean Minister of Environment, Han said "This COP holds significance as contracting parties have shown how dedicated they are to develop a common goal to conserve biodiversity amid the pandemic and the climate crisis."


She also added "Korean Ministry of Environment will actively engage in negotiations in the upcoming meetings of the subsidiary bodies of the CBD in January 2022 and Phase 2 of COP 15 next April and commit to complete development of the fifth NBSAP in the first half of 2022 for national implementation of the GBF to advance biodiversity conservation and get closer to achieving Sustainable Development Goals.


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About the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Opened for signature in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, and entering into force in December 1993, the CBD is an international treaty for the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of the components of biodiversity and the equitable sharing of the benefits derived from the use of genetic resources. With 196 Parties, the CBD has near universal participation among countries. The CBD seeks to address all threats to biodiversity and ecosystem services, including threats from climate change, through scientific assessments, the development of tools, incentives and processes, the transfer of technologies and good practices and the full and active involvement of relevant stakeholders including indigenous peoples and local communities, youth, women, NGOs, sub-national actors and the business community.


For inquiry, please contact 

- Nature and Ecology Policy Division, Ministry of Environment 044-201-7220/ 7238