UN biodiversity conference (COP15)

This page contains our latest research, commentary, news, analysis and events around the 15th Convention on Biological Diversity conference in Montreal, Canada (COP15)

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Countdown to COP15

Read a series of blogs raising the profile of locally-led action on the road to and after the COP15 global biodiversity conference. Here are the latest four in the series

Focus on the global biodiversity framework

How IIED and partners are working to safeguard nature and emphasise locally-led, equitable and rights-based approaches

Podcasts: focus on biodiversity

IIED's Make Change Happen podcast often focuses on biodiversity issues, featuring expert partners. Here are a selection relevant to CBD COP15

The second phase of the 15th Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP15) conference took place in 2022 when Parties are due to adopt the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.

It was due to take place in Kunming, China, in October 2020, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was changed to two phases. Phase one was virtual, from 11-15 October 2021 and included a high-level segment from 12-13 October. Phase two was in-person in Montreal, Canada, from 7-19 December 2022.

IIED worked to put locally-led action at the heart of delivering this international agreement to transform our relationship with nature. With our partners, we analysed events and presented research, and wrote a series of blogs exploring not just why action led by Indigenous Peoples and local communities is critical to delivering the framework, but also how these solutions are already making change happen on the ground.

This collection contains our latest research, commentary, news, analysis and events ahead of the CBD COP15.

What is the Convention on Biological Diversity?

The CBD opened for signature in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. 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, it entered into force in December 1993. With 196 Parties, the CBD has near universal participation among countries.

The meetings of the Parties to the convention are known as Conferences of the Parties (COP), with the first one (COP1) held in Nassau, Bahamas, in 1994.