The adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) signals a pivotal shift towards more robust, strategic global objectives for the conservation of biodiversity. More than 190 countries demonstrated leadership and ambition in adopting the KM-GBF and committing to translate these comprehensive global plans into national actions for implementation. 1 Now these countries have entered the phase of reviewing their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) to set national targets that align with the KM-GBF. To achieve the global targets of the KM-GBF, it is crucial for the region to proactively take on the roles of preserving biodiversity, restoring and rehabilitating degraded lands, and encouraging the practice of sustainable forest management.

The AFoCO Regional Education and Training Center (RETC) has organized the virtual workshop “Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: Synergize in Achieving Future Conservation Targets” on 13 to 15 June 2023. In light of the KM-GBF, the workshop aimed to prepareparticipants for discussing challenges in refining their NBSAPs and understanding the new global conservation targets within the KM-GBF. The workshop further illuminated the multifaceted benefits of forest biodiversity, which extend beyond carbon sequestration to encompass sustainable forest management with climate resilient livelihoods.

This policy brief summarizes the collective knowledge gained from participants’ discussions at the workshop.