The adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF, or the ‘Biodiversity Plan’) under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2022 marked a significant advance in integrating human rights into environmental policy and actions. Parties have agreed that the “implementation of the Framework should follow a human rights-based approach, respecting, protecting, promoting and fulfilling human rights”.

This guide is compiled with a specific purpose: to provide additional support and concrete examples for Parties and decision-makers, non-state actors, and for rights holders, on how to meet this commitment to embed a human rights based approach (HRBA) in the implementation and monitoring of the GBF at national and sub-national levels. It prioritises clear information on relevant human rights standards and norms, and practical steps for how these norms can be translated into national and sub-national decision-making, taking into account the diversity of cultural, social, political and economic circumstances.

This guide aims to provide a concise resource, sign-posting key elements, and in each section of the guide additional references are provided to more comprehensive specific guidance. In approaching the subject in this way, it is expected that this guide can complement the work of other expert bodies, notably the work of the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) and the multiple Special Procedures and mandate holders within that office.