Implementing Targets 1-8 in order to achieve the species outcomes in Goal A, as well the ecosystem and genetic diversity outcomes, will require substantial effort. Section C of the KMGBF gives a suite of considerations to be taken into account when implementing the Framework. These include taking a ‘whole of society’ approach, ensuring the full, equitable, inclusive, effective and gender-responsive representation and participation in decision-making of indigenous peoples and local communities, galvanising collective effort, and acknowledging the importance of scientific evidence and traditional knowledge and practices when implementing the Framework. The last clause of the Framework states the importance of ‘Raising awareness on the critical role of science, technology and innovation to strengthen scientific and technical capacities to monitor biodiversity, address knowledge gaps and develop innovative solutions to improve the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.’ All of this recognises the need to draw upon all available science, evidence, approaches, worldviews, knowledge and tools to make the most progress towards the Goals and Targets.
There is a wide range of resources on species available to support decision making and monitoring. These include the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN 2023a), which is not only an assessment of the extinction risk facing species, but is also a source of information on each species’ threats and the conservation actions required for their recovery. A number of countries have developed their own national Red Lists (see, for example, Raimondo et al. 2022; and
www.nationalredlist.org) and in some it informs decision-making (e.g. Kyrkjeeide et al. 2021). The Red List is one of several globally authoritative data sources available through the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT: https://www.ibat-alliance.org/), which also includes Protected planet (the World Database on Protected Areas) and the World Database on Key Biodiversity Areas), and allows STAR (see above) scores to be derived at a range of spatial scales.
Many of the resources that can inform actions to pursue implementation of the species elements in the KMGBF have been brought together in a Global Species Action Plan (IUCN 2023c), which lists resources available to support the implementation of each of the KMGBF Targets to achieve species outcomes, and should therefore be helpful in the development of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans. The Global Species Action Plan is linked to an online toolkit of resources, training support, and technical guidance.