Mexico Reviews 47 Biodiversity Targets Ahead of CBD Report

Mexico is establishing a strategic environmental baseline through a multisectoral assessment of 47 national targets aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Led by CONABIO and SEMARNAT, the initiative embeds conservation goals into federal plans for tourism, urban policy and territorial development to meet the “30x30” ecosystem protection target by 2030.

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Mexico has initiated a comprehensive evaluation of its progress toward the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework as part of preparations for its Seventh National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The assessment is led by the National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO) in coordination with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

The evaluation brought together 108 representatives from 30 federal government agencies, international organizations, and strategic partners. This multisectoral group assessed 47 National Biodiversity Targets aimed at addressing the country’s key environmental challenges.

These targets are integrated into broader federal work plans spanning sectors such as tourism, territorial development, urban policy, and gender. They are also aligned with the National Biodiversity Strategy (ENBioMex) 2016–2030, which commits Mexico to conserving biodiversity and ensuring its sustainable use. A central milestone for 2030 is the “30x30” target, which calls for the protection of at least 30% of terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Raúl Jiménez Rosenberg, Executive Secretary, CONABIO, stated that the Seventh National Report represents a strategic process to consolidate a national vision toward 2030. He noted that the targets are structured around four pillars: conserve, avoid, safeguard, and act.

Marina Robles García, Undersecretary of Biodiversity and Environmental Restoration, SEMARNAT, said the evaluation reflects an exercise in environmental accountability. “Evaluating how we are doing and reviewing what needs to be corrected is a responsible way to move forward,” she said.

International observers underscored the urgency of these efforts. Susan Gardner, Director of Ecosystems, UN Environment Programme (UNEP), recognized Mexico’s leadership while noting that for every dollar invested in protecting nature, significantly more is still spent on activities that harm it. Silvia Morimoto, UNDP Resident Representative in Mexico, highlighted that the reporting process is the result of collaboration among 26 federal agencies, state governments, academia, and civil society to establish a national baseline aligned with 2030 objectives.

Integrating Climate Policy, Private Sector Finance

The evaluation builds on a series of technical meetings held in July 2025 between UNDP and CONABIO to better align climate policy with business and financial activities. These sessions brought together 37 officials from 11 environmental institutions to strengthen integration between climate and biodiversity frameworks. Through a participatory approach, technical groups defined the structure of the 47 national targets, their 2030 milestones, and the enabling conditions required for implementation.

Climate-related targets focus on adaptation (Target 8.1), mitigation (Target 8.2), and ocean acidification (Target 8.3), aligning Mexico’s commitments under the CBD with the Paris Agreement. Andrea Cruz, Biodiversity Strategies and Policy Coordinator at CONABIO, said this process creates an opportunity to link Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with biodiversity conservation and future adaptation policies.

A parallel component of the initiative involves coordination with the Ministry of Economy to define national commitments for sustainable business practices and biodiversity financing under Targets 15 and 19.3. Alberto Uribe, Director General, National Content and Energy Sector Development, emphasized the need for greater private sector co-responsibility in conservation efforts.

UNDP representatives Michelle Montijo and Gabriela Batún highlighted the importance of developing mechanisms that enable companies to identify, assess, and report environmental risks and opportunities. The initiative aims to promote economic development models that are compatible with nature while aligning with national environmental priorities.