Almost 200 countries have pledged to integrate biodiversity targets into policies across various sectors, but these efforts have largely failed due to non-binding commitments, vague targets, insufficient resources – and mostly, due to lack of willingness to prioritise biodiversity. Research led by Utrecht University and UFZ Helmholz Centre, co-authored by GreenFormation founder, indicates that current mainstreaming initiatives are ineffective and often “add-ons” rather than actually integrated. Biodiversity initiatives frequently exist in isolation from policies that directly impact drivers of biodiversity loss, such as agricultural intensification and spatial planning. Despite these challenges, financial institutions are increasingly recognising the risks associated with biodiversity loss, with significant portions of bank loans dependent on at-risk ecosystem services. A combination of regulatory measures (“sticks”) and incentives (“carrots”) is recommended to encourage greater commitment to biodiversity prioritisation, showcasing win-win solutions like urban Nature-Based Solutions that offer multiple advantages, including biodiversity enhancement, climate change adaptation, social cohesion, and healthy urban living.
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Hens Runhaar, Fabian Pröbstl, Felician Heim, Elsa Cardona Santos, Joachim Claudet, Lyda Dik, Guilherme de Queiroz-Stein, Agnes Zolyomi, Yves Zinngrebe. Mainstreaming biodiversity targets into sectoral policies and plans: A review from a Biodiversity Policy Integration perspective. Earth System Governance, 2024; 20: 100209 DOI: 10.1016/j.esg.2024.100209