“In order to realise a “world living in harmony with nature” by 2050, UN experts today called on States to ensure that the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework is centred on human rights. “Healthy biodiversity and ecosystems are the foundation of life and fundamental to the enjoyment of human rights, including the rights to life, health, food, water, culture, and a healthy environment,” the experts said. The call to action from UN human rights experts comes just ahead of the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP-15), taking place from 7 to 19 December, in Montreal, Canada, where the Framework is expected to be adopted. The experts are urging member States to mainstream human rights throughout the Framework, including by specifically referencing the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and the rights of Indigenous Peoples in the principles, Goal B and indicators of the Framework. The United Nations recognised the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment in Human Rights Council resolution 48/13 adopted in October 2021 and General Assembly resolution 76/300 adopted in July 2022. As healthy ecosystems and biodiversity are at the core of this right, States have obligations to protect, conserve and restore biodiversity. “Measurable targets for the recognition and implementation of this right are essential,” the experts said. The UN human rights experts stressed that measures intended to protect biodiversity cannot come at a cost to human rights…”