Four steps for the Earth: mainstreaming the post-2020 global biodiversity framework

The upcoming Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) meeting, and adoption of the new Global Biodiversity Framework, represent an opportunity to transform humanity's relationship with nature. Restoring nature while meeting human needs requires a bold vision, including mainstreaming biodiversity conservation in society. We present framework that could support this: Mitigation Conservation Hierarchy. This places Hierarchy for mitigating compensating impacts developments (1, avoid; 2, minimize; 3, restore; 4, offset, toward target such as "no net loss" biodiversity) within broader framing encompassing all actions. illustrate its application by national governments, sub-national levels (specifically city London, fishery, Indigenous groups), companies, individuals. supports choice actions conserve restore nature, evaluation effectiveness those actions, across sectors scales. It can guide sustainable future people supporting CBD's vision. 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Mar. 7: 49https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.00049Crossref al.25Arlidge made leap suggesting account activities.Table 1Selected examples processes, categorized four sequential MCHStep (retain impacts)no-take zones; set-asides/easements; zero deforestation commitments; safeguarding habitat; restrictions trade certain vulnerable (through CITES); gene banks landraces/traditional livestock breeds; damage intact ecosystems; biosecurity prevent introduction establishment invasive alien speciesStep 2 (minimize impacts)sustainable use; agri-environment schemes; organic low chemical input agriculture; agroforestry non-intensive shifting passive non-selective gear actively targeted fisheries; reliance virgin raw materials products produced via circular processes; demand unsustainable wildlife products; control management (restore remediate impacts)species translocations (including reinforcements reintroductions); degraded ecosystem restoration; flooding wetlands; reforestation; decontamination; eradication; handling release practices; fish replenishmentStep 4 (renew biodiversity)species introductions purposes assisted colonization replacements); rewilding; creation, artificial reefs; greening cities urban areas; developing innovative technologies systems enable consumption.These component MCH. occur mitigate current, (rather conservation) included table. Open table tab S