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Info Service on Biodiversity and Traditional Knowledge (Aug21/02) Analysis and proposals for the pesticides component of Target 7 of the First Draft of the post-2020 GBF The First Draft of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework (GBF) was made available on 5 July 2021. The GBF is currently being negotiated by Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and is meant to address the CBD’s implementation in the period post-2020. The third meeting of the Open-ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (OEWG3), where the First Draft will be discussed, will be held virtually from 23 August to 3 September 2021. No final documents will be adopted at this session, but the meeting will be suspended and later resumed in-person to conclude any substantive agenda and to approve the final draft of the GBF for consideration by Parties. There is no clarity yet on when the in-person session is scheduled for. We are pleased to share an analysis and proposals for Target 7 of the GBF, which addresses the need to reduce pollution from all sources. The analysis, by Third World Network and Pesticide Action Network UK, focuses on the pesticides aspects of the target and highlights the need for a phase out of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs). This is urgently required as HHPs cause disproportionate harm to the environment and human health. Further analyses on the goals and targets of the First Draft will be forthcoming. With
best wishes, Analysis and proposals for Target 7 of the First Draft of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework Briefing
note by Third World Network and Pesticide Action Network UK Introduction Target 7 of the First Draft of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework is about reducing pollution, given that it is one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss. In this briefing note, we focus on the pesticides aspects of the target. Target 7 currently reads: Reduce pollution from all sources to levels that are not harmful to biodiversity and ecosystem functions and human health, including by reducing nutrients lost to the environment by at least half, and pesticides by at least two thirds and eliminating the discharge of plastic waste. Missing element – Highly Hazardous Pesticides A key element that is missing from the current target related to pesticides is that of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs). We suggest that this category of pesticides should be prioritized for phasing out. Rationale
for inclusion In 2015, SAICM (Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management, with the Secretariat hosted by UNEP) Fourth International Conference of Chemicals Management adopted a resolution (IV/3) that recognizes HHPs as an issue of international concern and calls for concerted action to address HHPs. In
addition, a target to phase out HHPs is consistent with: Identifying
HHPs ================== Proposed text We therefore propose that Target 7 be amended as follows (additions in bold): Reduce pollution from all sources to levels that are not harmful to biodiversity and ecosystem functions and human health, including by reducing nutrients lost to the environment by at least half, and pesticides by at least two thirds, including phasing out Highly Hazardous Pesticides in agriculture by 2030, and eliminating the discharge of plastic waste. ==================== Proposed indicators with respect to pesticide use We support the proposed target of reducing pollution from pesticides by at least two thirds. However, the headline indicator proposed is ‘pesticide use per area of cropland’ which is not a good enough measure on its own. For example, recent data show that while the amount of insecticide used has declined in the US from 1992-2016, total applied toxicity has significantly increased – the toxicity of applied insecticides to aquatic invertebrates and pollinators more than doubled between 2005 and 2015 (Schulz et al., 2021. Science 372, 81–84), with increases in applied pesticide toxicity for terrestrial plants and invertebrates also recorded in GM crops. Therefore, the indictors should include measures of toxicity or pesticide load as well as volume/weight, treatment area and type of pesticide, as these all have a bearing on the impact on biodiversity. None of these measures alone are sufficient, but should be used in combination. Further
information: Proposed indicators to measure reduction in use of HHPs •
Number of HHPs in use
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