UK Submission - Monitoring Framework for the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework - Headline Indicators Cluster Approach

Sep 4, 2026

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UK submission on a monitoring framework for the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) outlines how headline indicators can support consistent national and global tracking. It addresses feasibility concerns with monitoring 39 headline indicators and proposes reducing them through clustering of goals and targets into three groupings. A smaller headline set is selected per cluster using relevance to the GBF scope, technical and practical implementability, and communication value, with updated criteria and additional indicator options discussed in annexes.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages39

Reading Time1 h 38 min

AccessFree to download

Overview

Headline indicator feasibility and clustering concept

Proposed updated approach and annexes

Introduction

Support for headline indicators at national and global levels

Need to reduce indicator count for feasibility

Rationale for clustering and communication

Headline indicators

Definition and role within the monitoring framework

Cluster approach

Headline indicator assessment

Identification of potential headline indicators

Annex 1 - Assessment of potential headline indicators

Annex 2 - UK proposed protected area management effectiveness indicator

Annex 3 - UK proposed global environmental impacts of consumption indicator: metadata sheet

Annex 4 - Relevance mapping to GBF goals and targets

Technical submission from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) on the monitoring framework for the post-2020 global biodiversity framework Overview • Headline indicators should be used consistently by Parties and represent the intersection between national and global indicators. • Many Parties have noted that monitoring and reporting on 39 headline indicators may not be practical or technically feasible. • This submission suggests an approach to reduce the number of headline indicatorsand achieve a robust, deliverable and clearly articulated monitoring framework by: o Clustering goals and targets in three groupings o Selecting a small number of indicators selected as headlines for each cluster, on the basis of the following criteria: ▪ the relevance to the overall scope of the GBF; ▪ the technical and practical feasibility of implementation; and ▪ the communication value. The United Kingdom (UK) is seeking an ambitious post-2020 global biodiversity framework (GBF) including a robust, deliverable and clearly articulated approach to the monitoring of progress. In August 2021, the UK set out a proposal for a clustering approach to help reduce the list of headline indicators in the monitoring framework. We have updated this proposal to reflect the non-paper on the monitoring framework , and further discussions, including at OEWG-3 and in the series of workshops co-hosted by the UK and Norway in collaboration with UNEP-WCMC to discuss enhanced planning, reporting and review mechanisms 1. This document replaces our previous proposal. It provides an understanding of the role and use of headline indicators , an updated proposal for a clustering approach and an assessment of potential headline indicators against selected criteria. Two indicators are also proposed: a component indicator on protected area management effectiveness that could be integrated into the current proposed headline indicator to include an assessment of effectiveness (see Annex 2); and an alternative headline indicator on the global environmental impacts of consumption (see Annex 3) . 1 CBD/SBI/3/INF/37/Rev.1 provides a summary of discussions held between January and November 2021. Contents 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 2 2 Headline indicators ........................................................................................................ 3 3 Cluster approach............................................................................................................ 3 4 Headline indicator assessment ...................................................................................... 4 5 Identification of potential headline indicators .................................................................. 4 Annex 1 – Assessment of potential headline indicators...................................................... 7 Annex 2 – UK proposed protected area management effectiveness indicator.................. 25 Annex 3 – UK proposed global environmental impacts of consumption indicator: metadata sheet ............................................................................................... 26 Annex 4 – Relevance of headline indicator(s) included in the UK cluster proposal to goals and targets in the First Draft of the Post-2020 GBF ............................... 34 1 Introduction The non-paper on item 3 for resumed SBSTTA-24 identifies 39 possible headline indicators which could be used to monitor the implementation of the post-2020 GBF nationally, as well as track progress globally. As noted in the Co-Chairs reflections on OEWG-3, “there seems to be general support for the establishment of a list of headline indicators to be used consistently at the national and global levels, to the extent possible”. However, “some Parties felt that the number of headline indicators should be fewer than w

FAQs

Why does the UK propose reducing the number of headline indicators for the post-2020 GBF?

Monitoring and reporting on 39 headline indicators consistently may not be technically and practically feasible for all Parties, given differing reporting capacities and the need to adjust national systems. A reduced set is also expected to improve communication to broad audiences.

How does the UK cluster approach work for selecting headline indicators?

The approach clusters goals and targets into three groupings, then selects a small number of indicators as headlines for each cluster. Selection is based on relevance to the GBF scope, technical and practical feasibility, and communication value.

What role do headline indicators play in the overall monitoring framework?

Headline indicators form one component of the monitoring framework and should be complemented by other national and global indicators. At the national level, headline indicators can be supplemented with national indicators, including component and/or complementary indicators where appropriate.

Sep 4, 2026

Uploaded by Eden