The Global Biodiversity Framework as a Fundamental Complement and Continuation of the Sustainable Development Goals

ABSTRACT The sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the Kunming‐Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) are two central frameworks guiding global environmental sustainability. Although the GBF is supposed to contribute to achieving the SDGs, to what extent the GBF complements and relates to the SDGs remains insufficiently understood. Here we evaluate potential synergies between the SDGs and the GBF and identify gaps, interlinkages, and complementarities. We find that only around one‐third of GBF targets are fully covered by the SDGs and that the GBF complements SDGs 14 and 15 by capturing critical missing dimensions of biodiversity, including fundamental elements such as ecological integrity and connectivity, as well as indirect linkages such as urban green and blue spaces and Indigenous knowledge. Additionally, the GBF incorporates elements of twelve other SDGs, highlighting linkages between biodiversity and broader sustainability goals. By placing biodiversity at the center, the GBF not only enhances SDGs 14 and 15 but also strengthens the entire SDGs framework. We suggest extending both the GBF and the SDGs beyond 2030 and integrating the GBF as a foundation and complement to extend and enrich the SDGs.