ETC BE Report 2026/5: Embedding Consumption in Biodiversity Monitoring: Options for Strengthening GBF Target 16

05 Oct 2026

Luca Coscieme, Viivi Toivio, Hedda Roberts, Alessandro Galli

Unsustainable patterns of consumption - across food, housing, mobility and consumer goods - are among the most significant indirect drivers of global biodiversity loss. Despite this well-established evidence, consumption remains only partially represented within the monitoring framework of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), primarily through Target 16, limiting the ability of Parties to systematically monitor and address fundamental drivers of biodiversity loss. This report examines how this gap could be addressed by better integrating consumption-related pressures into biodiversity monitoring. In doing so, it aims to support Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in strengthening GBF implementation and complementing traditional conservation and restoration approaches with greater attention to the demand-side drivers of biodiversity loss.The report maps 31 consumption-related indicators and assesses their potential against CBD indicator selection criteria, considering their methodological readiness, coverage of key consumption domains and ability to capture different drivers of biodiversity loss. It complements this analysis with a review of reporting practices under the CBD 7th National Reports, providing insights into the current uptake of consumption-related indicators and the practical challenges Parties face in monitoring Target 16. Building on this evidence, the report presents practical options that Parties may wish to consider in the further development of the GBF Monitoring Framework, while recognising differences in national capacities and reporting systems. These options aim to make consumption-related pressures more visible, improve accountability and comparability, support evidence-based policymaking, and strengthen coherence across environmental policy agendas. By progressively embedding consumption within biodiversity monitoring, the GBF can more effectively support the transition towards sustainable, equitable and nature-positive societies.

Prepared by:
Lead authors: Coscieme, Luca (HoC), Toivio, Viivi (HoC), Roberts, Hedda (HoC), Galli, Alessandro (HoC)
EEA project manager: Frank Wugt Larsen
English Check: Shane Hume (LESP)
Layout: Sara Plassnig (NIVA)
Coordination: Claudia Neitzel (NIVA)