Brazil’s biodiversity pledge: Six key takeaways for nature and climate change – Carbon Brief

Brazil’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Brazil, recognized as the world’s most biodiverse nation, has recently published its updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) aimed at halting and reversing nature decline by 2030. This plan aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to life on land (SDG 15), climate action (SDG 13), and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12).

Overview of Brazil’s Biodiversity and Global Significance

• Hosts 10-15% of all known species on Earth.
• Contains 64% of the Amazon rainforest.
• Supplies 10% of global food demand.

Despite its global importance, Brazil was among approximately 85% of countries that missed the 2024 UN deadline for submitting a new NBSAP. The plan was finally published on 29 December 2025 after extensive consultations involving scientists, Indigenous peoples, and civil society.

Key Highlights of Brazil’s NBSAP with Emphasis on SDGs

1. Conservation of 80% of the Brazilian Amazon by 2030
2. Elimination of deforestation in Brazilian ecosystems by 2030
3. Alignment of actions on climate change and biodiversity loss
4. Substantial increase in nature finance from diverse sources
5. Sustainable intensification in agriculture
6. Largest-of-its-kind consultation process before NBSAP release

1. Conservation of 80% of the Brazilian Amazon by 2030

Brazil’s NBSAP sets an ambitious target to conserve 80% of the Amazon rainforest and 30% of other ecosystems by 2030, exceeding the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s (GBF) “30 by 30” target. This commitment supports SDG 15 (Life on Land) by promoting effective conservation and sustainable management of terrestrial and inland water ecosystems.

• Includes nationally designated protected areas, Indigenous lands, Quilombola territories, and local community lands.
• Brazil has expanded marine protected areas from 1.5% to over 25% of its territorial waters since 2018.
• 18% of continental land and inland waters are protected, with 28% of the Amazon under protection.
• Indigenous lands cover 12% of the country, providing crucial ecosystem protection.

The action plan includes 15 measures such as recognizing Indigenous lands, establishing ecological corridors, and protecting mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands.

2. Elimination of Deforestation in Brazilian Ecosystems by 2030

Brazil aims to achieve zero deforestation and conversion of native vegetation by 2030, exceeding the GBF which does not explicitly mention deforestation. This target aligns with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 by addressing forest conservation and land degradation.

• Focus on eliminating illegal deforestation and conversion.
• Compensation for legal suppression of native vegetation.
• Prevention and control of wildfires and combating desertification.
• Brazil has already reduced Amazon deforestation by 36% in 2023 under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Despite progress, Brazil remains the largest global deforester, accounting for 42% of primary forest loss in 2024, largely due to wildfires and drought.

3. Alignment of Actions on Tackling Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss

Brazil’s NBSAP emphasizes a holistic approach to address climate change and biodiversity loss synergistically, supporting SDG 13 and SDG 15 integration. This follows Brazil’s hosting of the COP30 climate summit, where efforts to enhance cooperation between climate, biodiversity, and land desertification conventions were prioritized.

• Brazil’s NBSAP is aligned with its nationally determined contribution (NDC) under the UN climate plan.
• Targets include ending deforestation, promoting sustainable agriculture, and restoring ecosystems.
• Brazil joins countries like Panama and the UK in integrating climate and biodiversity actions.

4. Substantial Increase in Nature Finance from a Range of Sources

Brazil plans to develop a national financing strategy by the end of 2026 to support NBSAP implementation, contributing to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and SDG 15 by mobilizing resources for biodiversity conservation.

• Funding sources include federal, state, municipal budgets, international finance, private sector, and biodiversity incentives.
• Mechanisms proposed include biodiversity credits, regulated carbon markets, and the Tropical Forest Forever Facility.
• Target to identify and phase out subsidies harmful to biodiversity by 2030, while increasing positive incentives.

Experts highlight the need for concrete financial commitments to realize these goals effectively.

5. Sustainable Intensification in Agriculture

As a major global food producer, Brazil’s NBSAP addresses the interdependence of agriculture and biodiversity, supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15.

• Target 10A aims for sustainable management of agriculture, livestock, aquaculture, and forestry areas by 2030.
• Approaches include agroecology, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable intensification.
• Targets 7 and 10B focus on reducing pollution impacts and promoting sustainable fishing.
• Brazil’s ABC+ plan promotes low-carbon agriculture through adaptation and mitigation.

6. Largest-of-its-Kind Consultation Process Before NBSAP Release

Brazil conducted an extensive consultation process involving over a thousand participants, including 200 scientific and civil society organizations and 110 Indigenous representatives, ensuring inclusive governance aligned with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17.

• Consultations included face-to-face meetings across Brazil’s 26 states and 5,570 municipalities.
• Engagement with Indigenous peoples is critical, as they protect about one-third of the Amazon.
• Civil society expressed satisfaction with the broad participation and transparency of the process.

Conclusion

Brazil’s NBSAP represents a comprehensive and ambitious national strategy that integrates the Sustainable Development Goals to address biodiversity loss, climate change, and sustainable development. The plan’s success will depend on effective implementation, financing, and continued inclusive governance to ensure the conservation of Brazil’s unique ecosystems and contribution to global sustainability.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

• SDG 13: Climate Action – Brazil’s alignment of biodiversity and climate change actions, and hosting COP30 climate summit.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water – Conservation of marine protected areas and sustainable fishing targets.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – Conservation of terrestrial ecosystems, elimination of deforestation, sustainable agriculture, and restoration of ecosystems.
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Sustainable agriculture and food production ensuring 10% of global food demand.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Reduction of harmful subsidies and promotion of sustainable use of biodiversity.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Broad consultation process involving Indigenous peoples, scientists, civil society, and multi-level government coordination.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 15 (Life on Land)
   • Target 3 of GBF: Conserve at least 30% of terrestrial and inland water areas by 2030, Brazil aims to conserve 80% of the Amazon and 30% of other ecosystems.
   • Target 1B of Brazil’s NBSAP: Achieve zero deforestation and conversion of native vegetation by 2030.
   • Target 10A: Ensure sustainable management of agriculture, livestock, aquaculture, and forestry areas by 2030.
   • Targets 7 and 10B: Reduce pollution impacts on biodiversity and ensure sustainable fishing and harvesting of aquatic resources.
   • Target 18: Identify and reduce or eliminate subsidies harmful to biodiversity by 2030.
   • Target 19: Develop and initiate a national financing strategy for biodiversity actions by end of 2026.
2. SDG 13 (Climate Action)
   • Alignment of NBSAP with Brazil’s nationally determined contribution (NDC) for climate change.
   • Holistic approach addressing climate change and biodiversity loss synergistically.
3. SDG 14 (Life Below Water)
   • Expansion of marine protected areas from 1.5% to over 25% of territorial waters.
   • National strategies for mangrove, coral reef, and wetlands protection.
4. SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)
   • Promotion of sustainable intensification and agroecology in agriculture.
   • National low-carbon agriculture strategy (ABC+ plan) promoting adaptation and mitigation.
5. SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
   • Extensive consultation process involving over a thousand people, Indigenous representatives, scientists, and civil society organizations.
   • Coordination between federal, state, and municipal governments and agencies.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Protected Area Coverage – Percentage of land and inland waters under protection (e.g., 18% of continental area, 28% of Amazon protected).
• Deforestation Rates – Satellite data from Global Forest Watch showing changes in deforestation (e.g., 36% reduction in 2023, 42% of global primary forest loss in 2024).
• Financial Resources Mobilized – Volume of funding from federal, state, municipal, international, private sources, and mechanisms like biodiversity credits and carbon markets.
• Subsidies Harmful to Biodiversity – Identification and reduction/elimination of harmful subsidies by 2030.
• Sustainable Agriculture Practices – Area under sustainable management for agriculture, livestock, aquaculture, and forestry.
• Marine Protected Areas – Percentage of marine areas effectively conserved and managed (e.g., increase from 1.5% to over 25%).
• Consultation and Participation – Number of stakeholders engaged in the NBSAP process (e.g., over a thousand people, 110 Indigenous representatives).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: carbonbrief.org