Denmark

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

Northern EuropeApplies 2024–2030Source: The Danish Plan for Biodiversity

1. Overview

The Danish Plan for Biodiversity was published by the Ministry of Green Transition in October 2024 [§3]. It serves as Denmark's follow-up to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, structured around three overarching themes — more and better nature, sectoral integration of nature and biodiversity, and international initiatives — rather than a set of discrete national targets [§6]. The plan addresses all 23 GBF Targets, with each thematic chapter linked to specific initiatives contributing to one or more targets [§6].

Denmark's national commitments* are anchored in named political agreements rather than a single target table. The principal instruments are the tripartite Agreement on a Green Denmark (2024), the Agreement on a Maritime Spatial Plan (2023, revised 2024), and the Agreement on Agriculture (2021), supplemented by sectoral strategies and EU-implementing legislation. The plan covers Denmark proper and does not extend to Greenland or the Faroe Islands, which have separate governance [§3][§6].

The plan adopts the four overarching 2050 GBF Goals (A–D) verbatim and states Denmark's "full support for the UN's global vision for 2050 for nature and biodiversity" [§3][§4]. Initiatives and activities are subject to the condition that protection of areas used by the Danish Armed Forces may be changed if necessary for the Armed Forces' task solution [§6].

Denmark's plan is defined by the scale of its domestic land-use transformation: a DKK 40 billion Green Land Fund, a CO₂e tax on agricultural emissions from 2030, and the conversion of 140,000 hectares of carbon-rich soils — all anchored in a single tripartite agreement between government, farmers, environmentalists, unions, industry, and municipalities. At sea, a phased escalation of strictly protected marine areas to 10 per cent by 2030 has the backing of all parties in the Danish Parliament.

Sources:

§3 — Foreword by the Minister > Chapter 1
§4 — Global Context > 2.1 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework towards 2050
§6 — Global Context > 2.3 The Danish Plan for Biodiversity: A follow-up on the KMGBF

2. Ecological Context

Approximately 35,000 indigenous or imported species of plants and animals have been registered in Denmark [§20]. The Danish Red List (2023), prepared by Aarhus University in accordance with IUCN criteria, assesses approximately 13,900 species of mushrooms, animals, and plants. Of those assessed, 41.3 per cent are considered red-listed and in danger of extinction — a figure that provides the domestic baseline against which the plan's conservation commitments are set [§20][§68].

Denmark has established 92 wildlife reserves where human activities, including hunting, are restricted [§20]. Management and action plans have been drawn up for specific species including otters, beavers, dormice, spotted seals, and grey seals, using EU nature protection directives as a basis [§20]. The NBSAP identifies habitat fragmentation, climate change, environmental pollution, and invasive species as the principal threats to indigenous species [§21].

The plan reports a provisional contribution to the EU of 15 per cent protected land area and 29 per cent protected sea area, of which 4 per cent is strictly protected [§9]. These figures — well below the plan's own 20 per cent land and 30 per cent marine targets — define the gap that the Agreement on a Green Denmark and the Maritime Spatial Plan are designed to close.

Sources:

§9 — 3. More and Better Nature > Protected areas and the EU biodiversity strategy 2030
§20 — The Nature Restoration Law > 3.2 Species
§21 — Strategy for managing endangered and red-listed species
§68 — The Red List

3. National Commitments and GBF Alignment

Denmark's commitments are distributed across several political agreements. This section groups them by the agreement or instrument that anchors each commitment.

Agreement on a Green Denmark (2024) — land-use transformation

The Agreement on a Green Denmark sets the plan's headline terrestrial commitments: at least 20 per cent of Denmark's total area is to become protected nature; 15 per cent of existing agricultural area is expected to change use by 2030; 140,000 hectares of carbon-rich soils are to be removed from agricultural use before 2030; and 250,000 hectares of new forest are to be established before 2045, of which 100,000 hectares will be "untouched, with no human interactions" [§3][§47]. A new Green Land Fund of approximately DKK 40 billion finances these changes [§3]. The agreement also introduces a CO₂e tax on emissions from livestock and carbon-rich soils from 2030 [§47].

GBF Target mapping: Targets 1, 2, 3, 8, 10, 14, 18, 19.

Measurability: The 20 per cent protection target, 140,000 hectare soil conversion by 2030, and 250,000 hectare forestation by 2045 are each measurable commitments with quantified thresholds and deadlines. The CO₂e tax commitment is a measurable commitment (named instrument with a stated start date, though tax rates are not specified in the NBSAP). The overarching goal — "to create more and better nature, connected nature areas, and restored biodiversity" — is a directional aspiration with no quantified threshold [§3].

Indicators: No standalone indicator framework is presented. The Danish Red List and the three national data portals are described but not mapped to specific commitments with reporting intervals.

Agreement on a Maritime Spatial Plan (2023, revised 2024) — marine protection

The Agreement on a Maritime Spatial Plan commits to protection of more than 30 per cent of the Danish marine area [§13]. The proportion of strictly protected marine areas follows a phased escalation: from approximately 4 per cent to 6 per cent in the revised plan, rising to 8 per cent in 2028 and 10 per cent by 2030 [§13]. In strictly protected areas, all commercial fishing is prohibited; in other protected areas, certain types of fishing are prohibited where incompatible with the nature and species requiring protection [§13][§55]. The plan was adopted by all parties in the Danish Parliament and is valid for ten years [§13].

GBF Target mapping: Targets 1, 3.

Measurability: The 30 per cent marine protection and phased 10 per cent strict protection targets are measurable commitments with quantified thresholds and a stepped timeline.

Agreement on Agriculture (2021) — agricultural emissions

The Agreement on Agriculture commits to a greenhouse gas reduction of 1.9 million tonnes of CO₂e by 2030 and a reduction in nitrogen emissions of 10,800 tonnes by 2027, through conversion of agriculture to be more climate- and environment-friendly [§46].

GBF Target mapping: Targets 7, 8, 10.

Measurability: Both the CO₂e and nitrogen reduction targets are measurable commitments with quantified thresholds and deadlines.

Climate Act — legally binding GHG reduction

The Climate Act commits Denmark to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70 per cent by 2030 compared with 1990 levels, with interim targets including a 50–54 per cent reduction by 2025, and to becoming a climate-neutral society by 2050 at the latest [§35].

GBF Target mapping: Target 8.

Measurability: Measurable commitment — legally binding, quantified, with intermediate and final deadlines.

Pesticide Strategy 2022–2026 — pollution reduction

The strategy targets a halving of pesticide use compared with 2011 levels, including by making the most harmful pesticides more expensive [§27]. The use of glyphosate as a harvest aid in crops for food and feed has been banned [§27].

GBF Target mapping: Target 7.

Measurability: Measurable commitment — quantified reduction against a baseline year.

River Basin Management Plans 2021–2027 — nutrient reduction

The plans include measures to reduce nitrogen emissions by 10,400 tonnes per year, actions for 5,500 km of waterways, approximately 800 hectares of phosphorus wetlands, and restoration of 41 lakes [§26].

GBF Target mapping: Targets 7, 11.

Measurability: Measurable commitment — quantified annual reduction target.

Ecology Strategy — organic agriculture

The strategy sets a target that organic agricultural area shall account for 21 per cent of agricultural area by 2030 and that marketing and export of organic products shall be doubled by 2030 [§50].

GBF Target mapping: Target 10.

Measurability: Both are measurable commitments with quantified thresholds and deadlines.

Green public procurement

A target has been set that, where official labelling systems exist, all publicly procured acquisitions must be eco-labelled or meet equivalent requirements by 2030 [§40]. Public procurement represents over DKK 400 billion annually, more than 14 per cent of GDP [§40].

GBF Target mapping: Target 16.

Measurability: Measurable commitment — clear threshold and deadline.

Sources:

§3 — Foreword by the Minister > Chapter 1
§13 — The Nature Restoration Law > Agreement on a Maritime Spatial Plan
§26 — River Basin Management Plans 2021–2027
§27 — Pesticide Strategy 2022–2026
§35 — The Climate Act
§40 — National Strategy for Public Procurement
§46 — Agreement on Agriculture 2021
§47 — Agreement on a Green Denmark 2024
§50 — The Ecology Strategy
§55 — Agreement on a Maritime Spatial Plan (fishing restrictions)

4. Delivery Architecture

Conservation and land management

Natura 2000 plans (2022–2027) allocate DKK 1.9 billion for nature management across designated areas [§10]. Fifteen approved national nature reserves are being implemented, with five further reserves under the Agreement on a Green Denmark, allowing larger connected areas with no farming or forestry, untouched forest, recreated natural hydrology, and large grazing animals [§17]. Denmark operates five national parks under the National Parks Act, with steps planned to designate up to three additional national parks [§18]. The government commits to establishing 75,000 hectares of untouched forest — around 70,000 hectares in state forests, approximately 5,000 hectares on municipal and private land [§19].

Marine conservation

The Maritime Strategy and Action Programme 2024 lists more than 100 actions, including designation of strictly protected areas and marine nature restoration [§12]. Two national marine parks are being established in Lillebælt and Øresund [§15]. Rock reef restoration is underway at six locations [§16]. The coastal fisheries scheme reserves quotas for low-impact gear, and a state-owned nature-friendly coastal fishery label (2021) certifies environmentally sound coastal fisheries [§56].

Pollution and chemical regulation

The Chemicals Initiative 2022–2025 implements over 50 EU initiatives [§28]. On PFAS, the government commits to a comprehensive action plan and collaborates on an initiative to eliminate all PFAS substances in the EU [§29]. The Plastics Action Plan targets separating 80 per cent of plastic waste from incineration by 2030 [§33].

Circular economy and business

The National Circular Economy Action Plan 2020–2032 contains 129 initiatives [§39]. A biodiversity partnership of industry, NGOs, trade unions, and knowledge institutions presented recommendations in 2024 on use of SBTN and TNFD methods [§59]. Approximately 2,200 Danish companies are subject to sustainability reporting under the EU CSRD [§60].

Agricultural policy

The CAP Plan 2023 channels EU funding through organic agriculture schemes (Pillar I) and grant schemes for Natura 2000 areas, wetlands, and private forestry (Pillar II) [§48][§49]. The Danish National Forestry Programme (2018) sets a long-term objective that forest landscapes should cover 20–25 per cent of Denmark's land area by the end of the 21st century and that at least 10 per cent of total forest area should have nature and biodiversity as its primary objective by 2040 [§53].

Sources:

§10 — Natura 2000 areas
§12 — Maritime Strategy and Action Programme 2024
§15 — National Marine Parks
§16 — Restoration of rock reefs
§17 — National Nature Reserves
§18 — National parks
§19 — Untouched forest
§28 — Chemicals Initiative 2022–2025
§29 — Micro-pollutants, including PFAS
§33 — Plastics Action Plan
§39 — National Circular Economy Action Plan 2020–2032
§48 — CAP Plan Pillar I
§49 — CAP Plan Pillar II
§50 — The Ecology Strategy
§53 — Danish National Forestry Programme
§56 — Coastal fisheries scheme
§59 — Biodiversity partnership
§60 — Companies' sustainability reporting

4a. The Agreement on a Green Denmark: Land-Use Transformation

The Agreement on a Green Denmark (2024) is a tripartite pact between the government, the farmers' federation (Landbrug & Fødevarer), the nature conservation society (Danmarks Naturfredningsforening), trade unions (Fødevareforbundet NNF, Dansk Metal), industry (Dansk Industri), and municipalities (Kommunernes Landsforening) [§47]. This multi-stakeholder anchoring is structurally unusual; most NBSAPs are government-only documents.

The agreement generates commitments that surface under GBF Targets 1, 2, 3, 8, 10, 14, 18, and 19. Its core instruments are:

The Green Land Fund (approximately DKK 40 billion), financing the conversion of carbon-rich agricultural soils, new forestation, wetland restoration, and strategic land acquisition [§3][§47].
Removal of 140,000 hectares of carbon-rich soils from agricultural use before 2030 [§3].
Establishment of 250,000 hectares of new forest before 2045, of which 100,000 hectares will have no human intervention [§3].
Introduction of a CO₂e tax on emissions from livestock and carbon-rich soils from 2030 — a novel instrument that few countries have legislated at the farm level [§47].
Support for land conversion including wetlands, extensification, and strategic land acquisition [§47].

A policy reader comparing Denmark with other countries should understand that these are not independent commitments but facets of one negotiated package. The 20 per cent land protection target, the forestation programme, the soil conversion target, and the agricultural emissions tax all originate in this single agreement. The DKK 40 billion Green Land Fund provides the fiscal mechanism that binds the commitments together.

The NBSAP does not itemise how the DKK 40 billion fund is allocated across its constituent purposes. Tax rates for the CO₂e levy are not specified in the plan.

Sources:

§3 — Foreword by the Minister > Chapter 1
§47 — Agreement on a Green Denmark 2024

5. Monitoring and Accountability

The Ministry of Green Transition published the plan [§3]. The NBSAP does not describe a dedicated governance body for implementation oversight, a formal reporting cycle with dates, or an adaptive management mechanism.

Denmark maintains three public biodiversity data platforms. The Danish Environment Portal (miljoeportal.dk) provides national environmental data through joint public collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, municipalities, and regions [§66]. Arter.dk collects and disseminates species information, operated as a partnership between the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, the Natural History Museum of Denmark, Aarhus Natural History Museum, and DanBIF, financed by the Aage V. Jensen Nature Fund, the 15 June Foundation, and the state [§67]. The Danish Red List, prepared by Aarhus University, assesses approximately 13,900 species using IUCN criteria; the latest edition was published in 2023 [§68].

The strategy for managing endangered and red-listed species identifies the possibility of increasing data collection with public assistance and creating a joint-disciplinary biodiversity platform for stakeholders [§21].

The NBSAP does not present a standalone national indicator framework, a monitoring schedule, or a table mapping commitments to measurable metrics with reporting intervals. The data platforms described above provide the primary infrastructure for tracking biodiversity status, but no formal accountability mechanism links their outputs to implementation milestones.

Sources:

§21 — Strategy for managing endangered and red-listed species
§66 — The Environmental Portal
§67 — The Species Portal
§68 — The Red List

6. Finance and Resource Mobilisation

Domestic finance

The DKK 40 billion Green Land Fund, established under the Agreement on a Green Denmark, is the central domestic instrument (see Section 4a) [§3][§47]. Beyond this fund, targeted grant schemes include: two schemes for climate carbon-rich soil projects receiving DKK 1.71 billion and DKK 2.56 billion respectively in 2021–2024; a Water and Climate Projects scheme with approximately DKK 1.2 billion allocated by 2027 [§72]; and DKK 1.9 billion for Natura 2000 nature management in 2022–2027 [§10].

The marine nature fund receives DKK 500 million for 2024–2030 under the agreement on 6 GW of sea wind and the Bornholm Energy Island, with a potential additional DKK 350 million contingent on tender outcomes [§14]. This creates a direct fiscal link between renewable energy expansion and marine restoration.

The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund provides approximately DKK 1.5 billion for 2021–2027, matched by DKK 642 million in public co-financing — a total of DKK 2.1 billion [§57].

International finance

Denmark allocates at least 35 per cent of total development aid (approximately DKK 6 billion in 2024) to green objectives, with approximately 60 per cent of climate aid directed to adaptation in developing countries. More than half of 2024 development aid is allocated to Africa [§76].

The largest multilateral commitments are: DKK 800 million to the Global Environment Facility for 2022–2026 — a 78 per cent increase over previous contributions; DKK 100 million to the new Global Biodiversity Framework Fund in 2024; and DKK 1 billion for a new international forestry and nature initiative for 2024–2027 [§85][§87]. Further contributions include DKK 200 million to UNEP (2022–2025), DKK 80 million to IUCN (by end 2024), DKK 70 million to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2022–2025), and DKK 14 million to the CBD secretariat (2023–2026) [§82][§83][§84][§86].

Civil society and value-chain partnerships include DKK 80 million to the Sustainable Trade Initiative (2022–2025), DKK 30 million to WWF for sustainable soy (2023–2025), DKK 25 million to the World Benchmarking Alliance (2019–2024), and DKK 120 million for authority-to-authority cooperation on water and circular economy (2023–2026) [§87][§88][§89].

Subsidy reform

Denmark reports to the European Commission on environmentally harmful subsidies under the EU's 8th Environment Action Programme [§70]. The 2024 National Energy and Climate Plan states that no direct support or subsidies are granted for fossil fuels in Denmark [§70]. Denmark participates in the Friends of Fossil Fuel Subsidies Reform coalition and supports capacity building for fossil fuel subsidy phase-out in India, Indonesia, and South Africa [§71]. The NBSAP does not enumerate or quantify indirect subsidies.

Sources:

§3 — Foreword by the Minister > Chapter 1
§10 — Natura 2000 areas
§14 — Marine nature fund
§47 — Agreement on a Green Denmark 2024
§57 — Grant schemes under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund
§70 — Environmentally harmful subsidies
§71 — Energy subsidies
§72 — Positive incentives for biodiversity
§76 — Support for nature and biodiversity through development aid
§82 — UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
§83 — UNEP
§84 — IUCN
§85 — GEF and the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund
§86 — CBD secretariat
§87 — New international forestry and nature initiative
§88 — IDH and sustainable soy
§89 — Cooperation with the authorities

7. GBF Target Coverage

Target 1: Spatial planning — Addressed

The Agreement on a Green Denmark establishes that at least 20 per cent of Denmark's total area is to become protected nature, with 15 per cent of existing agricultural area expected to change use by 2030. At sea, the Agreement on a Maritime Spatial Plan provides a spatial framework adopted by all parties in the Danish Parliament, with strictly protected areas rising from 6 per cent to 8 per cent (2028) and 10 per cent (2030). Restrictions in strictly protected areas include bans on fishing, raw material extraction, disposal of dredge soil, and renewable energy installations. The coastal fisheries scheme integrates spatial planning through quotas favouring low-impact gear.

Target 2: Ecosystem restoration — Addressed

Denmark addresses ecosystem restoration through the EU Nature Restoration Law and a suite of domestic initiatives. The government commits to drawing up a national recovery plan. Marine restoration centres on the Maritime Strategy and Action Programme 2024, with more than 100 actions including stone reef establishment at six locations. A marine nature fund of DKK 500 million (2024–2030) is funded through offshore wind revenues. On land, 15 national nature reserves are being implemented with five further under the Agreement on a Green Denmark, and 75,000 hectares of untouched forest are to be established. Two national marine parks are being established in Lillebælt and Øresund.

Target 3: Protected areas (30x30) — Addressed

Denmark reports to the EU a provisional contribution of 15 per cent protected land area and 29 per cent protected sea area, of which 4 per cent is strictly protected. The Agreement on a Green Denmark sets an objective of at least 20 per cent land protection. At sea, the Maritime Spatial Plan commits to more than 30 per cent marine protection, with strictly protected areas increasing to 10 per cent by 2030 through a phased schedule. All commercial fishing is prohibited in strictly protected zones. Instruments include national nature reserves, national parks, 75,000 hectares of untouched forest, and DKK 100 million to the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund for 30 per cent protection goals.

Target 4: Species recovery — Addressed

The 2023 Danish Red List assesses 13,900 species; 41.3 per cent are red-listed. A strategy for the management of endangered and red-listed species (2023) identifies six management measures including dialogue forums, conservation status revision, and biodiversity platforms. Ninety-two wildlife reserves restrict human activities. Management plans exist for otters, beavers, dormice, spotted seals, and grey seals. A legislative proposal on wildlife crime introduces aggravated sentencing, fixed fines, and hunting licence revocation.

Target 5: Sustainable harvest and trade — Addressed

The NBSAP addresses sustainable harvesting through wildlife crime enforcement, 92 wildlife reserves, and fisheries management. The coastal fisheries scheme grants larger quotas for low-impact gear, and a state-owned nature-friendly coastal fishery label (2021) certifies environmentally sound fishing. Species management plans regulate protection and exploitation based on EU nature protection directives.

Target 6: Invasive alien species — Addressed

Denmark adopted an action plan in 2017 with 36 specific measures for control of invasive non-indigenous species, including eradication before establishment. An online reporting portal enables citizen science. The 2023 species strategy identifies updating the invasive species action plan as one of its six management measures. The NBSAP restates the GBF language on 50 per cent impact reduction but does not specify a national measurement method for this threshold.

Target 7: Pollution reduction — Addressed

A multi-source programme covers nutrients, pesticides, chemicals, PFAS, biocides, air pollution, and plastics. The River Basin Management Plans target a 10,400 tonne per year nitrogen reduction with actions across 5,500 km of waterways. The Pesticide Strategy 2022–2026 targets halving pesticide use versus 2011 levels. The Chemicals Initiative 2022–2025 implements over 50 EU initiatives. The government commits to a comprehensive PFAS action plan. The Plastics Action Plan targets separating 80 per cent of plastic waste from incineration by 2030. Clean-air zones require particulate filters on diesel cars in the four largest cities.

Target 8: Climate and biodiversity — Addressed

The legally binding Climate Act commits to a 70 per cent GHG reduction by 2030 (versus 1990) and climate neutrality by 2050. The Agreement on a Green Denmark introduces a CO₂e tax on livestock and carbon-rich soil emissions from 2030, establishes the DKK 40 billion Green Land Fund, and supports removal of 140,000 hectares of carbon-rich soils. The Forest Plan establishes 250,000 hectares of new forest for climate neutrality and net negative emissions. Grant schemes for carbon-rich soil projects total DKK 4.27 billion (2021–2024).

Target 9: Sustainable wildlife management — Addressed

Ninety-two wildlife reserves restrict human activities including hunting. Management and action plans for specific species — otters, beavers, dormice, spotted seals, grey seals — provide a framework for protection, regulation, and sustainable use based on EU nature protection directives. The 2023 species strategy establishes mechanisms for dialogue forums and conservation status revision.

Target 10: Sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fisheries — Addressed

The Agreement on Agriculture commits to 1.9 million tonnes CO₂e reduction by 2030 and 10,800 tonnes nitrogen reduction by 2027. The Agreement on a Green Denmark provides the DKK 40 billion Green Land Fund for land-use restructuring. The CAP Plan 2023 implements biodiversity-friendly practices through organic agriculture schemes and Natura 2000 grant schemes. The National Forestry Programme sets a century-long objective of 20–25 per cent forest cover. Fisheries are managed under the EU Common Fisheries Policy; the EU Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund provides DKK 2.1 billion total for 2021–2027.

Target 11: Nature's contributions to people — Addressed

The NBSAP treats Target 11 as a cross-cutting outcome of pollution reduction. All pollution-related instruments — River Basin Management Plans, Pesticide Strategy, Chemicals Initiative, PFAS measures, Biocidal Initiative, and Plastics Action Plan — are dual-mapped to both Target 7 and Target 11 in Annex 2. The plan identifies healthy ecosystems as climate regulators and links the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 targets for wetlands, turf mosses, and coastal ecosystems with climate adaptation.

Target 12: Urban biodiversity — Mentioned

The NBSAP lists Target 12 among the targets addressed by sectoral integration initiatives. The only specific instrument linked to Target 12 is a "Green map of Denmark," which appears under the heading "Cities" without further elaboration in the plan text. No dedicated urban biodiversity measures, green space targets, or urban planning initiatives are described.

Target 13: Genetic resources and benefit-sharing — Addressed

Denmark has ratified the Nagoya Protocol and implemented it through both the EU ABS Regulation and the domestic 2012 Act on the Division of Gains from Genetic Resources. The framework provides for prior consent and private-law agreements on benefit-sharing between recipients and suppliers of genetic resources.

Target 14: Mainstreaming biodiversity — Addressed

The NBSAP's entire Chapter 4, "Sectoral Integration of Nature and Biodiversity," serves as the mainstreaming chapter, covering circular economy, public procurement, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, cities, business and biodiversity, data, and subsidies. The Ecology Strategy, the Agreement on a Green Denmark, and the maritime fund grant schemes are specifically linked to Target 14 in Annex 2.

Target 15: Business disclosure and impacts — Addressed

A biodiversity partnership established by the Environment Minister presented recommendations in 2024 on reducing land and resource consumption, including use of SBTN and TNFD methods. Approximately 2,200 Danish companies are subject to sustainability reporting under the EU CSRD. The EU Taxonomy Regulation and EU Deforestation Regulation provide additional disclosure and due-diligence requirements. Internationally, Denmark supports the World Benchmarking Alliance (DKK 25 million, 2019–2024) and IDH (DKK 80 million, 2022–2025).

Target 16: Sustainable consumption — Addressed

The National Circular Economy Action Plan 2020–2032 contains 129 initiatives. Public procurement (over 14 per cent of GDP) is to be fully eco-labelled or equivalent by 2030. The waste sector is to be climate-neutral by 2030. The Food Waste Strategy 2024–2027 contains 15 initiatives. The EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation extends design requirements to virtually all physical products, with digital product passports and a ban on destruction of unsold clothing and footwear.

Target 17: Biosafety — Addressed

Denmark has acceded to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. EU and national GMO regulation applies the precautionary principle to the release and marketing of genetically modified organisms. Denmark has adopted specific coexistence legislation regulating the growing of genetically modified crops alongside conventional and organic farming, including compensation provisions for cross-contamination losses.

Target 18: Harmful subsidies — Addressed

Denmark reports on environmentally harmful subsidies under the EU's 8th Environment Action Programme and states that no direct fossil fuel subsidies are granted. Denmark participates in the Friends of Fossil Fuel Subsidies Reform coalition and supports subsidy reform capacity building in India, Indonesia, and South Africa. Positive incentives include grant schemes for carbon-rich soil projects (DKK 4.27 billion in 2021–2024) and the Water and Climate Projects scheme (approximately DKK 1.2 billion by 2027). The NBSAP does not enumerate or quantify indirect subsidies.

Target 19: Finance mobilisation — Addressed

Domestically, the DKK 40 billion Green Land Fund and the DKK 500 million marine nature fund (linked to offshore wind revenues) are the principal instruments. Internationally, Denmark commits DKK 800 million to the GEF (2022–2026, a 78 per cent increase), DKK 100 million to the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, and DKK 1 billion for a new forestry and nature initiative (2024–2027). At least 35 per cent of development aid — approximately DKK 6 billion in 2024 — is directed to green objectives. Multiple bilateral and multilateral channels are itemised with specific amounts and timeframes.

Target 20: Capacity-building and technology transfer — Addressed

Denmark supports the CBD secretariat (DKK 14 million, 2023–2026) for capacity building in developing countries and among indigenous peoples, including NBSAP revision guidance. Authority-to-authority cooperation partnerships operate in Kenya, Indonesia, China, South Africa, India, Morocco, Thailand, and Ethiopia (DKK 120 million, 2023–2026). The framework for authority cooperation was increased to DKK 313 million in 2024.

Target 21: Data and knowledge — Addressed

Three public databases are maintained: the Danish Environment Portal (national environmental data), Arter.dk (species information, operated as a multi-institutional partnership), and the Danish Red List (approximately 13,900 species assessed by Aarhus University). The species strategy identifies the possibility of expanding citizen science data collection and creating a biodiversity platform for stakeholders.

Target 22: Inclusive participation — Addressed

The NBSAP addresses inclusive participation primarily through international development cooperation. The IWGIA partnership (DKK 18 million/year, 2024–2027) focuses on indigenous peoples' land rights, indigenous women and girls, and global governance. The Forests of the World partnership (DKK 16 million/year, 2022–2025) centres on indigenous peoples' rights and self-determination. No domestic participatory mechanism for biodiversity policy is described beyond the international programmes.

Target 23: Gender equality — Mentioned

The NBSAP states that Target 23 aims to ensure gender equality in implementation through a gender-responsive process. Gender references appear only within international indigenous peoples' partnerships: the IWGIA partnership includes a focus on indigenous women and girls, and the Forests of the World partnership includes women's inclusion. No dedicated domestic gender-responsive biodiversity mechanism is described.