Nairobi, home to UNEP and a nation rich in biodiversity, plays host to the 25th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical, and Technological Advice (SBSTTA-25), a significant event given UNEP’s scientific and technical orientation.
Gratitude is extended to Sr. Hesiquio Benitez Diaz, SBSTTA Chair, for his unwavering commitment to bolstering scientific support for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Global Commitments and the Need for Comprehensive Approaches
At the CBD COP15, the world’s nations embraced the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and a suite of crucial decisions. Fulfilling these commitments demands a comprehensive approach involving governments, society, innovative finance, policy reform, and, critically, robust science. This meeting is pivotal in laying the scientific, technical, and technological groundwork for addressing biodiversity loss as we approach COP16 and beyond.
It’s essential to build upon past achievements and shape the future with well-informed strategies. The links between climate change and biodiversity loss, alongside the environmental crisis caused by pollution and waste, underscore the need for a broad, deep, and robust foundation to address the entire spectrum of challenges.
Transparency, Accountability, and Global Monitoring Frameworks
The meeting also highlights the significance of scientific approaches in ensuring transparency and accountability in executing the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The development of a global monitoring framework, aided by the ad hoc technical expert group, and the incorporation of scientific, technical, and technological insights into the global review at COP17 are pivotal for success and the formulation and execution of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans.
Simultaneously, while discussions continue on the global monitoring framework, nations must establish and implement national monitoring frameworks. These frameworks will serve as the basis for action at both national and global scales. Building them will require investments and scientific and technical expertise.
UNEP is firmly committed to supporting GBF implementation, evident in its Medium-term Strategy and work program. The organization plays a vital role in guiding the entire UN system toward achieving biodiversity goals, aligning with the UN Common Approach to Biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions. UNEP offers technical advice on solutions, aids in integrating biodiversity into UN Country Cooperation Frameworks, and supports regional ministerial processes and Parties as they act on COP15 commitments.
Urgency and Collaboration
Nearly a year has elapsed since the world adopted the GBF, and the clock is ticking louder and faster toward 2030. The need for action is pressing. Productive discussions at SBSTTA-25 will hopefully pave the way for a future where nations worldwide can build societies that promote nature’s well-being, supported by the solid scientific, technical, and technological foundation you are laying.
