Recently, the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA-25) held its 25th meeting in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting concluded with a set of recommendations aimed at transitioning from consensus to action following the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) in December 2022. The primary focus was on developing a progress monitoring mechanism.
Understanding the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
The SBSTTA is an open-ended intergovernmental scientific advisory body, established under Article 25 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It provides timely advice related to the implementation of the convention to the Conference of the Parties (COP), and other relevant bodies.
Highlights from the Recent SBSTTA-25 Meeting
During the meeting, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) presented reports highlighting the role of invasive species in driving extinction. Also discussed were the Methodological Assessment Report on Diverse Values and Valuation of Nature, and the Thematic Assessment Report on the Sustainable Use of Wild Species, which shed light on the intricate relationship between biodiversity and the impact of invasive species.
In addition to IPBES findings, key points from the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC AR6) were also deliberated upon. This report emphasizes that climate change is the major driver of biodiversity loss and underscores the capacity of biodiversity to support climate adaptation, resilience and mitigation.
Addressing Converging Environmental Crises
During the meeting, experts noted that biodiversity loss, climate change, ocean acidification, desertification, land degradation, invasive alien species, and pollution are interconnected crises. To address these crises effectively, 15 key recommendations were finalized for presentation at the upcoming 16th meeting of the COP to the CBD.
Role of Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted during the 15th COP of the CBD, sets an ambitious pathway to achieve global vision of symbiosis with nature by 2050. A key proposal of this framework is the ’30 by 30′ target which suggests giving 30% of Earth’s land and oceans protected status by 2030. The framework outlines four goals and 23 targets to be achieved by 2030 and 2050 respectively, focusing on conservation, sustainable use, fair benefits sharing and transformative change.
Kunming Biodiversity Fund
In addition to the GBF, China pledged to contribute USD 233 million to a new fund dubbed the Kunming Biodiversity Fund, aimed at protecting biodiversity in developing countries. Some wealthy country donors have questioned the need for a new fund, pointing out that the United Nations’ Global Environment Facility already assists developing countries in financing green projects.
Previous Year Questions in UPSC Civil Services Examination
For reference, previous years’ questions related to similar topics were presented. These included a question from the 2018 exam on the ‘Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now’ initiative and a 2016 question on the importance of the ‘United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’.