12 October 2013: Held prior to 17th meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA), in Montreal, Canada, the expert workshop on enhancing biodiversity data and observing systems in support of the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 addressed ways in which the collection of, access to and the use of biodiversity data and observations can be enhanced to support evidence-based decision making and planning, with a view to achieving the Aichi biodiversity targets and corresponding national targets.

The workshop was co-organized by the Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON) and the Secretariat of the CBD, with support from Diversitas and the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Workshop participants examined, in particular, how the tools, products and approaches developed by GEO BON could help CBD Parties achieve the Aichi targets and corresponding national targets.

Participants heard presentations on GEO BON and its work, and shared national case studies covering national activities, needs and barriers to observation. A session on data needs and methods for data collection focused on: opportunities to collect data using new products and techniques; and data collection and access to data at the national level, as well as obstacles to and arguments for improved national data collection and access. A session on observing systems discussed how national observation can be supported by regional and global observing systems. [IISD RS Briefing Note on the Workshop][UNEP-WCMC Release]