The subsidiary bodies of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) dissected the outcomes of the global review of collective progress in the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). In an effort to turn the global review into a catalyst of accelerated action, they provided recommendations for the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 17), which will formally carry out the review.
The Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) summary report notes that the 28th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA 28) and the seventh meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI 7) brought together the two subsidiary bodies’ complementary mandates. SBSTTA provided inputs on the scientific, technical, and technological advice needed to understand progress and guide action while SBI addressed the implementation conditions required to translate ambition into delivery.
Delegates welcomed the findings of the global review, revealing that “the GBF has generated unprecedented global engagement, action, innovation, and learning across all 23 targets.” However, as the ENB analysis of the meeting notes, they acknowledged that progress is uneven and without rapid acceleration, implementation will remain inadequate to put the 2030 targets within reach.
According to ENB, the subsidiary bodies’ recommendations on the global review to COP 17 formed two complementary strands: the global review and Yerevan Pathway; and the strengthening of the planning, monitoring, reporting, and review. The Pathway focuses on five areas for accelerated action:
- completing national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs) and national targets;
- strengthening means of implementation, particularly finance, capacity building, technology, and technical cooperation;
- whole-of-government approaches;
- whole-of-society participation, including Indigenous Peoples and local communities, women, and youth; and
- monitoring and knowledge.
In addition to the recommendations to COP 17 on the global review, SBSTTA adopted recommendations related to: planning, monitoring, reporting, and review; marine and coastal biodiversity; synthetic biology; protected areas; sustainable wildlife management; and the work programme of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).
SBI’s outcomes included recommendations on: review of implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety; communication, education, and public awareness; capacity building and development; technical and scientific cooperation and technology transfer; resource mobilization; and the financial mechanism.
SBSTTA 28 and SBI 7 convened in Nairobi, Kenya, from 27 July to 1 August and 4-12 August 2026, respectively. CBD COP 17 will take place from 19-30 October 2026. [ENB Coverage of SBSTTA 28 and SBI 7]