Building a scientific foundation for action on biodiversity

Welcome to Nairobi – the home of UNEP and the capital of a nation teeming with biodiversity

The city of Nairobi, known for its rich biodiversity, is hosting the 25th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA-25). This meeting is significant as it aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Acknowledging the Importance of Science in CBD

UNEP would like to express gratitude to Sr. Hesiquio Benitez Diaz, SBSTTA Chair, for his efforts in promoting strong scientific support for the CBD over the past five years.

Implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

The adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and associated decisions at CBD COP15 necessitates a comprehensive approach involving governments and society as a whole. This approach requires flexible and innovative financing, policy changes to eliminate harmful subsidies and practices, and the utilization of the best available science and technology.

Building a Foundation for Action

The SBSTTA-25 meeting serves as a crucial milestone in establishing a scientific, technical, and technological foundation to address and reverse biodiversity loss. It is essential to leverage past successes and inform future actions.

Addressing the Triple Planetary Crisis

The meeting will also explore the interconnectedness between climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The foundation being built must be comprehensive enough to address all aspects of the triple crisis.

Transparency and Accountability in GBF Implementation

Ensuring transparency and accountability in delivering the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) is a top priority. Progress in developing a global monitoring framework will be assessed, and scientific, technical, and technological inputs for the global review at COP17 will be considered. This work is crucial for the successful implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans.

National Monitoring Frameworks

In addition to the global monitoring framework, parties must develop and implement national monitoring frameworks. These frameworks will inform action at the national level and contribute to a better understanding of global biodiversity change. Building these frameworks requires investment, scientific expertise, and technical capacity.

UNEP’s Support for GBF Implementation

UNEP is fully committed to supporting the implementation of the GBF through its Medium-term Strategy and program of work. UNEP also plays a vital role in assisting the entire UN system in fulfilling biodiversity objectives, as outlined in the UN Common Approach to Biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions. UNEP provides technical advice, supports the integration of biodiversity into UN Country Cooperation Frameworks, and assists regional ministerial processes and Parties in fulfilling commitments from COP15.

Urgency for Action

Almost a year has passed since the adoption of the GBF, and time is of the essence. The remaining years until 2030 will pass quickly, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

Wishing you fruitful discussions, UNEP looks forward to a future where nations build nature-positive societies based on the scientific, technical, and technological foundation provided by SBSTTA-25.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
   • Indicator: The article mentions the commitment to protecting biodiversity under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which is directly related to the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and their services.

2. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
   • Indicator: The article highlights the close links between climate change and biodiversity loss, indicating the need for education and awareness-raising on climate change impacts and mitigation strategies.

3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
   • Indicator: The article mentions pollution and waste as a cause of biodiversity loss, indicating the need for environmentally sound management of chemicals and waste to minimize their adverse impacts.

4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.14: Enhance policy coherence for sustainable development.
   • Indicator: The article emphasizes the need for a whole of government, whole of society approach and shifts in domestic policy to support biodiversity conservation, indicating the importance of policy coherence for sustainable development.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: unep.org

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