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In Memoriam: Orestes Plasencia (1965 – 2022)
With immense sadness, we announce the death of our colleague, Orestes Plasencia, who held the position of Editor at the SCBD
Webinars to support discussions at the resumed sessions of SBSTTA-24, SBI-3 and WG2020-3
Updates on new documents, organization of work and other aspects of the resumed meetings of the CBD
IISD/ENB | Mike Muzurakis
March 2022, Geneva: Resumed meetings of the Convention on Biological Diversity
Resumed sessions of SBSTTA-24, SBI-3 and WG2020-3 will take place from 13 to 29 March 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland
Philipp Potocnik/unsplash
Despite its challenges, 2021 was a year of progress.
Marcus Neto/unsplash.com
New platform for the Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH)
The BCH is an online platform for exchanging information on Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) and a key tool for facilitating the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
The Nagoya Protocol brings fairness, equity, and sustainability to the new global agenda for biodiversity
The Nagoya Protocol is a tool for sustainable development, environmental and social justice in the post-2020 era
Adobe Stock / Sourabh
UN Biodiversity Conference Phase One -- 11 to 15 October 2021
Phase one took place virtually and included a High-Level Segment from 12 to 13 October.
Fast-tracking action in support of post-2020 global biodiversity framework
The Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have issued a joint statement of support to commit to fast-track support to governments to prepare for the rapid implementation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.
Unsplash/Clay Banks
A New Global Framework for Managing Nature Through 2030: 1st Detailed Draft Agreement Debuts
The Framework comprises 21 targets and 10 'milestones' proposed for 2030, en route to 'living in harmony with nature' by 2050.
Humanity at a crossroads: GBO-5 synthesizes scientific basis for urgent action
The Global Biodiversity Outlook 5 report outlines eight major transitions needed to slow, then halt nature's accelerating decline.
Decisions & Recommendations
Media headlines
19.01.2022 The moderators' summary of the online discussions on biosafety commitments from non-state actors for the Action Agenda for Nature and People is now av...
12.01.2022 UN Biodiversity Convention to host series of webinars prior to the resumed sessions of its two subsidiary bodies and working group on post-2020 global...
18.01.2022 // 2022-005 Core Programme Budget of the Nagoya Protocol: Scale of assessment for the apportionment of expenses for 2022
18.01.2022 // 2022-003 Core Programme Budget of the Convention on Biological Diversity: Scale of assessment for the apportionment of expenses for 2022
20.01.2022 New ´fast track´ Access and Benefit-Sharing Agreement for Costa Rican microbes
20.01.2022 Rethinking how valley fever spreads
19.01.2022-19.01.2022 Webinar on monitoring marine and coastal biodiversity in the draft post-2020 global biodiversity framework (SBSTTA-24 items 3 and 6)
18.01.2022-18.01.2022 Webinar: Introduction to the draft post-2020 gender plan of action and associated documents (SBI-3 agenda item 5)
27.10.2021 // NP-MOP-04 Decision 4/1 - Budget for the integrated programme of work of the Secretariat
27.10.2021 // CP-MOP-10 Decision 10/1 - Budget for the integrated programme of work of the Secretariat
27.10.2021 // COP-15 Decision 15/1 - Proposed interim budget for the programme of work of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and t...
14.05.2021 // WG2020-02 Recommendation 2/1 - Preparation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework: conclusions of the Working Group at its second meeting
15.06.2020 // SBSTTA-23 Recommendation 23/5 - Possible elements of work on the links between nature and culture in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework
06.05.2020 // WG2020-01 Recommendation 1/1 - Preparation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework: conclusions of the Working Group at its first meeting
16.12.2019 // WG8J-11 Recommendation 11/1 - In-depth dialogue on the thematic areas and other cross-cutting issues
26.02.2019 // NP-MOP-03 Decision 3/16 - Programme of work and budget (Nagoya Protocol)
25.01.2022-25.01.2022 Scientific webinar: Expert input from the scientific community on the post-2020 global biodiversity framework (linked to WG2020-3 and SBSTTA-24 agenda...
27.01.2022-27.01.2022 Webinar on the updated monitoring framework and associated information documents (SBSTTA-24 agenda item 3)
13.01.2022-13.01.2022 Webinar: Introduction to the SBI documents on options to enhance planning, monitoring, reporting and reviewing mechanisms (SBI-3 agenda item 9)
01.02.2022-01.02.2022 Webinar: Introduction to the reflections document of the Co-Chairs of the Open-ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (WG2...
03.02.2022-03.02.2022 Webinar: Introduction to the documents on digital sequence information on genetic resources (WG2020-3 agenda item 5)
14.12.2021-14.12.2021 Webinar on Resource Mobilization and the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework: Reflections from the Report of the Panel of Experts
20.01.2022 Gene loss due to one-sided diet: Evolutionary adaptation could be dangerous for predators
20.01.2022 Polar ice contaminated with nanoplastics
20.01.2022 Historical study of Norwegian archipelago Svalbard shows rate of melting glaciers speeding up
20.01.2022 Scientists find previously unknown jumping behavior in insects
20.01.2022 Air pollution significantly reduces pollination by confusing butterflies and bees
18.01.2022 // 2022-004 Core Programme Budget of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety: Scale of assessment for the apportionment of expenses for 2022
10.01.2022 // 2022-002 Fourth Call for Proposals under the Bio-Bridge Initiative
07.01.2022 // 2022-001 Upcoming webinars to support discussions at the resumed sessions of SBSTTA-24, SBI-3 and WG2020-3
22.12.2021 // 2021-085 NEW DATES: Resumed sessions of SBSTTA 24, SBI 3 and WG2020-3, 13-29 March 2022 - Geneva, Switzerland
10.12.2021 // 2021-084 "Training Manual for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities on the Convention on Biological Diversity"
09.12.2021 // 2021-083 Contact information of competent authority to perform the functions set out in Article 5 of the Nagoya – Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liabil...
22.12.2021 New dates announced for resumed sessions of UN Biodiversity Convention's two subsidiary bodies and post-2020 global biodiversity framework working gr...
09.12.2021 Statement by Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of International Mountain Day
08.12.2021 New and improved Biosafety Clearing-House platform now available online to assist Parties in implementing the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
02.12.2021 UN Biodiversity Convention postpones in-person resumed sessions of its two subsidiary bodies and working group on post-2020 global biodiversity framew...
01.12.2021 Young Scientist Awards 2022 of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme
01.12.2021 Issue 2 of the Action Agenda Newsletter on Biodiversity Commitments for non-state actors is now available.
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Scientific Webinar: Update from the Scientific Community on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (linked to WG2020 and SBSTTA item 3)
Date: 25 January 2022 Sessions: 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. (EST) and 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. (EST) Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5329975395131878670 Since the release of the First Draft of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework on 12 July 2021, Parties to the CBD and several stakeholders have noted that the links between the 2030 action targets and the framework's 2050 goals need to be made clear. Moreover, Parties have repeatedly expressed interest in receiving additional expert input to support discussions and negotiations of the framework during meetings of the Working Group and the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice. To respond to this need, a group of international experts was convened by the bioDISCOVERY program of Future Earth and the Secretariat of the Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON) to provide an updated scientific synthesis and assessment based on the First Draft of the post...
Webinar: Draft Post-2020 Gender Plan of Action and Associated Documents (SBI Item 5)
Recording of the webinar PPT presentation Date: 18 January 2022 Sessions: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. (EST) Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7014061071354272011 The virtual session of the third meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation held in May and June 2021 discussed among other topics the draft outline of a post-2020 gender plan of action. Following requests for more time for consideration, an extended consultation on the draft outline was held from 23 June to 29 July 2021, with a Virtual Discussion held on 27 and 29 July 2021. Based on inputs and submissions received, a draft post-2020 gender plan of action was prepared for consideration at the resumed session of SBI 3, which is now scheduled for 13-29 March 2022. Two information documents have also been prepared in association with the draft gender plan. The draft gender plan of action and associated information documents are available on the CBD websi...
Webinar: Mechanisms for reporting, assessment and review of implementation (SBI item 9)
Recording of the morning session Recording of the evening session PPT presentation Templates for submitting advanced comments on the annexes Date: 13 January 2022 Sessions: 8:00 a.m. (EST) and 6:00 p.m. (EST) The virtual session of the third meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation held in May and June 2021 discussed, among other matters, options to enhance planning, monitoring, reporting and reviewing mechanisms for the Convention and the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, and prepared a draft conference room paper (CBD/SBI/3/CRP.5) for further discussion and adoption at the resumed session of SBI 3, which is now scheduled for 13-29 March 2022. The conference room paper (CBD/SBI/3/CRP.5) contains four annexes, which SBI 3 requested the Executive Secretary to develop or revise and provide them for consideration at the resumed session. In response, the Executive Secretary has prepared these four annexes contained in the following documen...
With immense sadness, we announce the death of our colleague, Orestes Plasencia, who held the position of Editor at the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity since 2014. Orestes left us suddenly on 5 January while in Miami, Florida. Orestes gave a lifetime of service to the United Nations. Originally from Cuba, he joined the UN in 1987 at a General Service staff in New York and moved up the ladder, later working in Amman at ESCWA and in Bangkok at ESCAP. Orestes joined the Secretariat of the Convention in 2014 as the Editor and has led the editorial and translation team and recently the Conference Services unit. Orestes was known as a kind and quiet colleague with a warm heart and a strong sense of humour. We appreciate his dedication and meticulous work, often over long hours and during intense intergovernmental meetings, which directly helped to ensure the highest quality in the outputs of the Convention. ...
Preparatory webinars for upcoming resumed meetings of the Convention on Biological Diversity: SBSTTA-24, SBI-3, WG2020-3
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is hosting a series of webinars to update Parties and stakeholders on new documents, the organization of work and other aspects of the resumed sessions of the twenty-fourth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA-24), the third meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI-3) and the third meeting of the Open-ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (WG2020-3), scheduled for 13-29 March 2022 in Geneva. The webinars help maintain critical momentum ahead of the resumed three meetings; meetings that are critical for developing an ambitious, action-oriented and accountable post-2020 global biodiversity framework essential for human well-being, sustainable development and the future of all life on Earth. The webinars, organized by the CBD Secretariat in collaboration with the SBSTTA Chair, the SBI Chair and the WG2020 Co-Chairs, as well as partner organ...
The physical meeting of the resumed sessions of the Convention on Biological Diversity's (CBD) scientific and implementation bodies, and the working group tasked with developing the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, have been rescheduled from the original date of 12-28 January 2022. The resumed meetings in Geneva will be conducted in person. However, provision will be made to allow delegations from Parties and observers to follow the sessions of the meetings, both plenary and contact groups, virtually. More Information Notification Press Release Post-2020 global biodiversity framework SBSTTA-24 SBI-3
Webinar: Monitoring marine and coastal biodiversity in the draft post-2020 global biodiversity framework (SBSTTA item 3)
Recording of the webinar Date: 19 January 2022 Sessions: 7:00 a.m. - 8.30 a.m. (EST) Registration: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8024663989888512779 The post-2020 global biodiversity framework, which will contain a new set of global goals and targets for biodiversity, is currently being negotiated under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and is expected to be finalized and adopted at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CBD in Kunming, China, in 2022. The framework includes a draft monitoring framework with proposed headline indicators to track progress towards the goals and targets. The proposed headline indicators in the draft monitoring framework are relatively generic and are intended to cover a wide range of elements of nature and biodiversity, including in marine and coastal areas. Furthermore, they are intended to complement existing monitoring and reporting processes. Therefore, it is important to (i) identify t...
Further to notification 2021-085 on the resumed sessions of the twenty-fourth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA-24), the third meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI-3) and the third meeting of the Open-ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (WG2020-3), scheduled to take place on 13-29 March 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland, the Secretariat, in collaboration with the SBSTTA Chair, the SBI Chair and the WG2020 Co-Chairs, as well as partner organizations, is hosting a series of webinars leading up to the resumed sessions, to update Parties and stakeholders on new documents, the organization of work and other aspects of the meetings, as needed (see notification 2022-001). A preliminary list of webinars and tentative dates is available below and will be updated over time. The webinars are conducted in English only.
2021: A Year in Review If 2020 forced the world to re-examine its relationship with nature, 2021 led us to experiment with new ways of connecting with biodiversity and each other. As the COVID-19 pandemic continued into its second year, 2021 saw a number of "firsts" for the Convention on Biological Diversity – from the first part of the UN Biodiversity Conference to the first virtual meeting of the Open-ended Working Group to the launch of the first detailed draft of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, key progress was made towards advancing the three objectives of the Convention: the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. Biodiversity continued to gain traction as a mainstream global issue with growing public awareness of its importance and new commitments to protect it. As we wrap up 2021, we are sti...
Elizabeth Maruma Mrema
Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, a national of the United Republic of Tanzania, is the seventh Executive Secretary to head the UN Biodiversity Convention. Ms. Mrema has worked with UNEP for over two decades. Prior to joining the Law Division in June 2014, she was Deputy Director of the Ecosystems Division, in charge of coordination, operations and programme delivery from 2012 and for one year also served as Acting Director to the same Division. In 2018, in addition to her responsibilities as the Law Division Director, she was also the Acting Director of the Corporate Services Division.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) has established seven thematic programmes of work (listed below) which correspond to some of the major biomes on the planet. Each programme establishes a vision for, and basic principles to guide future work. They also set out key issues for consideration, identify potential outputs, and suggest a timetable and means for achieving these. Implementation of the work programmes depends on contributions from Parties, the Secretariat, relevant intergovernmental and other organizations. Periodically, the COP and the SBSTTA review the state of implementation of the work programmes.
Agricultural Biodiversity Dry and Sub-humid Land Biodiversity Forest Biodiversity Inland Waters Biodiversity Island Biodiversity Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Mountain Biodiversity
The COP has also initiated work on key matters of relevance to all thematic areas. These cross-cutting issues correspond to the issues addressed in the Convention's substantive provisions in Articles 6-20, and provide bridges and links between the thematic programmes. Some cross cutting initiatives directly support work under thematic programmes, for example, the work on indicators provides information on the status and trends of biodiversity for all biomes. Others develop discrete products quite separate from the thematic programmes.
Aichi Biodiversity Targets Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-sharing Biological and Cultural Diversity Biodiversity for Development Capacity-building Climate Change and Biodiversity Communication, Education and Public Awareness Digital sequence information on genetic resources Economics, Trade and Incentive Measures Ecosystem Approach Ecosystem Restoration Gender and Biodiversity Global Strategy for Plant Conservation Global Taxonomy Initiative Health & Biodiversity Impact Assessment Identification, Monitoring, Indicators and Assessments Invasive Alien Species Liability and Redress - Article 14.2 New & Emerging Issues Peace and Biodiversity Dialogue Initiative Protected Areas Sustainable Use of Biodiversity Sustainable Wildlife Management Technical and Scientific Cooperation Technology Transfer Tourism and Biodiversity Traditional Knowledge, Innovations and Practices - Article 8(j)
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Sustainable Ocean Day: Ocean Voices
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Clearing-House Mechanism of the Convention on Biological Diversity
The Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM) contributes to the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity by promoting and facilitating scientific and technical cooperation, knowledge sharing and information exchange, and by establishing a fully operational network of Parties and partners.
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Biosafety Clearing-House
The Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH) is a mechanism set up by the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to facilitate the exchange of information on Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) and assist the Parties to better comply with their obligations under the Protocol.
Access and Benefit-Sharing Clearing-House
The Access and Benefit-Sharing Clearing-House (ABSCH) is a platform for exchanging information on ABSCH and a key tool for facilitating the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol.
Access and Benefit-Sharing Clearing-House Biosafety Clearing-House Clearing-House Mechanism Contributions Country Profiles Meetings and Events National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) National Focal Points National Reports News Headlines Notifications Parties Publications
Business, Women, Youth and other Stakeholders Climate Change Poverty Reduction Food Water Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities