COP16 TO THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (CBD)

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Technical experts from across the world are gathered at the United Nations headquarters in Kenya in preparation for the 16th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

EXPLANATION:

• These discussions are critical for shaping the agenda and outcomes of COP16, which will be held in Cali, Colombia, from October 21 to November 1, 2024.
• Central to these meetings is the assessment of progress towards the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, now referred to as the Biodiversity Plan, which aims to achieve its ambitious goals by 2030.

Subsidiary Bodies: Roles and Focus Areas

• Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA)
  • SBSTTA 26, one of the key subsidiary bodies, is addressing several scientific and technical issues essential for the implementation of the Biodiversity Plan.
  • The primary focus areas include:
    • Development of Indicators: Establishing metrics to monitor progress towards the 23 targets of the Biodiversity Plan.
    • Scientific and Technical Needs: Identifying the requirements to support effective implementation of the framework.
    • Synthetic Biology: Evaluating the implications of synthetic biology on biodiversity.
    • Risk Assessment and Management: Formulating strategies to assess and manage risks associated with living modified organisms.
    • Detection and Identification: Enhancing methods for identifying living modified organisms.
    • Marine and Coastal Biodiversity: Addressing the specific needs and challenges in marine and coastal ecosystems.
    • Biodiversity and Health: Exploring the interconnections between biodiversity and human health.
  • Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI)
    • SBI 4 is concentrating on the practical aspects of implementing the Biodiversity Plan. Its key areas of focus include:
      • Review of Implementation: Evaluating current progress and updating national biodiversity strategies and action plans.
      • Resource Mobilization and Financial Mechanism: Ensuring adequate financial resources are available for implementation.
      • Capacity Building and Development: Strengthening the capabilities of nations to implement biodiversity strategies.
      • Technical and Scientific Cooperation: Fostering collaboration among countries and with international organizations.
      • Knowledge Management: Improving the sharing and management of information related to biodiversity.
      • Cooperation with Other Conventions: Enhancing synergies with other international conventions and organizations.

Key Discussions and Outcomes

• Monitoring Framework and Implementation Support
  • On the first day of the meetings, the focus was on developing a robust monitoring framework and identifying the scientific and technical needs necessary for implementing the Biodiversity Plan.
  • This framework, created by the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group, is crucial for tracking progress and ensuring that the goals of the Biodiversity Plan are met.
  • The endorsement of this framework by experts is essential for its discussion and potential adoption at COP16.
• Synthetic Biology and Biodiversity
  • Another critical issue discussed was the impact of synthetic biology on biodiversity.
  • Experts have compiled available information on this topic, which will be used to provide informed recommendations at COP16.
  • The discussions aim to understand the potential risks and benefits of synthetic biology, ensuring that its development does not adversely affect biodiversity.
• Significance of the Meetings
  • Acting executive secretary of CBD emphasized the importance of these meetings in transitioning from agreement to action.
  • The detailed deliberations and expert inputs are vital for fine-tuning the Biodiversity Plan, ensuring that it is actionable and effective.
  • The meetings underscore the crucial role of science in guiding the future of the convention and achieving its targets.

Challenges and the Path Forward

• The meetings in Nairobi highlight the complex challenges faced by the global community in preserving biodiversity.
• Achieving the 2030 targets requires concerted efforts and cooperation among nations, adequate financial resources, and robust scientific and technical support.
• The discussions aim to address these challenges by refining strategies, enhancing cooperation, and ensuring effective implementation mechanisms are in place.

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):

• The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty established in 1992 during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
• The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has three main objectives:
  • the conservation of biological diversity;
  • the sustainable use of the components of biological diversity;
  • the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.
• The Convention acknowledges the special needs of LDCs, among those of other developing countries:
  • Preamble: Parties acknowledge that “special provision is required to meet the needs of developing countries, including the provision of new and additional financial resources and appropriate access to relevant technologies” and, in this regard, note “the special conditions of the least developed countries and small island States”.
  • Article 20.5: Parties commit to taking “full account of the specific needs and special situation of least developed countries in their actions with regard to funding and transfer of technology”.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/road-to-cop16-two-subsidiary-bodies-of-convention-on-biological-diversity-begin-talks-in-nairobi-96145