Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have begun deliberations in Nairobi to review progress towards the 23 targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and identify measures to accelerate implementation ahead of the 2030 deadline.

The discussions form part of a broad agenda covering scientific, technical and implementation issues that will inform recommendations for the 2026 United Nations Biodiversity Conference, including the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) and the meetings of the Nagoya and Cartagena Protocols (MOP6 and MOP12), scheduled to hold in Yerevan, Armenia, in October.

At the halfway point of implementing the KMGBF, which was unanimously adopted in 2022, Parties are considering the first comprehensive global assessment of progress towards the framework’s targets. The report, titled State of Biodiversity Action, will provide the evidence base for the Global Review at COP17.

The assessment shows that although the framework has generated unprecedented global engagement for biodiversity conservation, current efforts remain insufficient to achieve the 2030 targets.

During the Nairobi meetings, Parties will examine the report’s findings and negotiate recommendations for COP17. The final version of the report will be released shortly after the meetings conclude.

The negotiations are taking place through two subsidiary bodies of the Convention: the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) and the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI). Together, the meetings will review scientific evidence, identify implementation challenges and develop recommendations that will shape negotiations and decisions at COP17.

SBSTTA-28 will examine the scientific and technical evidence underpinning decisions expected at COP17 and identify areas where global biodiversity action requires greater ambition. Delegates will also negotiate recommendations on marine and coastal biodiversity, protected and conserved areas, sustainable wildlife management, synthetic biology, and the application of scientific knowledge to decision-making, including the Business and Biodiversity Assessment published earlier this year by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

Building on those scientific recommendations, SBI-7 will focus on policies, financing and other implementation measures needed to accelerate progress. Discussions will cover resource mobilisation, digital sequence information (DSI) on genetic resources, capacity building, biodiversity mainstreaming, and implementation of the Cartagena and Nagoya Protocols.

Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Astrid Schomaker, said the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework has generated unprecedented global momentum for biodiversity conservation.

“We now have, for the first time through the Global Report, a shared evidence base on how we are progressing in implementing the Framework. However, evidence is only valuable if it informs action. The negotiations beginning today provide an opportunity for Parties to use this evidence to build consensus on the first Global Review and the decisions needed to raise ambition, accelerate implementation and scale up biodiversity action at COP17,” she said.

Chair of SBSTTA-28, Jean Mikissa of Gabon, said the body’s recommendations serve as the vital link between scientific evidence and political decision-making.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that the information and recommendations presented to Parties are scientifically robust, technically sound and responsive to their needs as preparations for COP17 continue,” he said.
Chair of SBI-7, Clarissa Souza Della Nina of Brazil, described the meeting as a critical milestone on the road to COP17.

She said Parties would consider issues capable of shaping the global biodiversity agenda through 2030 and beyond, including how to use the findings of the Global Review to accelerate implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, address biodiversity financing gaps and harmful incentives, mainstream biodiversity across economic sectors and all levels of government, advance a global biodiversity education plan, and strengthen implementation of the Cartagena and Nagoya Protocols.

“The decisions taken at SBI-7 will help define the level of ambition we can expect at COP17 and will be instrumental in accelerating collective action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss,” she said.