Utilizing Science and Technology to Enhance Biodiversity Health

The second consecutive meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice at UNEP’s home in Nairobi saw key figures in the field of biodiversity come together to address pressing issues and challenges facing our planet. Mr. David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, along with Ms. Senka Barudanovi, Chair of the Subsidiary Body, and Ms. Jihyun Lee, Secretary of the Subsidiary Body, highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach to achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

In his address, Mr. Cooper emphasized the need for increased accountability and capacity building to ensure the success of the GBF’s monitoring framework. He called on the body to take key decisions that would enable countries to deliver on their commitments and address gaps and challenges in the implementation of the framework.

Furthermore, the meeting focused on advancing the Global Action Plan on biodiversity and health, highlighting the interconnectedness of planetary and human health. The Plan aims to bring biodiversity to the attention of decision-makers and spur action across all sectors of government and society.

Lastly, the meeting discussed the importance of elevating marine and coastal work on the global agenda, particularly in light of the UN Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty and the Oceans Decade. Collaborating with UNEP, the body aims to identify effective conservation measures and develop guidelines for ecologically significant marine areas.

In closing, Mr. Cooper thanked the attendees for their dedication to promoting healthy biodiversity for a healthy planet and urged them to take strong decisions to advance this crucial agenda. The meeting concluded with a call to action to address the pressing challenges facing our planet and ensure a sustainable future for all.