The 25th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA-25) held in Nairobi marked a significant step forward in the global efforts to preserve biodiversity. During this meeting, crucial recommendations were agreed upon to support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

Understanding the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)

The KMGBF, adopted in 2022 at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), stands as a beacon of hope for the preservation of Earth’s diverse ecosystems. Its primary objective is to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by the year 2030.

To achieve this, the framework outlines 23 specific targets that must be met within the next decade. These targets are aligned with four global goals, emphasizing the critical need to conserve biodiversity for both current and future generations. It’s important to note that while these goals are ambitious, the agreement is not legally binding on its member nations.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): A Pillar of Environmental Conservation

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) serves as the international legal instrument dedicated to the conservation of biological diversity. Encompassing the sustainable use of its components and ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources, the CBD was established in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

Since its inception, 196 nations have ratified this vital convention, underlining the global commitment to biodiversity conservation. The CBD’s secretariat operates from Montreal, Canada, symbolizing international cooperation in action.

Supplementary Agreements

In addition to the CBD, two supplementary agreements play pivotal roles in enhancing global biodiversity conservation efforts. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety focuses on the safe transfer, handling, and use of living modified organisms, ensuring the protection of both biodiversity and human health.

Meanwhile, the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing emphasizes the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources, promoting international cooperation and ensuring that the conservation of biodiversity also leads to social and economic development.

Important Points:

  • SBSTTA-25 Recommendations:
    • Key decisions made during the 25th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical, and Technological Advice (SBSTTA-25).
    • Focus on supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
  • Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF):
    • Adopted in 2022 at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
    • Aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
    • Features 23 specific targets to be achieved by 2030.
    • Emphasizes four global goals to preserve biodiversity for current and future generations.
    • Not legally binding on member nations.
  • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):
    • Established in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
    • International legal instrument for the conservation of biological diversity.
    • Focuses on sustainable use of biological components and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources.
    • Ratified by 196 nations, highlighting global commitment to biodiversity conservation.
    • CBD’s secretariat located in Montreal, Canada.
  • Supplementary Agreements:
    • Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety:
      • Ensures safe transfer, handling, and use of living modified organisms.
      • Focuses on protecting biodiversity and human health.
    • Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing:
      • Promotes fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources.
      • Encourages international cooperation, linking biodiversity conservation to social and economic development.
  • Global Cooperation:
    • Reflects the collaborative efforts of nations to conserve biodiversity.
    • Highlights the importance of proactive measures and international partnerships.
    • Aims to preserve Earth’s diverse ecosystems for sustainable development and future generations.
Why In News

At the 25th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA-25) in Nairobi, delegates reached a consensus on recommendations that strongly endorse and facilitate the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, underscoring their commitment to global biodiversity conservation efforts.

MCQs about SBSTTA-25 and KMGBF’s Vision for Biodiversity

  1. What is the main objective of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)?
    A. Achieving World Peace
    B. Halting and Reversing Biodiversity Loss by 2030
    C. Promoting Urban Development
    D. Ensuring Global Food Security
    Correct Answer: B. Halting and Reversing Biodiversity Loss by 2030
    Explanation: The main objective of the KMGBF is to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
  2. Which city hosts the secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)?
    A. Nairobi, Kenya
    B. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    C. Montreal, Canada
    D. Geneva, Switzerland
    Correct Answer: C. Montreal, Canada
    Explanation: The secretariat of the CBD is located in Montreal, Canada.
  3. What do the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing focus on, respectively?
    A. Cartagena: Space Exploration; Nagoya: Environmental Pollution
    B. Cartagena: Biodiversity Conservation; Nagoya: Genetic Resource Benefits
    C. Cartagena: Climate Change Solutions; Nagoya: Renewable Energy
    D. Cartagena: Urban Development; Nagoya: Food Security
    Correct Answer: B. Cartagena: Biodiversity Conservation; Nagoya: Genetic Resource Benefits
    Explanation: The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety focuses on the safe transfer, handling, and use of living modified organisms. The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing emphasizes the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources.

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