Article 25 of the Convention on Biological Diversity establishes an open-ended intergovernmental scientific advisory body known as the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) to provide the Conference of the Parties (COP) and, as appropriate, its other subsidiary bodies, with timely advice relating to the implementation of the Convention. See more -> As a subsidiary body of the COP, SBSTTA is to report regularly to the COP on all aspects of its work. Multidisciplinary and open to participation by all Parties, SBSTTA comprises government representatives competent in the relevant field of expertise. Its functions include: providing assessments of the status of biological diversity; providing assessments of the types of measures taken in accordance with the provisions of the Convention; and responding to questions that the COP may put to the body. How SBSTTA carries out its work is described in its consolidated modus operandi set forth in annex III of decision VIII/10.
ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center represented the local and subnational government constituency at CBD SBSTTA 23, which was held from 25 – 29 November 2019 in Montreal, Canada. The voice of the local and subnational government constituency was highlighted at several events at SBSTTA. Mayor Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montréal and ICLEI’s Global Ambassador for Local Biodiversity, hosted a Roundtable on Cities, Local and Subnational Governments: Partners for a Successful COP15 and Global Biodiversity Framework beyond 2020 on Tuesday 26 November. The Roundtable provided a space for CBD Parties, Cities and Regions to engage on the role and contributions that local and subnational governments can make at COP 15, as well as in the elaboration and implementation of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. It also provided an opportunity to introduce the Draft 10 Point Framework of Action for Local and Subnational Governments to CBD parties.
Additionally, on 26 November, ICLEI co-hosted a side event with Regions4, GoLS, IUCN and SCBD on Local and subnational governments taking action – using nature-based solutions to address biodiversity and climate challenges. This side event showcased existing and new programmes and initiatives on biodiversity and climate change at the local and subnational level. On Friday 29 November ICLEI participated in a side event on science-policy messages for transformational change to post-2020 political decisions and actions, representing the position of local and subnational governments.
For more information, and to view the event outcomes, click here.