The Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Mr. David Cooper, along with Ms. Senka Barudanović, Chair of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice, and Ms. Jihyun Lee, Secretary of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice, gathered with colleagues and friends in Nairobi for the second consecutive meeting at UNEP’s home.
In light of the tragic floods in Kenya, Mr. Cooper expressed gratitude for the support from the United Nations in this time of need. He emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to achieve success in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, highlighting the need for access to science, technology, and technical skills for every country.
During the meeting, Mr. Cooper outlined three key areas of focus for the body. Firstly, he stressed the importance of increasing accountability and capacity, particularly in implementing the monitoring framework of the GBF. He called for strengthened national capacities and support for developing nations on technical issues.
Secondly, Mr. Cooper urged the advancement of the Global Action Plan on biodiversity and health, emphasizing the link between planetary health and human health. He encouraged the body to strengthen the Plan and recommend it for adoption by COP16 in Cali.
Lastly, he highlighted the significance of elevating marine and coastal work through the global oceans agenda. Mr. Cooper emphasized the need to collaborate with UNEP on effective area-based conservation measures and the implementation of the BBNJ.
In closing, Mr. Cooper thanked the attendees for their dedication to promoting healthy biodiversity for a healthy planet. He urged them to take decisive actions to advance the agenda and make a positive impact on global biodiversity conservation efforts.