CBD Panama meetings 2025

From 20-24 October, the 27th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA27) sought to enhance the evidence base and technical guidance driving the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). 

In Panama, Parties considered the implications of the latest IPBES assessments, addressed scientific and technical needs, and looked how to address biodiversity loss and climate change in a coherent manner. They also considered progress on a number issues such as the implementation of the Plan of Action for the International Initiative on Soil Biodiversity, the development of indicators for the Plan of Action on Biodiversity and Health, and activities to support the implementation of Target 6 on Invasive Alien species.

With only five years left to deliver on the 2030 targets, SBSTTA27 had a critical role in providing sound recommendations that can guide decision-making at the COP and keep both Parties and non-Parties on track. 

Immediately after SBSTTA27, the Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) (SB8J) met for the first time in Panama after a landmark decision at COP16 established this new permanent body to elevate issues related to Article 8(j), and enhance the engagement and participation of Indigenous peoples and local communities in all convention processes. 

At this first meeting, Parties considered among other things, the modus operandi of the SB8J, and guidelines to strengthen the legal and policy framework for the recognition of the role of indigenous and traditional territories of Indigenous peoples and local communities in spatial planning, restoration and conservation.

IUCN provided recommendations for both SBSTTA27 and SB8J-1 in IUCN's position papers below, and through targeted interventions from the plenary. In addition to the negotiations, IUCN hosted a number of side-events to showcase our work and support Parties in the implementation of the Framework.