From AHTEG to SBSTTA: finalising the monitoring framework ahead of COP16

Plenary meeting in Nairobi, presenting the work of the AHTEG to negotiators.

Andy’s work on the AHTEG (representing GEO BON) for the UN CBD came to close at the final meeting in Cambridge (UK) in April. The AHTEG’s work – brought together a 350 page report – provides guidance to the Parties on the use the indicators of the monitoring framework. The document also provided the results of a gap analysis to assess the extent to which the available indicators cover the measurable elements of the GBF’s 4 Goals and Targets. The document also offered suggestions for developing the monitoring framework over time, including addressing data gaps and guidance on increase monitoring capacity. Lab member and PhD candidate, Flavio Affinito, played a key role in assembling the report and designing procedures for countries to use binary indicators under the monitoring framework.

I then took part in the 26th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice in Nairobi, Kenya, in my role at GEO BON to hear the discussions about the guidance offered by the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on implementing the Monitoring Framework and its indicators. The parties discussed the findings we delivered to SBSTTA and were happy with the work we did. We hope it will contribute to finalizing the monitoring framework of the GBF at COP16 in Colombia in October. Overall, it was a huge effort by a fantastic and dedicated group of volunteers.