Contributing to Global Biodiversity Monitoring: Insights from the AHTEG Meeting

Andy and Flavio attended the conclusion meeting of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group (AHTEG) on Indicators in Cambridge last month. This expert group was convened by Parties after COP15 in Montreal to develop the Global Biodiversity Framework's monitoring framework. The landmark agreement on protecting nature worldwide called for countries to commit to 4 goals and 23 targets on preserving biodiversity for current and future generations. To track progress towards these commitments, they also agreed on a set of indicators to form part of a monitoring framework that countries need to report on. However, much work was left to do after the agreement was signed and so the AHTEG was formed.

This group was made up of 45 members representing nations around the world and key global organisations including GEO BON, which Andy represented as co-chair. A very large amount of work was required from the AHTEG and to support in its delivery, the Secretariat of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity asked GEO BON to work on some of the indicators and assess any remaining gaps in the monitoring framework. Flavio did the analysis and engaged with the AHTEG members to produce the guidance on these indicators and a gap analysis.

Andy and Flavio travelled to the UK to present the results of their work to the rest of the AHTEG. The meeting in Cambridge was the culmination of months of work and brought together the group to produce some guidance and formal recommendations for the next COP meeting in Colombia this year. At that meeting, Parties will focus on the details of implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework and reporting on progress. Therefore, the work of the AHTEG will be invaluable in guiding this conversation. Being part of science for action is a major commitment of the Gonzalez lab and we were extremely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the leading global agreement on conserving biodiversity.