Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA)

Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA)

Introduction

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. 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.

SBSTTA has met 25 times to date and produced over 240 recommendations to the Conference of the Parties, some of which have been endorsed in full by the latter. Such endorsement makes these recommendations de facto decisions of the Conference of the Parties. Parts of other recommendations have also been endorsed, and many others have been taken up in modified form.

Meetings of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice

SBSTTA 26 -Twenty-sixth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Nairobi, Kenya, 13–18 May 2024
SBSTTA 25 -Twenty-fifth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Nairobi, Kenya, 15–19 October 2023
SBSTTA 24 -Twenty-fourth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Geneva, Switzerland, 14 - 29 March 2022
SBSTTA 23 -Twenty-third meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Montreal, Canada, 25 - 29 November 2019
SBSTTA 22 -Twenty-second meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Montreal, Canada, 2 - 7 July 2018
SBSTTA 21 -Twenty-first meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Montreal, Canada, 11 - 14 December 2017
SBSTTA 20 -Twentieth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Montreal, Canada, 25 - 30 April 2016
SBSTTA 19 -Nineteenth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Montreal, Canada, 2 - 5 November 2015
SBSTTA 18 -Eighteenth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Montreal, Canada, 23 - 28 June 2014
SBSTTA 17 -Seventeenth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Montreal, Canada, 14 - 18 October 2013
SBSTTA 16 -Sixteenth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Montreal, Canada, 30 April - 5 May 2012
SBSTTA 15 -Fifteenth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Montreal, Canada, 7 - 11 November 2011
SBSTTA 14 -Fourteenth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Nairobi, Kenya, 10 - 21 May 2010
SBSTTA 13 -Thirteenth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Rome, Italy, 18 - 22 February 2008
SBSTTA 12 -Twelfth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Paris, France, 2 - 6 July 2007
SBSTTA 11 -Eleventh meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Montreal, Canada, 28 November - 2 December 2005
SBSTTA 10 -Tenth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Bangkok, Thailand, 7 - 11 February 2005
SBSTTA 9 -Ninth Meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Montreal, Canada, 10 - 14 November 2003
SBSTTA 8 -Eighth Meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Montreal, Canada, 10 - 14 March 2003
SBSTTA 7 -Seventh Meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Montreal, Canada, 12 - 16 November 2001
SBSTTA 6 -Sixth Meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Montreal, Canada, 12 - 16 March 2001
SBSTTA 5 -Fifth Meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Montreal, Canada, 31 January - 4 February 2000
SBSTTA 4 -Fourth Meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Montreal, Canada, 21 - 25 June 1999
SBSTTA 3 -Third Meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Montreal, Canada, 1 - 5 September 1997
SBSTTA 2 -Second Meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Montreal, Canada, 2 - 6 September 1996
SBSTTA 1 -First Meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Paris, France, 4 - 8 September 1995

Final Reports

SBSTTA reports regularly to the Conference of the Parties on all aspects of its work. To download the reports of the meetings please click here.