Intersessional activities on biodiversity and climate change
The Bureau of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA), in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, is organizing intersessional activities change to further the exchange of scientific and technical information and views among Parties and relevant stakeholders on the issues of biodiversity and climate change, building on the discussions at SBSTTA 25, and to inform deliberations at COP 16.
The activities include: (a) an introductory exchange session as a side-event of SBSTTA 26 and (b) online discussion sessions. A summary of the inputs and discussions will be made available prior to COP 16 (21 October-1 November 2024 in Cali, Colombia).
A. SBSTTA 26 side event: Introductory exchange session (13 May 2024)
An introductory exchange session on biodiversity and climate change will be held on 13 May 2024 as a side-event, on the margins of SBSTTA 26, to facilitate the exchange of scientific and technical information and views among Parties and relevant stakeholders on the issues of biodiversity and climate change, building on the discussion at SBSTTA 25, and thereby to inform deliberations at COP 16. The side-event will be held in English and will be open to all registered SBSTTA 26 delegates. It will also be livestreamed for those who are not able to attend SBSTTA 26.
Further information on the side-event, including the draft programme.
Background information document (to be made available shortly).
B. Online discussion sessions
Building on the exchange and the clusters of issues identified during the introductory exchange session at the SBSTTA 26 side-event, interactive online sessions will be organized by the Secretariat for the second and third quarters of 2024. They will be structured to facilitate the exchange of views and information on these clusters of issues, providing an opportunity for Parties to consider the interlinkages between biodiversity and climate change, and varying perspectives.
The aim is to identify key areas of convergence and divergence, and further explore options to resolve areas of divergence. This will help Parties prepare for COP 16 and assist the COP to identify possible pathways for a positive outcome on the agenda item on biodiversity and climate change. Each of the sessions and/or clusters of issues will be moderated by facilitators, as proposed by the SBSTTA Bureau. Efforts will be made to ensure that all Parties that wish to participate are able to, including the scheduling at various times and/or repeating sessions to accommodate different time zones.
Further details on these online discussion sessions, including the provisional agenda and the registration information, will be communicated in due course.
Related information:
Notification 2024-036 (of 17 April 2024) on intersessional activities on biodiversity and climate change
Recommendation SBSTTA-25/8 Biodiversity and climate change
