COP 1 decided that the modus operandi of SBSTTA should be considered at the first meeting of SBSTTA 1 [decision I/7, paragraph 1 (d)]. COP 2 endorsed recommendation I/1 of SBSTTA on the modus operandi, and requested SBSTTA to keep this under review with a view to improving its functioning on the basis of experience gained [decision II/1, paragraphs 2, 3]. SBSTTA 2 reviewed its modus operandi at its second meeting and, in recommendation II/11, advised certain revisions. COP 3 noted this recommendation and decided to consider it further at COP 4 as part of the longer-term review of the programme of work and the operations of the COP and subsidiary organs [decision III/2, paragraph 2]. In decision IV/16, COP 4 adopted a revised modus operandi of SBSTTA [decision IV/16, paragraph 11; annex I].

In decision V/20, the COP adopted further conclusions relating to improving the operations of SBSTTA. It decided that meetings of SBSTTA should take place every year (so that there will be two meetings of SBSTTA between each ordinary meeting of the COP) [<a href="/decisions/default.asp?m=cop-05&d=20">decision V/20</a> III, paragraph 17]. It adopted a further amendment to the modus operandi of SBSTTA, to allow SBSTTA to establish ad hoc technical expert groups and adopt terms of reference for them under the guidance of the COP [decision V/20 III, paragraph 21].

COP 5 recognized that there is a need to improve the quality of scientific, technical and technological advice provided to the COP, and to undertake sound scientific and technical assessments on issues critical for implementation of the Convention. It requested SBSTTA to continue to improve the way it conducts its work [decision V/20 III, paragraphs 25, 25, 26], and asked SBSTTA to identify and develop methods to undertake or participate in scientific assessments, and to identify and regularly update assessment priorities and information needs [decision V/20 III, paragraph 29]. COP 6 will make an assessment of the recommendations made to it by SBSTTA with a view to providing guidance to SBSTTA on ways to improve its inputs [decision V/20 III, paragraph 23].

Following the COP’s request in decision IV/16, SBSTTA made recommendations to COP 5 on terms of reference for ad hoc technical expert groups on thematic areas [decision IV/16, paragraph 21]. In its decisions on certain thematic areas, COP 5 approved terms of reference for ad hoc technical expert groups to assist SBSTTA on:

• Marine and coastal protected areas [decision V/3, paragraph 15].
• Mariculture [decision V/3, paragraph 15].
• Forest biological diversity [decision V/4, paragraphs 4, 5, 6].
• Biodiversity of dry and sub-humid lands [decision V/23, paragraph 7].
  

• Access and benefit-sharing.
• Agricultural biodiversity.
• Dry and sub-humid lands.
• Forest biological diversity.
• Global Taxonomy Initiative.
• Biodiversity indicators.
• Marine and coastal biodiversity.
• Inland waters.
• Biosafety.
  

Cooperation with other bodies

As part of the modus operandi of SBSTTA, the COP has encouraged the development of cooperative arrangements at the scientific and technical level with appropriate biodiversity-related conventions and institutions through SBSTTA [decision III/21, paragraph 5]. With regard to the financial mechanism, the COP requested reciprocal representation at meetings of SBSTTA and the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel of the GEF [decision II/6, paragraph 8]. COP 5 decided that the Chair of SBSTTA or other members of the SBSTTA Bureau authorized by the Chair, may represent SBSTTA at meetings of scientific bodies of other conventions and relevant biodiversity-related conventions, institutions and processes [decision V/20 III, paragraph 18]. It further encouraged the SBSTTA Bureau to hold meetings with equivalent bodies of other biodiversity-related conventions, institutions and processes [decision V/20 III, paragraph 19].