Title: Advancing Gender Responsive Biodiversity Data Systems for Effective Implementation and Monitoring of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

 

Co-Conveners: CBD Women’s Caucus, Guatemala, UNEP-WCMC, IUCN-CEESP, IIED, WEDO/GEDA.

 

Date: Monday 27 July 2026

Time: 18:15 to 19:20 (UTC+3)

Room: CR-9 - Africa / 2nd floor

 

Description

The implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) requires robust, inclusive, and actionable biodiversity data systems capable of informing policy, monitoring progress, and supporting accountability. However, major gaps remain in the availability, accessibility, and use of gender-responsive biodiversity data across national and global monitoring processes.

Women, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, youth, and grassroots organizations are key knowledge holders and biodiversity stewards, yet their contributions often remain invisible within biodiversity monitoring frameworks and national reporting systems. Strengthening gender-responsive biodiversity data systems is therefore essential for achieving equitable and effective implementation of the KMGBF. 

In addition, important progress has already been made under the Convention on Biological Diversity to strengthen gender-responsive implementation and monitoring approaches. The development of the Component Indicator on National Implementation of the Gender Plan of Action provides a basis for assessing progress on gender integration within national biodiversity processes. The methodology for this indicator was acknowledged by Parties in Decision 16/31, reflecting growing recognition of the need for more systematic approaches to monitoring gender-responsive implementation under the Convention.

The mid-term review of the Gender Plan of Action which was discussed in the sixth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation(SBI-06) received limited responses and revealed that gender-disaggregated data, particularly data linking gender and biodiversity, remains insufficient, fragmented, or unavailable in many national contexts, limiting evidence-based implementation and effective monitoring of progress. The review also identified limited institutional capacity, inadequate resources, and weak coordination among actors involved in data generation, management, and governance as key barriers. Several submissions further emphasized the need to develop stronger gender-responsive indicators for monitoring and evaluation under the Convention.

As Parties prepare for the global review of collective progress and further refinement of the monitoring framework at SBSTTA-28, there is a timely opportunity to highlight practical approaches, case studies, methodologies, and partnerships that can support gender responsive biodiversity monitoring and evidence-based policymaking. Current SBSTTA-28 preparations specifically emphasize the monitoring framework, national reporting, technical capacity needs, and scientific support for implementation of the KMGBF.

This side event will provide a platform for governments, women’s organizations, researchers, Indigenous Peoples and local communities representatives, and technical experts to exchange experiences and identify pathways to strengthen gender-responsive biodiversity data governance and implementation.

 

Objectives:

 

• Highlight the importance of gender-responsive biodiversity data for effective implementation and monitoring of the KMGBF.

• Showcase practical tools, methodologies, and case studies that strengthen inclusive biodiversity monitoring systems.

• Identify persistent gaps and challenges in collecting, analyzing, and using gender-responsive biodiversity data.

• Generate recommendations for strengthening technical capacity, monitoring systems, and inclusive reporting processes under the Convention.

 

Proposed Run of Show (65 min)

 

During the session there will be a running mentimeter for participants to provide their perspectives: What is one concrete action you can take in the next six months to strengthen gender-responsive biodiversity monitoring and reporting? 

 

Contact: shruti@cbdwomencaucus.org