In early October, in Bangkok, Thailand,  the Asia-Pacific Workshop on “Accelerating the Implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework through an Integrated and Synergistic Approach” provided a space for leaders to exchange experiences and strengthen collaboration. Co-organized by UNEP, UNDP, FAO, the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), with financial support from the China–UNEP Trust Fund, the workshop convened more than 30 country representatives, regional organizations, and technical partners to advance integrated, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches to Global Biodiversity Framework implementation.

The workshop provided a regional platform to exchange knowledge and experience on aligning National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It sought to provide an overview of the current status of NBSAP revision in the region, highlight successes and needs, promote knowledge sharing and synergies across key sectors and multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), and facilitate dialogue amongst key partners that might lead to opportunities and collaborations. Discussions centred on strengthening the nexus among biodiversity, food systems, health, and climate change, and on ensuring coherence with other MEAs, such as those of the UNFCCC and UNCCD.

Countries across Asia and the Pacific demonstrated strong policy alignment with Global Biodiversity Framework targets but identified persistent capacity, data, and financing gaps. While horizontal coordination across ministries is improving, vertical integration between national and subnational levels remains a challenge. Participants expressed strong demand for practical tools, peer-to-peer learning, regional dialogue, and clarity on MEA alignment.

Representing the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, Devonne Goad delivered two key interventions emphasizing the role of the MatchMaking Mechanism in operationalizing NBSAPs, enhancing institutional coordination, and strengthening data systems and technical capacity. NBSAP Accelerator Partnership Facilitator, Adrien Moineau, also attended discussions representing 14 Small Island Developing States (SIDS), all of which are members of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), aiming to broaden support for integrated action. As a core mechanism supporting integrated NBSAP implementation and a neutral broker connecting countries to funding and technical support, the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership’s role has become increasingly in demand.

During the workshop, participants explored opportunities for collaboration on data infrastructure, monitoring systems, and proposal development. Meetings reaffirmed strong regional demand for practical, implementation-oriented support, highlighting several key findings:

• While policy alignment with the KMGBF is strong, implementation remains constrained by limited technical capacity and financing.
• Synergies among multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) and cross-sectoral collaboration across biodiversity, climate, and food systems offer significant opportunities for policy coherence.
• South–South learning through regional centres provides scalable models for institutional capacity building.
• Neutral, country-led matchmaking and brokering connections are critical for mobilising targeted technical and financial support.
• Aligning NBSAPs with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and One Health action plans, ensuring biodiversity strategies contribute to broader sustainable development objectives.

In close collaboration with the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, SPREP led efforts to ensure strong Pacific engagement and ownership throughout the workshop. Working jointly, the teams co-designed and facilitated a breakout session and a dedicated one-and-a-half-day subregional consultation for Pacific Island countries to exchange experiences, identify shared priorities, and chart collective pathways for implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework.

As Pacific Regional Facilitator for the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, Moineau provided embedded technical support to the SPREP organizing team and delivered a tailored presentation on the MatchMaking Mechanism, contextualized for Pacific Island realities, to help countries better understand and access funding opportunities aligned with their NBSAP priorities. This joint effort reflects a whole-of-region approach to strengthening partnerships, capacity, and financing readiness, supporting Pacific countries in advancing NBSAP implementation at both national and regional levels.

Goad reported that the event was successful in bringing together countries, institutions, and non-state actors to discuss translating the Global Biodiversity Framework into strategic, cross-sectoral action and that there was strong interest in collaboration and strong demand for practical, implementation-oriented support. Building on this momentum, the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership will continue to meet these demands by providing targeted support to strengthen coordination, enhance technical capacity, and promote integrated, actionable pathways to achieve the 2030 targets.

Learn more about the Asia Pacific and the progress of country members on our Recent News page. Curious about the MatchMaking Mechanism? Learn more about its critical role in accelerating NBSAPs here.