The 26th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA 26) provided a platform for delegates to address critical issues under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The event highlighted the adoption of nine recommendations for the upcoming COP 16, reflecting significant progress and ongoing challenges in biodiversity conservation.

A key focus was the advancement of the monitoring framework for the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Delegates showcased notable progress in developing indicators but emphasized the persistent challenge of accessing essential tools and resources for GBF implementation. This issue was a central theme in both plenary sessions and side events.

To address these challenges, UNEP-WCMC organized a side event on national capacity needs for monitoring framework implementation. he event underscored the need for support in developing headline indicators and the importance of capacity-building in data mobilization and indicator calculation. These efforts are crucial for enhancing national monitoring processes.

Efforts to establish a common reference through the Global Ecosystems Atlas, aligned with the IUCN Global Ecosystems Typology (GET), were also discussed. Success stories, such as the development of comprehensive national ecosystems maps, highlighted the potential of these initiatives.

In marine and coastal biodiversity, SBSTTA recommended prioritizing the description of ecologically or biologically significant areas (EBSAs) at COP 16, recognizing their role in GBF and BBNJ Agreement implementation. Additionally, the integration of the GBF into negotiations for an internationally legally binding agreement on plastic pollution was urged.

The intersection of biodiversity and health was another critical topic, emphasizing the need to address drivers of biodiversity loss to mitigate health risks. Parties were urged to integrate these linkages into policies, programs, and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).

The NBSAP Accelerator Partnership played a significant role throughout SBSTTA 26, engaging with various parties and partners to present support and services for NBSAP implementation. This event was particularly relevant for the partnership as it provided an opportunity to align efforts with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, enhance institutional capacity, and promote knowledge exchange, reinforcing its commitment to accelerating the implementation of NBSAPs and driving collective action for a nature-positive future.