Highlights and images for 28 July 2026

Delegates gathered for the second day of the twenty-eighth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA 28) intensified efforts in advancing the scientific and technical foundations of documents to be considered by the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 17). From plenary to contact group meetings, negotiations continued at pace, as delegates worked to refine recommendations that will help accelerate global action for biodiversity.

Synthetic Biology 

The Subsidiary Body continued discussions on synthetic biology, with delegations highlighting broad support for implementing the draft thematic Action Plan to Support Capacity-Building and Development, Access to and Transfer of Technology, and Knowledge-Sharing in the Context of Synthetic Biology for the implementation of the CBD and the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). There were repeated calls for enhanced capacity-building, technology transfer, financial resources, and knowledge-sharing to enable all countries, particularly developing countries to make advancements in synthetic biology. 

Delegates also underscored the importance of flexibility in the Action Plan to ensure its ability to keep up with rapidly evolving and emerging technologies. Many stressed the need for inclusive participation and balanced geographical representation in future expert groups. Some objected to establishing additional expert groups, noting available resources should prioritize the implementation of the Action Plan. 

Sustainable Wildlife Management

The draft global guidance on sustainable wildlife management received widespread support for adoption as a practical tool for advancing sustainable use under the Convention. Discussions underscored the importance of aligning the guidance with the GBF and ensuring it remains voluntary, adaptable to national circumstances, and complementary to existing international frameworks.

Some priorities raised include strengthening capacity-building, financial resources for implementation, addressing human-wildlife conflict, and promoting community-led conservation approaches. Support was also expressed for rights-based and inclusive approaches, including the meaningful involvement of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, youth, women, and other relevant stakeholders. Some delegates emphasized the importance of the One Health approach.

Scientific and Technical Needs to Support GBF Implementation: Strategic Review of and Update to the Programme of Work on Protected Areas 

Delegates reviewed updates to the Convention’s programme of work on protected areas to ensure that it is fit-for-purpose in supporting the GBF implementation. Discussions focused on enhancing ecological connectivity, recognizing other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs), and broadening the programme’s scope to reflect protected and conserved areas across terrestrial, freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems. 

Many delegates highlighted the need for adequate, predictable, and accessible financial resources, strengthened scientific and technical support, and greater attention to transboundary conservation initiatives. Delegates also emphasized the importance of inclusive governance, human rights-based approaches, and the recognition of Indigenous and traditional territories in achieving GBF Target 3 on protected areas.

Contact Groups 

In the afternoon, the Contact Group on Marine and Coastal Biodiversity, co-chaired by Patsy Nicole Contardo Urra (Chile) and Holly Kelley-Weil (UK) met to discuss a Co-Chairs non-paper/draft. They focused on the annex on voluntary elements/guidelines for peer-review processes related to the description of ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs). The group also opened discussions on an annex containing the terms of reference for an informal advisory group on work conducted under the Convention in relation to marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. 

The contact groups on synthetic biology and sustainable wildlife management met in the evening and into the night.