Meetings of the Convention on Biological Diversity's subsidiary bodies will review steps need to bring the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework into being while also setting the stage for COP 16 in Colombia.

Participants reflected on how to accomplish the urgent tasks for 2024, including progressing on ratification of the BBNJ Treaty, delivering on GBF objectives by 2030, and addressing important challenges like deep seabed mining, as well as overcome setbacks like the failure by WTO members to agree on a second phase of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

Under the theme “Effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution,” delegates adopted 15 resolutions, two decisions, and a Ministerial Declaration, covering topics including the highly hazardous pesticides, sustainable lifestyles, sand and dust storms, and environmental recovery in areas affected by armed conflict.

As the COMDEKS programme enters its fourth phase in supporting local communities to both develop and live in harmony with nature, it is sharing best practices illustrating the programme's success and its outlook on the future.