A meeting to shape the first global review of collective progress towards implementing the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) closed with agreement that the review must remain “facilitative, not punitive,” after detailed discussions over how to reflect fairly the myriad information sources and viewpoints.
Addressing the 27th Meeting of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific Technical and Technological Advice of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SBSTTA-27) on October 20th, host country Environment Minister Juan Carlos Navarro called for “science-based decisions that deliver concrete results for people and life on Earth,” and highlighted Panama’s commitment to be a champion of linking policy ambition to measurable outcomes.
The meeting’s 800 delegates quickly focussed on a large, complex agenda, including the outline of the first global progress report on the KMGBF’s 23 targets for 2030, which were unanimously agreed by CBD’s 196 Parties in 2022.
Parties also advanced their discussions on a range of other subjects, including the links between biodiversity and climate change; invasive alien species; biodiversity and health; risk assessment of living modified organisms; assessments provided by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES); and strategic review of the work programmes of the CBD.
The results of these discussions, some bracketed, will be taken up at COP17 and COP/MOP12 in Yerevan, Armenia, 19–30 October 2026.
An important outcome in Panama was agreement on the scope of the 2026 global review of the KMGBF (the mid-point milestone for meeting the 2030 targets), being guided by a group of experts nominated by Parties and Organizations.
After summarizing the status of, and trends in, biodiversity, the report will:
Assess how countries are developing and implementing biodiversity plans, targets, and reports, including coordination, support, inclusiveness, and regional representation.
Measure collective progress toward the 23 global targets, comparing national and global goals, highlighting successes, challenges, and contributions from non-government actors.
Evaluate progress toward the KMGBF’s four overarching goals, linking to related targets, summarizing data and indicators, and presenting science-based, non-binding options to address challenges.
Examine the means of implementation needed, identifying gaps and special challenges faced by developing countries and by indigenous peoples and local communities, women, youth and other stakeholders.
Review global cooperation, showing how multilateral agreements and international organizations contribute to advancing the Framework’s goals.
Summarize overall progress, gaps, and next steps toward achieving the Framework’s long-term vision for nature.
Says CBD Executive Secretary Astrid Schomaker: “This review is a vital checkpoint for the world’s commitment to nature. It allows us to see, with evidence and transparency, how far we’ve come in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework—and where we must accelerate. It’s not just about measuring progress; it’s about building momentum, accountability, and trust among all actors working to secure a thriving planet for future generations.”
She expressed some concerns with the rate of progress at the meeting, however, saying that “We’re running out of time in our efforts to halt and reverse the world’s biodiversity loss. We must speed up our efforts and move towards taking action.”
Speaking as Chair of the SBSTTA-27 Meeting, Jean Bruno Mikissa of Gabon, had this to say: “I would like to commend the Parties for their perseverance through difficult discussions. Among the Parties, a majority were willing to find compromise despite the differences in viewpoints.”
Throughout the week-long meetings, Parties warned that limited travel funding and digital access are undermining developing countries’ ability to participate on an equal footing.
Says Schomaker: “Limited funding means many developing countries arrive at the discussion table late, in insufficient numbers or not at all. All of humanity’s voices must be fully heard as we implement the Global Biodiversity Framework, and I urge our donors to help us ensure that we can have all representatives in the room with us for this vital discussion.”
SBSTTA provides science-based guidance to support implementation of the Convention. With representatives from all Parties, SBSTTA assesses the status of the world’s biodiversity, reviews progress on conservation and sustainable use, and advises the Conference of the Parties (COP) on policy options.
