NEWS: The 28th meeting of SBSTTA (SBSTTA-28) concluded in Nairobi, Kenya, with discussions on global biodiversity conservation and progress under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

ABOUT

• SBSTTA: Scientific advisory body of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• Provides science-based and technical advice on biodiversity.
• Held ahead of COP17 to CBD in Yerevan, Armenia.

KEY DISCUSSIONS

• Global progress towards the 23 KMGBF targets for 2030.
• Marine and coastal biodiversity.
• Sustainable wildlife management.
• Protected areas and biodiversity conservation.
• Synthetic biology and its risks and opportunities.

SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY

• Uses genetic engineering to design or modify biological systems.
• Potential: Ecosystem restoration, invasive-species control and sustainable production.
• Risks: Ecological impacts, unintended consequences and regulatory challenges.
• Developing countries stressed the need for finance, technology transfer, training and knowledge-sharing.

SIGNIFICANCE

• Global assessment shows the world is not on track for most 2030 biodiversity targets.
• Highlights the need for greater finance, technology and capacity-building for developing countries.