Convention on Biological Diversity Panama Meeting Ends Without Consensus on Biodiversity Recommendations

The 27th meeting of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA-27) under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) concluded in Panama on 24 October 2025 without a consensus on key recommendations for the upcoming COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia. Despite extensive negotiations over five days, the text of recommendations remains heavily bracketed, reflecting unresolved differences among parties.

Failure to Finalise Recommendations

Around 800 delegates participated in SBSTTA-27, which was tasked with preparing the groundwork for monitoring and assessing the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Although discussions extended late into the final night, countries failed to agree on the text of recommendations, leaving major issues unresolved. The outcome has raised concerns as only five years remain to achieve the KMGBF’s 2030 biodiversity targets.

Focus on Global Biodiversity Framework Progress

The main agenda centred on reviewing the first global progress report on the KMGBF, which tracks advances on its 23 targets. Delegates deliberated on frameworks for assessing national biodiversity plans, progress indicators, and coordination mechanisms. A key focus was ensuring that monitoring systems are inclusive and responsive to the needs of developing countries, indigenous peoples, women, and youth. The discussions aimed to define a unified method for evaluating progress toward global biodiversity goals.

Science-Based Policy and Global Accountability

Panama’s Environment Minister Juan Carlos Navarro opened the meeting by urging for “science-based decisions that deliver concrete results.” CBD Executive Secretary Astrid Schomaker emphasised that the mid-term review is essential for transparency and accountability. She noted that while progress has been made, greater urgency is required to ensure that global biodiversity commitments translate into measurable outcomes.

Exam Oriented Facts

• SBSTTA-27 was held in Panama from 20–24 October 2025.
• The meeting discussed the first global progress report on the KMGBF’s 23 targets.
• COP17 of the CBD will be held in Yerevan, Armenia, from 19–30 October 2026.
• SBSTTA provides scientific and technical advice to the CBD Conference of the Parties.

Related Deliberations on Indigenous and Local Communities

Following SBSTTA-27, the first meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) and Other Provisions related to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (SB8j) commenced in Panama on 27 October 2025. This session focuses on enhancing participation and integrating traditional knowledge into biodiversity policies, marking an important step in inclusive global environmental governance.