Seventh meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI-7) - AM session

Good morning, colleagues. Please take your seats. I would like to begin. Thank you. Thank you very much. Good morning to you all. As we move into the final hours of our work for the first readings, I would kindly encourage all delegations to keep interventions focused, concise, and forward-looking. We have only three hours to address the remaining five items on our agenda. I encourage participants to avoid repeating points that have already been made, especially if your regional group already made a statement. I would encourage you all to concentrate on areas where guidance or decisions are still needed. It is important that we advance to contact groups and begin substantive discussions on tax as soon as possible. In the interest of facilitating our work, I would also like to note that we will only give one minute to observers whose statements have already been submitted in writing, except for IPOCs. I am confident that with the constructive spirit that has characterized our discussion so far, we can continue to move forward together in a very efficient and productive manner. Thank you very much for your cooperation on that. Colleagues, now we will continue with our first reading on item eight. Before we begin, I would like to remind parties and observers that in line with paragraph 10 of decision 16/20 on synthetic biology, the SPI was requested to review the implementation elements of the thematic action plan. Considering that SubSTA considered the thematic action plan, I'm sorry, oh, I'm sorry, considering that SubSTA already considered the thematic plan and the scientific and technical elements related to synthetic biology. I will not open these elements here. And this includes, of course, the full thematic action plan. The SBI and your intervention should focus on consideration solely on the draft recommendation before it in document CBD/SBI/7/8. The outcomes from both subsidiary bodies will be merged for consideration at COP. In this context, I would like now to reopen the floor for interventions on item 8. We will resume with parties speaking on behalf of national groups. We already had one intervention yesterday, so I'm opening the floor for intervention from parties on behalf of regional groups. Kenya, you have the floor. And I would And it's three minutes. I'm sorry, it's four minutes. Yes, Kenya, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Kenya delivers this statement on behalf of the African group. Africa commends the Secretariat for the work undertaken during the intersessional period towards the development of the Thematic Action Plan on Synthetic Biology pursuant to decision 16/21. Africa also notes with appreciation the contributions of the ad hoc technical expert group on synthetic biology. We appreciate the constructive contributions of the ad hoc contributions made by parties, observers and relevant organizations in reviewing the thematic action plan. Africa considers that this work has provided a sound basis for advancing implementation of the action plan. and we look forward to its consideration and adoption by the Conference of the Parties at its seventeenth meeting. Chair, the recommendations under the agenda item eight presents a balanced reflection of what needed to be achieved in executing decision 16/21. Africa considers the action plan as being focused and provides a good basis for moving forward. Africa specifically takes note of the conclusions by the expert group that the efforts in capacity building and development Access to and transfer of technology and knowledge sharing on synthetic biology should be accelerated to address, in particular, development, assessment, governance, regulation, and unequal participation in the field of synthetic biology. The implementation of the Thematic Action Plan is therefore a priority for Africa and should be accelerated and done in a timely manner. Recognizing the resource implications of implementing the Thematic Action Plan for synthetic biology, Africa calls for dedicated and adequate predictable financial support for developing countries, particularly through the financial mechanism of the convention and other relevant partners. The implementation of the action plan should take into consideration the priorities and needs of developing countries for ensuring equitable access to technologies, scientific knowledge, capacity building opportunities, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from advances in synthetic biology. The implementation should remain consistent with objectives of the convention, the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety where applicable, and the commitment to global biodiversity framework. Chair, Africa further recognizes the regional technical support centers will also be instrumental in rolling out the thematic action plan by supporting and facilitating capacity development, technical cooperation, knowledge exchange and implementation at regional levels. Therefore, Africa emphasizes the need for adequate and sustainable financial support for the regional support centers to enable them to effectively assist parties in addressing their capacity building needs in synthetic biology. Africa notes with concern that there is not mechanism of monitoring and reporting of the implementation of the thematic action plan. This is important for tracking progress made by parties in implementation. Although the thematic action plan is voluntary, there is need to put in place such mechanisms. Chair, Africa remains committed to constructive engagement in advancing work on synthetic biology under the Convention. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Kenya, on behalf of Africa. I don't see any more parties asking the floor on behalf of regional groups, so I would like now to open the floor to party. Oh no, Uruguay, are you speaking on behalf of? Okay, so I would like now to open the floor to parties. Parties, you would have two minutes. Yes, I would like now to give the floor to Peru, followed by Uruguay and Namibia. Peru, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Chair. Good morning. Peru thanks the Secretariat and the Technical Expert Group for the development of the Thematic Action Plan on Synthetic Biology. We support its adoption as a voluntary, flexible, complementary and non-duplicative tool with the action plans of the Cartagena and Nagoya Protocols in order to support the implementation of the Convention.

Please slow your speech a little bit for the benefit of our interpreters and everybody in the room.

Nevertheless, we ask for the inclusion of an indicative and voluntary raft of reference indicators which can help guide the domestic activities of parties and self-assessment on progress without this generating new administrative burdens in terms of reporting. Our delegation believes that the effectiveness of the Thematic Action Plan will depend on the provision of new, additional, predictable and timely financial resources in line with Article 20 of the Convention. For mega-diverse and host countries such as Peru, these resources are essential to strengthen not just human resources, and physical infrastructure in order to assess the positive and negative impacts of these technologies in host environments with a high ecological, social and cultural complexity. Thank you very much, Chair.

Thank you very much, Peru. I will now give the floor to Uruguay, followed by Namibia and the United Arab Emirates. Uruguay, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Uruguay thanks the Secretariat and the experts for the work conducted in developing the Thematic Action Plan on Synthetic Biology. We recognize that synthetic biology presents important opportunities for research, innovation and development, but also requires adequate capacities in order to assess their possible effects on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. In addition, we believe that the plan can be a useful tool of voluntary nature based on the needs and adapt to priorities, circumstances and context of each party. In particular, we highlight the need to strengthen scientific, technical and regulatory capacities of developing countries and facilitating access to technology, technology transfer and the exchange of knowledge. To ensure that the plan can be effectively implemented, it will be essential to have adequate financial resources which are accessible and predictable and promote scientific and technical cooperation, including regional and South-South cooperation. Finally, we think it's essential to ensure adequate complementarity and consistency with processes and mechanisms which already exist under the protocol and the convention, avoiding duplications and unnecessary administrative burdens. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, Uruguay. I will now give the floor to Namibia, followed by the UAE and South Sudan. Namibia, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Namibia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Kenya on behalf of the African group. Namibia supports the draft thematic action plan as a good basis for our work. Chair, for the action plan to deliver, It must be supported by practical implementation arrangements that strengthen not only capacity building, technology transfer and knowledge sharing, but also scientific and regulatory capacities for risk assessment, governance, biosafety and monitoring. Namibia underscores the need for sustained technical cooperation, regional centers of excellence and predictable financial support, including for laboratory and regulatory capacity, monitoring systems and in scientific infrastructure. Chair, allow me to turn to the matter that is central for Namibia. Synthetic biology depends on genetic resources, digital sequence information and associated traditional knowledge. Yet the action plan is silent on what this means for benefit sharing, capacity building without benefit sharing transfer skills while value continues to flow in one direction. This is not a peripheral concern. It goes to this, to the third objective of the convention and to the coherence of this action plan with the Nagoya Protocol. Namibia therefore proposes the insertion of the following sub-paragraph and request that it be reflected in the draft recommendation. Consider the implications for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits, including in relation to digital sequence information and traditional knowledge. Finally, Chair, in the action plan on technology transfer requires resourcing. Namibia requests that the resource requirements are next to our recommendation reflect what implementation will cost so that COP17 is not invited to adopt a plan it has not funded. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Namibia. I will now give the floor to the United Arab Emirates, followed by Malawi.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The United Arab Emirates welcomes the preparation of the Thematic Action Plan. We support capacity building, scientific cooperation, and responsible access to relevant technologies in synthetic biology. The plan of action must be voluntary and must be supportive and must not be construed as creating new legal or financial or reporting obligations on parties. The action plan must be implemented in accordance with national circumstances, priorities, capacities, and legislation, and on the basis of the needs identified by the parties themselves. Duplication with existing actions and mechanisms under the convention and the Cartagena Protocol, and with relevant processes of WHO, FAO, and other competent bodies should be avoided. We must harness existing national institutions and structures instead of establishing parallel administrative arrangements. Technology transfer and knowledge exchange should be based on mutually agreed terms, consistent with applicable intellectual property rights, and with adequate protection of confidential and security-sensitive information. We support the inclusion of wording that recognizes the importance of providing adequate, predictable and accessible means of implementation while avoiding imposing new mandatory reporting or funding obligations on parties. Thank you.

Thank you very much. UAE. I will now give the floor to Malawi, followed by India. Malawi, you have the floor.

Malawi aligns itself with the statement delivered by Kenya on behalf of the African group. Malawi welcomes the Thematic Action Plan as a practical tool to guide parties in taking coordinated and precautionary action under the Convention and the Cartagena Protocol. Madam Chair, Malawi emphasizes three priority areas for the implementation of the Thematic Action Plan. One is monitoring and reporting. Malawi calls for the strengthening of national capacities to track research applications and releases of organisms, products and components of synthetic biology. We also support enhanced reporting through the clearing house mechanism. Two is knowledge sharing and cooperation. Malawi underscores the importance of knowledge sharing, south-south and north-south cooperation and access to information to support evidence-based decision making. We request the secretariat in collaboration with relevant organizations to facilitate technical workshops, training and the sharing of risk assessment experiences. Three is financial support. Malawi calls on the GEF and other financial mechanisms to provide dedicated support to developing countries for implementing the thematic action plan. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you very much, Malawi. I'll now give the floor to India, followed by Egypt. India, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. India welcomes the draft thematic action plan to support capacity building, technology transfer, access to technology and knowledge sharing in the context of synthetic biology. India suggests that the action plan should remain voluntary, demand driven and responsive to the identified needs, priorities and national circumstances of parties while avoiding duplication with existing capacity building initiative under the convention and its protocol. India emphasizes that the capacity building, access to and transfer of technology, technical and scientific cooperation and knowledge sharing are essential for enabling developing countries to effective access, regulate and cover synthetic biology. India believes that the action plan should explicitly recognize that the special needs and priorities of developing countries, particularly mega-diverse countries, should receive priority attention in capacity building, access to technology, technical cooperation and financial support. India considers that the thematic action plan should recognize the relevance of DSI in synthetic biology, capacity building and technology transfer should support the implementation of the multilateral of DSI mechanism and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from its utilization, consistent with relevant decisions. India also emphasizes the importance of enhancing national capacities for horizon scanning, risk assessment, biosafety and biosecurity while applying the precautionary approach in accordance with the Convention and its Protocol. India remains committed to working constructively with all parties towards the effective implementation of the Thematic Action Plan in a manner that extends scientific cooperation, promotes equitable access to technology and capacity building and supports the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you very much, India. Colleagues, please speak a little bit slower. Egypt now, followed by the Russian Federation. Egypt, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Egypt aligns itself with the statement delivered by the African Group.

We support the development of the thematic action plan as a practical tool to strengthen capacity of parties.

In the contents of synthetic biology.

However, its implementation should remain consistent with the objective of the Convention responsive.

To national priorities and complementary to existing capacity building efforts.

We would like to highlight those points. First, the action plan should remain focused on agreed mandate, capacity building, technology transfer and knowledge sharing.

It should be demand driven and responsive to nationally identified priority without extended into area that address.

Through national research or innovation policy.

Second, capacity building should go beyond research and development to strengthen.

Scientific assessment, environmental risk assessment, risk management, monitoring, regulatory oversight and governance, enable parties to make independent science-based and evidence-based.

Decisions. Third, technology transfer and scientific cooperation should help reduce scientific and technological gap, facilitating the effective participation of developing countries and respect national legislation priority and circumstances.

Egypt support a forward-looking precautionary approach.

Horizon scanning can support preparedness, provide.

It remains science based, transparent and occupied by continued attention to biosafety, biosecurity, environmental risk assessment and relevant regulatory consideration.

Finally, effective implementation will require predictable financial resource.

Sustain capacity building and strengthen scientific and technical cooperation aligned with national identified need and avoiding duplication with existing initiative.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you very much, Egypt. I will now give the floor to the Russian Federation, followed by Indonesia. Russian Federation, you have the floor.

Madam Chair, distinguished colleagues, in our discussion of the thematic action plan at Substa 28, The point was repeatedly raised that the products of synthetic biology amount to living modified organisms. For this reason, at the very least, issues relating to capacity building in the field of assessment should be addressed exclusively within the framework of the Cartagena Protocol. In this regard, I would like to make the following statement. As we are all aware, the objective of the Cartagena Protocol lies exclusively in the safe transfer, handling and use of living modified organisms. The Conference of the Parties to the CBD in 2016 recognized as a working definition that synthetic biology is a further development and a new dimension of modern biotechnology, one which integrates science, technology and engineering to facilitate and accelerate the understanding, design, redesign, production and/or modification of genetic material, living organisms and biological systems. This means that activities in the field of synthetic biology are not limited to the three areas of regulation. I'm referring to transfer, handling and use, and the single subject of regulation, living modified organisms covered by the Cartagena Protocol. We therefore consider that the thematic action plan and its addendum are fully consistent with task 17 of the KMGBF and consequently the provisions of the draft thematic action plan should not be excluded from the draft document on the grounds of the Cartagena Protocol. Thank you.

Thank you, Russian Federation. I will now give the floor to Indonesia, followed by Zimbabwe. Indonesia, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Indonesia welcome the development of the thematic action plan on synthetic biology and appreciate the work of the secretariat and the AHTC. Indonesia support strengthen capacity building, scientific and technical cooperation, access to and transfer of technology and knowledge sharing to assist parties, particularly developing country parties in implementing the convention and the KMBF. Indonesia would appreciate further clarification on the proposed resource mobilization arrangement, including the extra budgetary resource referred to in the annex. Effective implementation will require adequate, predictable, and accessible financial resources together with technology transfer, technical cooperation, and capacity building, consistent with Article 20 of the convention. Implementation of the action plan should therefore remain subject to the availability of such support. Indonesia further suggests the reference of the action plan in national biodiversity strategy and action plan remain voluntary, country driven and responsive to national circumstances and priorities without creating additional reporting or implementation burdens. Finally, implementation should respect national legal framework, complement existing capacity building under the Cartagena and Nagoya Protocols, and be guided by the precautionary approach such as supported by appropriate biosafety, biosecurity, and environment safeguard with due consideration of ethical aspect. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you very much, Indonesia. Colleagues, I will soon close the floor for interventions from parties, individual parties. Now I will give the floor to Zimbabwe, followed by Chile. Zimbabwe, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Zimbabwe supports the statement delivered by Kenya on behalf of the Africa Group. Technology plays a critical role in advancing the implementation of the Convention, its protocols, and the KMGBF. We therefore welcome the Thematic Action Plan on Synthetic Biology as an important framework for supporting capacity building and development, access to and transfer of technology and knowledge sharing. We call for the accelerated implementation of the Thematic Action Plan to achieve objectives of decision 16/21. Implementation must be supported by predictable, adequate and dedicated financial resources. This will enable developing country parties to build domestic capacity for product development and strengthen regulatory systems to ensure that products of synthetic biology are appropriately assessed before release. We also wish to highlight the important role of regional technical support centers in coordinating implementation, facilitating capacity building and promoting technology transfer and knowledge sharing. These centers should be adequately resourced to effectively support implementation of the thematic action plan. I thank you.

Thank you very much, Zimbabwe. I will now give the floor to Chile, followed by Argentina. Chile, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Innovation in biotechnology and synthetic biology presents just as many transformative opportunities as it does complex challenges for global biodiversity. For Chile, a nation particularly vulnerable to climate change, making the most of scientific innovation while applying a rigorous precautionary approach is essential to achieve the targets of the KMGBF. To ensure that synthetic biology serves conservation of nature and sustainable development, Chile would like to highlight three priority pillars in this thematic action plan. One, responsible and inclusive innovation. Innovation needs to be co-created and contextualized at the local level. We need to promote research and development ecosystems which connects scientific innovation with traditional knowledge. Two, technology transfer. Access to new technologies should not widen the gap between North and South. We urge for the establishment of concrete mechanisms which facilitate technology transfer which is not discriminatory, which is accessible and safe, alongside transparent frameworks for benefit sharing. Three, targeted capacity building. Developing countries require strengthening of their national infrastructures for analysts, organizations, risk analysis, assessment and biosafety monitoring in order to assess emerging technologies in an independent and effective manner. Chile maintains its full commitment to working with all parties to adopt an action plan which is forward-looking, driven by innovation and based on the precautionary principle. Thank you very much, Chair.

Thank you very much, Chile. I will now give the floor to Argentina, followed by South Africa. Argentina, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. We would like to announce that we have sent in writing some proposed modifications to article one, because there I think we need to be cautious when we look at the goals of the convention and the definition of synthetic biology, which is still doesn't have a consensual multilateral definition. We risk unnecessarily widening the scope of the plan. So we think it's more appropriate to maintain the link with specific aspects of the global framework, in particular target 17. We will also send reaction to article two in order to reflect or better reflect the voluntary nature of that article and to ensure that anything we do responds to priorities and needs of each party. We also have a few proposals for edits to paragraph five. We think we need to add an explicit reference to Article 20 of the Convention. And finally, Article eight. We would like to ensure streamlining of the resources which the secretariats will allocate to this initiative. And then a few additional proposals. for edits to some of the other articles, but we will send all that in writing. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, Argentina. I will now give the floor to South Africa, followed by Qatar. South Africa, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair.

South Africa aligns itself with the statement delivered by Kenya on behalf of the African group. We welcome the current recommendation on resourcing mechanisms for the implementation of the thematic action plan on synthetic biology. developed pursuant to COP decision 16/21. Discussions at Subsidiary Body 28 clearly highlighted that the successful implementation of the action plan will depend on the availability of adequate support, resources and capacity building. In this regard, South Africa emphasises the importance of dedicated financial and technical support, including through the regional technical and scientific cooperation centres, addressing the growing capacity and knowledge gap. between developed and developing countries must remain a priority in hence support to enable developing countries and it must remain a priority. Enhance support will enable developing countries to strengthen their scientific technical regulatory monitoring and governance capacity. While recognizing that many competing countries prioritize limited resources, we urge parties to ensure that these challenges do not delay the timely and effective implementation of the MTP. South Africa will submit proposals to further reflect these views. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you very much, South Africa. I will now give the floor to Qatar, followed by Tunisia. Qatar, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Qatar would like to thank you in person and to thank the Secretariat of the Convention, as well as the expert group for this voluntary thematic action on synthetic biology. We welcome this. plan and we stress that the successful implementation depends on the effective application of the Convention's provisions, especially concerning the transfer of technology, scientific and technical cooperation being fundamental elements to achieve effective implementation. We also emphasize the importance of continuing continuing the implementation of the protocols. That's why capacity building and transfer technology of developed countries is extremely important. We also need predictable and financial resources so that we can fairly implement the voluntary action plan. We also stress the importance of reporting in line with the national capacities and in line with the challenges faced by certain The measures should be, should support implementation without further burden on developing countries. Qatar believes that partnership and international cooperation along with the provision of means of implementation will help. implement the objectives of the action plan and the convention and strengthen the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Qatar. I will now give the floor to Tunisia, followed by the United Republic of Tanzania. Tunisia, you have the floor.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair. Thank you for having given me the floor. Tunisia wishes to align itself with the statement made by Kenya on behalf of the African group. And we wish to make the following comments. We would like to convey gratitude to the Secretariat for efforts made to elaborate the thematic action plan on scientific biology. In keeping with decision 16/21, Tunisia considers that this plan of action serves as an important stage in strengthening the capabilities of Parties and the system in the development, assessment and regulation of synthetic biology. The experience acquired by Tunisia during the elaboration of its fifth national report on the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol has highlighted the importance of capacity building at a national level in a number of key fields, including assessment, risk assessment, as well as ongoing training of experts. Tunisia fully backs the implementation of the thematic plan of action and underscores the importance of strengthening technical and scientific cooperation as well as knowledge sharing and capacity building in this field. Finally, Tunisia shares the concerns regarding the need to set up a follow-up mechanism for the implementation of the thematic plan of action. Such a mechanism would enable us to assess progress achieved, to identify ongoing needs, and to focus more effectively on future capacity building action. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Tunisia. Colleagues, I'm now closing the floor for parties on this agenda item. I would like now to give the floor to United Republic of Tanzania, followed by Panama. Tanzania, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Tanzania aligns itself with the statement delivered by Kenya on behalf of the African Group. Tanzania supports the consideration and adoption of an inclusive and practical thematic action plan that strengthens Parties' capacities to address both the opportunities and potential risks associated with synthetic biology. Chair, while we support the overall direction of the document, we believe that several areas require further strengthening to effectively respond to the needs of developing countries. First, the action plan should provide clear provisions on access to financial resources, technology transfer, and technical capacity building. Many developing countries continue to face limitations in biosafety infrastructure, laboratory facilities, capacity, risk assessment, monitoring system, and regulatory preparedness. Adequate means of implementation are essential for effectively delivery of the plan. Madam Chair, second Tanzania emphasize the importance of strengthening science-based and environmental monitoring for emerging applications of synthetic biology, particularly where there may be transboundary effects or unintended impacts of biodiversity. The precaution approach should remain a guiding principle. Madam Chair, finally, Tanzania encourages the inclusion of practical indicators, reporting mechanisms and periodic review to enable parties to monitor implementation and access progress. Asante sana.

Thank you very much, Tanzania. I will now give the floor to Panama, followed by Saudi Arabia. Panama, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Panama welcomes the document on synthetic biology and the thematic action plan and capacity building technology transfer and knowledge. In 2026, our national focal point formally set out technical comments presented by Panama during their peer review of the draft prepared by our national secretariat for science innovation in connection with the Ministry of Environment. Panama believes it's important for this plan to maintain consistency with the regulatory framework and under the Cartagena Protocol and to ensure that it's consistent and clear for all parties. During six years, our program has trained more than thousands of youth in Central and Latin America, an example among many in the region that capacity building is already underway. Therefore, Panama requires that the implementation takes into account regional efforts and developing countries so that their choices can be integrated into the plan rather than just going from zero. Panama supports the proposal that the International Indigenous Biodiversity Forum presented in writing for this plan, ensuring the full and effective participation of indigenous peoples in capacity building, because in our country, 17.2% of the population is indigenous. We want to also recognize that it's important for synthetic biology to respect the code of life and to ensure that we have a fair and equitable sharing of benefits. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, Panama. I will now give the floor to Saudi Arabia, followed by Botswana. Saudi Arabia, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Saudi Arabia confirms its welcome to the plan on bio biology, synthetic biology. We stress the voluntary element of this plan that will enable us to identify our national priorities in line with Saudi Arabia 2030 vision. It is important to respect the sovereignty of our country in collecting its data on the fair and equitable sharing of benefits in accordance with the Nagoya Protocol. Well, there we need indicators in this, in this plan. The allocated fine, fine funding is not enough to build capacities and to safeguard bio safety. So technology in has been revolutionized in our country and we are. We stand ready to cooperate with all parties to guarantee the full implementation of this plan, while respecting our sovereignty and while building our national capacities. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, Saudi Arabia. I will now give the floor to Botswana. Botswana, you have the floor. Microphone to Botswana, please.

Thank you, Chair. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Republic of Botswana. We align fully with the African group statement delivered by Kenya. Chair, synthetic biology is a matter of real importance for Botswana. With nearly 40% of our territory under conservation and tourism, anchoring our economy, biodiversity central to our national well-being and to the livelihoods of our communities. We recognize the potential benefits in climate resilient agriculture, vaccine development and malaria control. But we also recognize the risks. Botswana does not yet have comprehensive biodiversity legislation in place. We therefore support the African groups call for first a precautionary approach, particularly for gene drives, which cannot be recalled once released and may have irreversible cross-border impacts. Second, strengthen capacity building for developing countries and risk assessment, monitoring and enforcement. And third, for full consideration of socio-economic, cultural and ethical implications, including effects on traditional livelihoods and cultural practices. Fourth, meaningful engagement with indigenous peoples, local communities, women and youth. and also continued international cooperation to ensure synthetic biology develops safely and responsibly in line with the convention and the Cartagena Protocol. And finally, Botswana believes that synthetic biology must not come at the expense of our biodiversity of our people. We remain committed to working constructively with all parties to ensure this technology is governed with care, caution, and the highest standards.

Thank you very much, Botswana. I don't see any more parties requesting for the floor, so I would like now to open the floor for other governments and IPLCs and major stakeholders. Please recall that I said before that I will give three minutes for IPLCs, three minutes for IPLCs. Yes, IIFP, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I am speaking on behalf of International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity. IIFB support the ATEC outcomes and continuation. with the thematic action plan on capacity building and development on synthetic biology. The thematic action plan should promote the full and effective participation of indigenous peoples and local community from the SEPA Eco-region. The implementation take into account the needs of indigenous peoples and local community that culturally appropriate capacity building and development on synthetic biology. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, IPOCs. And I also recognize on my screen, Anne-Jo. Anne-Jo, you have one minute. Anne-Jo.

Thank you, Chair.

The success of the.

Thematic action plan rests on strengthening parties' abilities to make independent, informed, and precautionary decisions on synthetic biology, which is often characterized by hype and hubris. It should enable countries to assess emerging developments, identify potential risks, and make sovereign decisions. We highlight four key elements. One, strengthen capacities for risk assessment and management, detection and monitoring, and socioeconomic assessment, including the capacity to determine whether, when, under what conditions synthetic biology applications may proceed?

Two, prevent the deployment of technologies in developing countries without adequate safeguards to ensure their safety, suitability, and effectiveness.

Three, ensure the knowledge and awareness raising activities include information about potential adverse effects, uncertainties, and ethical considerations undertaken with the full and effective participation of indigenous peoples and local communities, women, and youth. Four, strengthen capacities for

Thank you very much, and Jose, please upload your statement if you have not yet done so. Okay, colleagues, I'm now, I see that no more requests for the floor, so we have completed the first reading on agenda item eight. I see that we have lots and lots of common understanding on the draft recommendation. Therefore, I will prepare a conference room paper with the help of the secretariat. The CRP that I'm preparing will address only the draft recommendation and not the thematic action plan, given that it was already considered last week at SUBSTAC. Thank you very much, colleagues, and I will now like to move forward to item nine. I will give you a minute to change teams. Thank you. Colleagues, the one minute is up. Please take your seats. So thank you very much. We will now consider item nine, engagement with subnational governments, cities, and other local authorities to enhance the implementation of the KMGBF. I invite the Secretariat to introduce item nine. Secretariat, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair.

In decision 15/12, paragraph seven, the Conference of the Parties.

Requested the Executive Secretary to undertake a review of the role of subnational governments, cities, and other local authorities in the implementation of the Convention, its protocols, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

For consideration by the subsidiary body on implementation. For this item, the secretariat prepared document CBD/SBI/7/09, which contains the review of the role of.

Subnational governments, cities, and other local authorities in implementation.

The review was prepared by ICLAI, Local Governments for Sustainability, and draws on a range of relevant resources and experiences. Additional information derived from the seventh national reports, including information on the engagement of subnational governments, cities, and other local authorities in implementation has been made available in information document CBD/SPI/7/INF/11. The subsidiary body is invited to consider the documents prepared under this item and provide recommendations for consideration by the Conference of the Parties at its 17th meeting as appropriate.

Thank you. Thank you very much, Secretariat. So, as we have explained before, information document 21 lists the nine submissions received from parties and eight statements from observers on item nine by the deadline. The list of parties and observers indicated in information document is also being displayed on the screen. Given that the modalities for early submission of statements were intended to be a time-saving measure, the parties and observers that submitted early statements may wish to refrain from delivering an oral statement, except when necessary to make clarifications. Colleagues, are there any objections from any parties or observers listed in the information document to your statements being formally entered on record as statements officially submitted for this agenda item in this meeting? Please raise your hands if you have any objection. I don't see any hands. Thank you, colleagues. So your statements will be formally entered on record and considered as officially submitted under this agenda item. Regarding the statements made submitted by observers, I will go through the list on the next page. Oh, apologies. It seems that we don't have the second part of the slides, so I will read the list that I have before me, and I ask if the organization is here in plenary. Statement made by California environmental voters. Yes, I see the United Kingdom. Thank you very much. Eco Mexe Queretaro. Yes, they are present. Thank you. I see support from Tajikistan. Thank you. And Guatemala. Thanks. Organization number three. Oh, I see several supports. Organization number three, the Global Youth Biodiversity Network. Yes, they are present. Good morning. I see Fiji, the UK, and Cameroon, and several others, and the list will be published. Organization number four, ICLAI, Local Governments for Sustainability. Are you here? Yes, thank you. Thank you very much. I see the European Union, Canada, and Australia. Thank you very much, among others. Organization number five, the IIFB. please. Yes, thank you. Thank you very much. I see Australia, Guatemala and Fiji support your statements. I would now ask if the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, yes, they are present. Thank you. Does any party support this statement? Yes, European Union, thank you very much. UK and the Dominican Republic. Organization number seven, organization national de los pueblos indigenas de la Amazonia Colombiana. Are you present? Yes. Good morning. Uh and I see support from Colombia, Panama, and the Marshall Islands. Thank you very much. Uh our last organization is the United Development Program. Are you here? Yes. Thank you very much. I see Tunisia, Lao, Cuba. Thank you. Thank you very much for your support. The full list will be uploaded on the other step at our meetings webpage. So colleagues, I would like now to continue opening the floor for comments on item nine, beginning with parties speaking on behalf of a regional group. Please only request the floor now if you are speaking on behalf of a regional group. I would also remind you that we will be limiting interventions to four minutes for parties speaking on behalf of regional groups, two minutes for individual parties, three minutes for IPLCs and one minute for other observers. Thank you. I'm and I also may close the list of speakers as needed, but I will give a warning before that. I will now give the floor to Tuvalu. Tuvalu, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Tuvalu is speaking on behalf of the 14 Pacific SIDS. This agenda item is titled Subnational Governments, Cities, and Other Local Authorities. The phrase other local authorities appears 12 times in the document before us and it's not defined once, nor is it defined in decision 15/12 or in the plan of action annexed to it. Between them those two texts contain no occurrence of the words indigenous, local communities, customary traditional tenure or community. In our part of the world, the effective local authority for biodiversity is the community. Across the Pacific, 693 community-based management sites are active, engaging more than 1,000 communities and 1.45 million hectares. In Tuvalu, all eight are legally recognized traditional governance at the island level and oversee community-based management sites and conservation areas. These are the institutions that govern the resource. Chair, this is not a novel proposition for the Convention. Articles 8 and 10 already require parties to respect and maintain the knowledge and practices of indigenous peoples and local communities and to support the customary use of biological resources. Decision 16/4 and 16/5 further strengthen these commitments through a programme of work to 2030 and institutional arrangements for participations. It would be an odd result if the one item of this agenda concerned with local implementation were the one item in which customary institutions have no standing. The review contains around 32 case studies, and not one comes from the Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, or AIMS Island jurisdictions. It contains no meaningful reference to island, remote, or archipelagic contexts, and where indigenous institutions are mentioned. They are treated as participants rather than authorities in their own right. We do not say this to criticize the jurisdictions featured in the review. Their commitments are real and we respect them. We say it because the review itself admits that it is limited in its representation of subnational and local governments from around the world, and because what is before us is an executive summary of a report that is, in its own words, still under development. Despite this, we are being asked to take note of it through a two paragraph draft decision that contains no follow up actions, reporting requirements, resource provisions or measures to address the identified gaps. For these reasons, we believe the current response is insufficient and respectfully request the inclusion of four additional elements in the draft decision. One, an operative paragraph recognizing customary to traditional and community governance institutions as local authorities and as legitimate implementers under the plan of action. The title of this item already says other local authorities. We are asking this meeting to give the phrase some content. Two, that the full review be completed and transmitted to Yerevan with coverage of the regions and the kinds of jurisdiction missing from it, island states among them. Three, I request to the executive secretary to report on whether biodiversity finance is reaching the local and community level at all. The review shows the subnational governments acting as donors. It does not examine whether local authorities can access anything. Four, an express link to the rest of the framework, to target three through other effective area-based conservation measures and to target 22 and participation. Our locally managed marine areas are as clear as the cases exist anywhere of community governance delivering conservation outcomes, and they belong in this item as much as in the others. Chair, we are asking for a definition and a delivery pathway. Without them, this plan of action will continue to be implemented in places that already have municipal budgets and not in the places where the biodiversity is. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you very much, Tuvalu. I will now give the floor to Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe, you have the floor.

Madam Chair, Zimbabwe makes this statement on behalf of Africa on agenda item nine on the review of the role of subnational governments, cities and other local authorities in the implementation of the ******* Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Madam Chair, Africa takes note of the review report executive summary, which assesses how subnational governments, cities and local authorities are executing the ******* Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework under decision 15/12. Subnational and local governments, cities and other local authorities are closest to the people and responsible for land use planning, restoration, protected areas, and community level action. They operate where biodiversity pressures are most prevalent, hence ideally placed to implement actions and solutions that are most effective in addressing biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation on the ground. Madam Chair, there are critical analysis that Africa has made on the report, which reveals notable breakthroughs and areas that need attention. Madam Chair, the key strengths include advanced multilayer governance architecture. The report reinforces unique status of decision 15/12 as a rare structural mechanism for multilevel governance across the framework targets. The second one is showcasing subnational financial innovation, where the inclusion of progressive fiscal case studies and biodiversity credit system demonstrates that local authorities are pioneering innovative financing models well beyond traditional municipal budgeting, though it is in a generalized manner and not at a representative scale. The third one, Madam Chair, is the clear alignment with the global review roadmap the report successfully contextualizes its findings with a broader Montreal to Cali to Yerevan uh roadmap it connects local action directly to Global Milestones anchoring subnational contributions and Global targets like Target 12 and the broader 30x30 conservation goals Madam chair there are areas however that need attention and these include resource availability to enhance rigor where the text explicitly notes that a lack of resources prevented comprehensive systematic and verified data gathering. The absence of a top-down national perspective and the third one is persistent capacity and data disparities. Madam Chair, Africa takes note of the draft decision, which spotlights the executive summary of the report, which functions as an advocate tool since the report is still under development. Continued efforts to strengthen coordination, cooperation, engagement and exchange programs across all levels are critical in the implementation of the ******* Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targets. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you very much, Zimbabwe, on behalf of the African group. I don't see any more requests for the floor from regions, so I would like now to open the floor to individual parties. Yes, thank you. I see the United Republic of Tanzania, yes, and followed by South Africa. And I acknowledge that we would be given two minutes for the parties, yes. Tanzania, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Tanzania supports the statement delivered on behalf of Africa Group and appreciate the effort undertaken developing the draft report on item nine. Tanzania would like to provide the comments on the review report as follows. The review should provide vividly identified challenges within localities such as sub-region, for example, what are the main challenges for Africa, Asia, Europe, et cetera. This will provide an opportunity for parties to address those challenges. Regarding the implementation impacts on the GBF, the review identifies several targets which show a frequency exercise which suggests the report should provide specific targets of GBF which has tangible impacts to provide opportunity for parties to concentrate on the ignored targets. Based on the findings, The review clearly demonstrates the growing importance of urban biodiversity, particularly in relation to target 12. We therefore recommend to integrate biodiversity to urban forest, urban trees, wetland conservation, green spaces, botanical garden and ecological corridors. Tanzania suggests the report to explicitly recognize the important role of regional secretariat, local government authority, village governments and other decentralized government institution are the key implementation partners, especially in nature-based solution. Chair, Tanzania requests the GF and other global financial institution to support developing parties on collection and management by the best generated data, especially contribution of women, indigenous people and local community in the implementation of the framework. Tanzania encourage parties and relevant organization to strengthen technical and financial support for capacity building, knowledge sharing, and partnership with other stakeholders, including women, local groups, and youth organization.

Thank you very much, Tanzania. I will now give the floor to South Africa, followed by Chad. South Africa, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. South Africa aligns itself with the statement delivered by Zimbabwe on behalf of the Africa Group. We further wish to underscore the important role of subnational and local governments in the implementation of the convention and the CMGBF. Local government represent the closest fear of government to communities and are often at the forefront of responding to the direct impact of biodiversity loss in ecosystem degradation. South Africa therefore recognizes the progress made under decision 15/12 and welcomes the growing attention to the contribution of subnational and local governments. In the South African context, the South African Local Government Association plays a significant role in convening municipalities, facilitating stakeholder engagement, promoting knowledge exchange, and supporting voluntary networks and partnerships, and helping to translate global and national biodiversity priorities into practical action at local government. These serve as important enablers for effective implementation and coordination. On the 22nd of May, 2026, South Africa, in collaboration with the CBD Secretariat and with the active involvement of SALGA, had the privilege of hosting the International Day of Biological Diversity as a global flagship event under the theme Acting Locally for Global Impact. We were honored that South Africa became the first party to host this fellowship event, which highlighted the critical contribution of local action to achieving global biodiversity goals. The event was preceded by a two-day National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan consultative conference, which provided a platform for subnational and national government to share their experiences and contribution towards the CAMGBF and NB-SAP. We therefore recommend that item agenda nine give greater consideration to measures to strengthen national local coordination. Thank you.

Thank you very much, South Africa. I will give the floor to the Chad, followed by the Russian Federation.

Chad, you have the floor.

Thank you so much.

on behalf of the African group. It thanks the secretariat and the subsidiary body for their work on the role of subnational authorities, municipalities and other local authorities in implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity, its protocols and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. In Chad, a significant portion of biodiversity is located in areas where local authorities and communities play a decisive role in their management. Their commitment is essential to translating national commitments into concrete actions on the ground. Chad recommends better integration of the global frameworks objectives and targets into local development plans, land use policies and spatial planning instruments in line with the national biodiversity strategies and action plans. However, this commitment must be supported by adequate means of implementation, including financial resources, capacity building, access to data, scientific knowledge and appropriate technologies. Chad also calls for strengthening the effective participation of local communities and of other stakeholders in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of actions for the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of biodiversity, while valuing local and traditional knowledge in accordance with national legal frameworks. It further recommends strengthening coordination among the various levels of governance to ensure consistent implementation of the global framework, as well as integrating data from the local and subnational levels into national monitoring and reporting systems. And finally, it underscores the importance of transboundary cooperation for the conservation of shared ecosystems and national resources. Thank you.

I will soon close the floor for interventions from parties. I would like now to give the floor to the Russian Federation, followed by Madagascar. Russian Federation, you have the floor.

Thank you. Thank you so much, Madam Chair. The Russian Federation is country with a federal structure where there are sub-national governments in our region who play a key role in the conservation of sustainable use of biodiversity and for this reason we fully recognize the role that they can play in further promoting the implementation of the Convention. The same of course also applies to local authorities. We thank the Secretariat for the the review of the situation which was prepared with involvement of local authorities and subnational governments. At the same time, we believe that the document which was proposed for our adoption, document nine, is not as a separate decision of COP17 is not advisable. The reason for this is that there are different approaches to do this. And as we said yesterday in the context of mainstreaming biodiversity, referred to the fact that if there is a lack of clear guidance regarding practical actions, it seems as just like with agenda item, it would be better to merge these two documents into one on the principle of the all-of-government approach with the participation of society, and this should enable us to approach this agenda item in the best possible way in Yerevan. And we again want to reiterate that we will revisit this discussion when we come to discuss the effectiveness of the implementation of the Convention, because this agenda item is also ineffective in our view. Now, our proposals regarding the text are just like yesterday, but similar to yesterday's, and we'll, of course, submit them to you in writing, and we stand ready to work constructively with you.

Thank you very much, Russian Federation. I'm now closing the floor for interventions from parties. I will give the floor to Madagascar, followed by India. Madagascar, you have the floor.

Chair, Madagascar aligns itself to the statement. made on behalf of the African group. We support the strengthening of the role of subnational governments, municipalities and local authorities in the implementation of the KMGBF. In Madagascar, this approach is already integrated into our new NB-SAP for 2026-2030, which rests on a pan-governmental and pan-societal approach with the participation of municipalities, local communities and sectoral ministries. Nevertheless, For these stakeholders to fully play their role, it is essential that we strengthen their technical and institutional capacities, improve monitoring and reporting systems, and facilitate access to financial resources to support local action. We also highlight the importance of recognising mechanisms of local and community governance, which contribute significantly to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in our country. Finally, Madagascar supports strengthening coordination between different levels of governance in line with the circumstances, priorities and institutional frameworks at national level in order to ensure an effective implementation and sustainable implementation of the global framework. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you very much, Madagascar. I will now give the floor to India, followed by Panama. India, you have the floor.

Thank you Madam Chair. India recognizes the importance of assessing the implementation of the Convention in a manner that is science-based, transparent, inclusive and responsive to national circumstances. The implementation of decisions under this agenda should fully respect the objective and provision of the Convention while taking into account the priorities, capacities and development needs of parties, particularly developing countries. India emphasizes that effective implementation requires predictable and adequate means of implementation, including financial resources, technology transfer, technical and scientific cooperation, and capacity building, consistent with Article 20 and 21 of the Convention. Strengthening national capacities remains essential for achieving the objective of the Convention and the KMGVF. India further underlines the importance of respecting national sovereignty over biological resources and ensuring that implementation remains country-driven India also emphasizes the importance of strengthening knowledge sharing mechanism, promoting the use of the best available scientific information together with traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of local communities with their free, prior and informed consent where appropriate in accordance with national legislation. India believes that any future work under this agenda should avoid creating additional reporting or administrative burdens on parties. Existing mechanism under the convention should be utilized to the greatest extent possible while ensuring coherence, efficiency and effective implementation. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you very much, India. I will now give the floor to Panama. Panama, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Panama welcomes the document. And progress in terms of the report on the KMGF, the document clearly sets out that subnational governments and local governments act in order to directly protect biodiversity. They're not just secondary administrative level, they're the exact point where the global target becomes a decision on a real territory. 76 cities and regions have already taken up many active commitments with 1,333 actions documented. These are not just promises, they're implementations underway. Panama supports the proposal proposed by the IIFB and the organization of Colombian Amazon Indigenous Peoples, as well as work by the Women's Caucus of the CBD. to fill a gap with regards to indigenous peoples and women. So we need to make sure that biodiversity and its protection is first led by countries themselves and people living within them. Panama knows this first hand. Our indigenous people is suffering from real consequences. its access rights on any national project within its territory. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, Panama. I don't have any more requests for the four forum parties. I would like now to invite other governments, IPOCs, and other major stakeholder groups and observers. I see IPOCs, IIFB, you have three minutes.

Madam Chair, the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity believes that while the implementation of Kunming-Monreal Global Biodiversity Framework is primarily a responsibility of the parties' national governments, the success to a great extent depends on the effective localization of global and national targets. The implementation of the KMGBF requires profound action at the local level. and cooperation between local authorities and indigenous peoples and local communities organizations for the effective spatial planning, ecosystem restoration and monitoring. There are numerous examples of indigenous peoples and local communities institutions working on their biodiversity priorities in collaboration with the subnational and local authorities. Moreover, indigenous peoples and local communities institutions demonstrate effective local governance. In some countries, national legal frameworks formally recognize indigenous governments and authorities as part of subnational governments arrangements, such as in Colombia through the legal framework for indigenous territorial entities, which among other functions exercise environmental competencies. Our traditional governance systems, including public policies and decision-making processes, grounded in our knowledge systems effectively contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Madam Chair, the edit proposals and additional paragraphs IIFB submitted to parties consideration seek to strengthen the engagement of subnational and local authorities with indigenous peoples and local communities, ensure their full and effective participation, recognize where provided for under national and legal frameworks, indigenous peoples and local communities authorities within subnational governments arrangements and support their effective contributions to the implementation of KMGBF. IIFB also believes that reporting on implementation at the subnational and local levels should be strengthened. Information emerging from the seventh national reports shows, for example, that the contributions of indigenous peoples and local communities authorities.

And I will give the floor to youth. Youth, you have the floor as you have already submitted your statement. It's one minute. You have one minute. Thank you.

Thank you, Chair. I'm speaking on behalf of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network. We thank the parties who have expressed their support for our proposal. We take the floor to outline our general key priorities as youth for this agenda item. Subnational governments are the closest to the people and responsible for addressing direct pressure on biodiversity. Without dedicated funding and other form of resources and support, whole of government and whole of society approach cannot be implemented efficiently, effectively, and equitably. The document referred to stakeholder engagement and social participation but lack explicit provision for youth inclusion in subnational planning. Ensuring the meaningful participation of youth alongside intergenerational equity, human rights-based approaches and gender responsiveness in local biodiversity planning and implementation is essential to achieving transformative implementation to the framework. Thank you, Madam

President. Okay, thank you very much. So with that, we have completed the first reading of agenda item nine. I see that we have a question that has been raised here that really pertains to the Bureau to examine because it deals with the agenda and the organization of work. So what I would like to propose is that I will prepare a CRP with the help of the Secretariat and taking on board your comments and valuable contributions, and we will further discuss the possibility of merging this item with mainstreaming. Okay. So that's what I propose right now. I don't know if the Secretariat would like to also compliment. Okay. Thank you. Thank you very much. And with that, I thank you very much. I think we are progressing very well this morning. Thank you for collaboration. I will move forward to item 11, the Clearinghouse mechanism and knowledge management. I will give you one minute so that we can change teams. Thank you. Thank you very much, colleagues. I would like to proceed. Okay, colleagues, so I will invite the Secretariat to introduce item 11, the clearinghouse mechanism and knowledge management. Secretariat, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. For item 11, the Secretariat has prepared document CBD/SBI/7/11, which provides an update on the implementation of the programme of work on the clearinghouse mechanism and knowledge management strategy, as adopted in decision 16/9a and b, and provides elements of possible recommendations to be considered by the Conference of Parties at its seventeenth meeting. The Subsidiary Body also has before it INF/DO/12, the progress report on the implementation of the programme of the work on the Clearing House Mechanism and the knowledge management strategy. The Subsidiary Body is invited to consider the draft recommendations provided in the document. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you very much, Secretariat. So as we have been doing so far, I would like now to examine the early submissions. Yes. So information document 21 lists the nine submissions received from parties and the four statements from servers on item 11. The list of parties and observers indicated on the information document is also being displayed on the screen. Colleagues, are there any objections from any parties or observers listed in the information document and in the slide before us? that your statements being formally entered on record as statements officially submitted for this agenda item in this meeting, please raise your hands if you have any objection. Thank you. Thank you very much, colleagues. So your statements will be formally entered on record and considered as officially submitted under this agenda item. Regarding the statements submitted by observers, I will read out loud the name of the organizations and ask if you are here, and then I will ask for the parties support. So organization number one, Eco Maxe Keretaro. Are you here? Yes, you are present. Thank you. And I see support from the DRC, the European Union, and Fiji, among others, and the list will be published. Organization number two, Global Youth for Diversity Network. Are you here? Yes, thank you. And I see support from the DRC, Brazil, Panama, among others. Thank you. Organization number three, IPLC, the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity, yes, you are here, thank you. I see support from Brazil, the DRC and Cote d'Ivoire, among others. And organization number four, Women for Biodiversity, are you here? Women for Biodiversity? Are you present? Women for Biodiversity. No, I see that unfortunately they are not present. So we cannot proceed right now with the approval. So we will then acknowledge the early submissions of the first three organizations on the preparation of a CRP for this agenda item. Thank you very much. And I would like now to open the floor for parties speaking on behalf of regional groups. Please only ask the floor right now if you're speaking on behalf of a regional group. Okay. So Kenya is speaking on behalf of the African group. You have four minutes, Kenya.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Kenya has the honor to deliver the statement on behalf of Africa. Africa welcomes the progress made in the implementation of the program of work for the clearing house and knowledge management strategy and appreciates the work of the secretariat in strengthening the central clearing house and advancing the bio land tool. We support the draft decision and the future priorities identified by the Secretariat, particularly in strengthening the integration of the information system, improve the accessibility of biodiversity knowledge and enhance the practical use of the information for the framework. Chair, while the priorities are important, many African countries continue to experience the implementation challenges, which of course are not reflected in the draft recommendation. We face weak institutional coordination, limited technical expertise, inadequate and unpredictable financial resources, and we have problems in terms of updating information. Addressing these systematic challenges is essential. For effective implementation, we need not a static information system or platform. So we propose in the draft decision, what we propose is strengthening the role of the national clearinghouse as gateways to authoritative biodiversity knowledge by enhancing linkages, Regional and global information systems, scientific databases, research information and relevant knowledge repositories, thereby having reliable information which is updated and with high quality. Encourage the exchange of practical implementation experience through South South, north-south and Triangle Corporation. Further requested the executive secretary building on the decision sixteen strong nine A to develop practical guidance on governance arrangements for the national CHM including institutional responsibilities, coordination mechanisms and information management arrangements. Further request the executive secretary in collaboration with the global coordinating entity and the regional and sub-regional technical and scientific cooperation support centers to facilitate sustained technical advisor and mentoring services. Further request the executive to facilitate continuous capacity development for parties on the use of the online reporting tools. We request the executive secretary to develop in consultation with the parties voluntary indicators for assessing the functionality and contribution of the national clearance mechanism for the implementation of the framework. And we also request the executive secretary to document and disseminate experiences, best practices on the implementation of the framework. AFSTA believes that the declaration should evolve beyond just a platform, but a knowledge management system. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Kenya, on behalf of the African group. I will now give the floor to the Marshall Islands. Marshall Islands, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Marshall Islands speaks on behalf of the 14 Pacific small island developing states. We welcome the progress reported here, including the central portal, the alignment across the three clearing houses, an online reporting tool, and the release of BioLand 2.0. This is real work, and we acknowledge it. We have three observations. The first is about resources. The estimated requirement attached to this decision is $35,595. That is what this convention proposes to invest in the knowledge infrastructure on which the global review, the monitoring framework, and the eighth national reports all depend. The draft decision then invites the regional and sub-regional support centers to take on clearing house and knowledge management work within their programs. The same centers that one item ago the secretariat described as facing a critical lack of predictable and sustained funding. with two of 15 having raised anything at all. Our position is straightforward, Chair. Either resource the mandate or do not add it. Article 18, paragraph three of the convention establishes the clearinghouse mechanism as an instrument for promoting and facilitating technical and scientific cooperation. An unfounded instrument facilitates nothing. The second is about what this document does not measure. It gives no figure for how many parties have a national clearinghouse mechanism, no figure for bio land adoption, and no regional breakdown of anything. It does note that revised national strategies contain few explicit references to national clearinghouse mechanisms. Without a baseline, the comprehensive review scheduled for the 19th meeting will have nothing to measure against. We ask for those numbers disaggregated by region and by small island developing state and least developed country status to be established as a baseline at this meeting rather than at the review. The third point is about access, operability with national systems, nor indigenous data governance. For our members, a tool built on the assumption of reliable high bandwidth connectivity is a tool that does not work. Several of our countries administer outer islands where the reporting officer is offline for weeks at a time. When this convention then reports that small island developing states submitted fewer national reports on time, the cause is partly sitting on this agenda item. So our request is a simple one, and we ask for it in the operative text in three ways. One, that these tools be usable in low bandwidth and offline settings with offline data entry and later synchronization as a design requirement rather than as an aspiration. Two, that they interoperate with national systems rather than replace them so that reporting to this convention draws on national databases instead of duplicating them. And three, that they support national and community custodianship of data, including the capacity of developing countries. and that small island developing states in particular to maintain their own databases and to steward the knowledge of indigenous peoples and local communities under the care principles for indigenous data governance consistent with decisions 16/4 and 16/5. Chair, finally, these tools should be strengthening our national systems, not going around them. Decision 16/9 committed to this this convention to a knowledge management component that serves parties. We ask this meeting to make that commitment operational for the parties with the least.

Thank you very much Marshall Islands on behalf of the Pacific seeds. I don't see any more requests for the floor from parties speaking on behalf of regional groups. So I would like now to open the floor for parties, individual parties. Okay. And so begin with Saudi Arabia, followed by the Russian Federation. Saudi Arabia, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Kingdom welcomes the progress achieved in implementing the program of work on the clearinghouse mechanism and the knowledge management strategy, and we support the draft decision. The true value of this mechanism lies in transforming knowledge into a practical tool that helps parties implement the global framework in a more effective manner. Its value does not lie in increasing the quantity of information available. This mechanism must be further developed to facilitate access to quality and reliable information. We must also ensure respect of national legislation and sovereignty of data. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Saudi Arabia. I'll now give the floor to the Russian Federation, followed by DRC. Russian Federation, you have the floor.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair. The implementation of the clearinghouse mechanisms work program and the knowledge management strategy is essential for the successful implementation of the GBF. For this, it is necessary to mobilize sufficient resources, ensure cooperation among the parties and all relevant stakeholders, the timely collection, processing, and exchange of information, and most importantly, a user-friendly and understandable presentation of information on the Convention's website using modern methods, a simple and logical search function, and equal access for all parties and observers without any biases or restrictions. Attention should also be paid to the timely updating and national validation of global databases and ensuring access to them on those same principles. We welcome the creation and the launch of an online tool within the framework of the mediation mechanism for the collection of national reports and commitments from non-state actors. At the same time, we note that based on the experience with the seventh national report, the mechanism requires substantial refinement and clarifications regarding its architecture, internal linkages, as well as improvements to the clarity and data entry methods by the time of the eighth national report. It is important to facilitate, simplify and improve the efficient searching for information on the CBD website. This task should be given high priority amongst the tasks to be assigned to the secretariat by the 17th Conference of the Parties. Our proposals regarding the text will be submitted to the secretariat. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you very much, Russian Federation. I will now give the floor to the DRC, followed by Zimbabwe. DRC, you have the floor.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair. The DRC wishes to associate itself fully with the statement made by Kenya on behalf of the African Group. Agenda item 11 lies at the very heart of our collective ability to transform our commitments into concrete realities on the ground. Faced with the loss of biodiversity, scientific data are not simple administrative resources. They form the compass for our action within the framework of the KMGBF. As a state of biodiversity, the DRC hosts the majority of the Congo River Basin forests. The center of information exchange is therefore a strategic pillar which enables us to centralize and use and share necessary data. to guide our public policies and to provide rigorous follow-up for our national policies. The DRC would like to convey its gratitude to the Kingdom of Belgium for its effective historic support. Through the CBIOSA program, this exemplary partnership has enabled us to sustainably bolster our capacities. to enhance our national plan of work and to increase our biodiversity knowledge within the framework of our government action. This is proof that targeted, respectful international cooperation leads to tangible impacts. Madam Chair, the DRC therefore calls for increased mobilization in terms of financial resources and to technology transfer to developing states. The digital platforms should become more inclusive, more interconnected and accessible to ensure that they fully integrate traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples and local communities. I thank you.

Thank you very much, Dearce. I will give the floor to Zimbabwe, followed by Yemen and colleagues. I will soon be closing the floor. So Zimbabwe, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Zimbabwe aligns itself with the statement delivered by Kenya on behalf of the African group. We support the draft decision and the priorities identified, particularly efforts to improve integrated information systems, access to biodiversity knowledge, and the practical use of information for implementing the CAMGBF. At the same time, Zimbabwe wishes to emphasize that many African parties continue to face significant implementation challenges at national levels. In our experience, national clearinghouse mechanisms often face weak institutional coordination, limited technical capacity, inadequate financing, irregular updating of information, and insufficient long-term technical support. These constraints limit the CHM's ability to function as a living implementation tool rather than an aesthetic information repository. Zimbabwe therefore supports the African group call to strengthen the draft recommendation by encouraging parties to institutionalize national CHMs, secure sustainable financing, develop national CHM strategies and knowledge management frameworks, and build capacity of focal points. We therefore encourage linkages between CHMs and authorities of knowledge management platforms. Zimbabwe believes that strengthening CHMs is not only about digital systems, but about building sustainable national biodiversity knowledge systems that support evidence-based decision making and effective implementation. I thank you.

Thank you very much, Zimbabwe. I'll now give the floor to Yemen, followed by Benin. Yemen, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. We naturally support the draft recommendation. It's an important step to ensure the implementation of the protocol. The assessment findings have revealed ongoing implementation gaps, mainly with respect to the regulatory and training and capacity building frameworks, as well as the updating of information. In this context, there must be further technical, financial and capacity building support. We also call for an exchange for the transfer of technology. The draft recommendation may be more comprehensive if it addresses different aspects including giving clear priorities to LDCs and countries with limited capacities in financing and capacity building programs. In addition, there must be further support including to national biosafety infrastructure. We need also indicators to measure the quality of implementation and to promote regional cooperation. In conclusion, we reiterate that effective implementation of the Cartagena Protocol requires adequate and sufficient means of implementation, including sustainable funding and capacity building and transfer of technology in such a way that meets the needs of developing and least developed countries and also countries with fragile conditions. This will help these countries honor their obligations. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Yemen. I will give the floor to Benin, followed by Tanzania. Benin, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Benin supports the statement made Kenya on behalf of the African group on exchange and knowledge management centers. Benin welcomes will of the secretariat and the CDB Bureau of the SBI to make progress on discussions on this important issue. Benin supports the content of the report which provides an update on progress made and a draft recommendation for a view by this body. Benin welcomes the vision to strengthen and accelerate the implementation of the programme work relating to the information exchange mechanism and the strategy for knowledge management as assessed in the report. The report on the implementation of the strategy does not have explicit references to national exchange centres nor to knowledge management centers for MB SAPs. This shows that exchange centers need to accelerate their roadmaps so that their work can be felt in the implementation of the GM KM GBF. That's why Benin recommends that a clear and operational roadmap be elaborated to this effect. Benin would also ask for bilateral cooperation between North and South countries be priorities in the operationalization of this important topic. in the image of the remarkable work carried out by the Kingdom of Belgium through its CBOs program, not just in Africa, but also throughout the world. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you very much, Benin. I will now give the floor to Tanzania, followed by India. Tanzania, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Tanzania aligns itself with the statement delivered by Kenya on behalf of the African group. Accurate, accessible and timely data is the rock of the KMGBF. We cannot manage what we do not measure and we cannot coordinate what we do not share. Target 21 calls us to ensure that the best available data, information and knowledge are accessible to decision makers and stakeholders alike. However, our national reports and NBSAPs still contain very few explicit references to national knowledge management strategies. This divide is a major barrier to the implementation of target 21. To bridge this gap, we add the subsidiary body to consider the following enhancements. On resource mobilization, while we note the need for additional resources, we must be explicit. We urge developed country parties and invite multilateral funding mechanisms like the JF and the Cali Fund to provide dedicated financial support, especially for developing countries, to establish and sustain national database systems. Technical and scientific operation centers must not operate in silos. Hence, we request the secretariat and the global coordination entity to also must ensure that the integration of the ORT, the central portal and the bio land uses open access and standardized APIs to avoid double reporting. Chair, a clearinghouse mechanism is only powerful as the information flowing through it and the capacity of the hands operating it. Let us invest in the digital and technical capacities of all parties so that our policy decisions are by solid shared science, and Tanzania will submit these recommendations in writing. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Tanzania. Colleagues, I'm now closing the floor for parties on this agenda item. I will now give the floor to India, followed by Malawi. India, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. We welcome the progress made in implementing the program of work for the clearinghouse mechanism and the knowledge management strategy. An effective, accessible and interoperable CHM is essential for advancing technical and scientific cooperation under Article 17 and 18 of the Convention and supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. India considers that the knowledge management strategy implementation should be guided by the priority areas identified by the Secretariat for the next biennium, including enhancing interoperability among the Conventions information systems, improving the accessibility and reusability of information and supporting integrated information platforms. These efforts will contribute to a more connected, user-friendly and efficient global knowledge management ecosystem. India supports voluntary sharing by parties of progress, challenges and technical and capacity building needs to inform future reviews without creating additional reporting obligations. The COP19 review could consider parties differing national circumstances, capacities and stages of development of national clearinghouse mechanism. ensuring that the assessment of implementation is balanced and not unduly influenced by differences in knowledge management capacities. India remains committed to working with parties, the secretariat and relevant stakeholders to strengthen the CHM, support implementation of the convention and the KMGVF and advance a connected, inclusive and effective global knowledge management system. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you very much, India. I will now give the floor to Malawi, followed by Namibia. Malawi, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Malawi aligns itself with the statement made by Kenya on behalf of the African group. Malawi appreciates the progress made by the Secretariat in implementing the programme of work for the CHM and the knowledge management strategy in support of the KAM GBF. Malawi recognizes that effective biodiversity conservation and sustainable use depend not only on generating biodiversity information, but also ensuring that such information is accessible, reliable, well organized, searchable and usable by decision makers, researchers, practitioners and other stakeholders. The CHM remains an important platform for strengthening national biodiversity data management and connecting biodiversity science with policy planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting. This is particularly relevant to achieving target 21 of the KMB GBF. Malawi's capacity to organize and share biodiversity information through the CHM still remains further, still requires further support. We therefore appreciate the continued development of the BioLand. Malawi is grateful to have participated in the capacity building, capacity training and sensitization workshop for stakeholders on the biennial 2, as well as the exchange with Ghana, which enhanced our participation in the CHM. Chair Malawi requests the Secretariat to strengthen targeted capacity building and technical assistance.

To Namibia, followed by the Chad. Namibia, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Co-Chair. Namibia aligns itself with the African group statement. and thanks the Secretariat for the report contained in document CBD/SBI/7/11. We welcome the release of Bio-Land 2.0 and the operationalization of the online reporting tool. But paragraph six of the report deserves honesty. Few explicit references to national clearing signal of low priority. It is a signal of low capacity. A report that records the gap without naming it, of course, will produce a decision that does not close it. Secondly, and this room seldom raise it, paragraph 10 proposes to connect the central portal with the access and benefit sharing clearinghouse and biosafety clearinghouse, including through country profile pages. Namibia supports interoperability. We do not support consolidation by architecture. The access and benefit sharing clearinghouse is established by article 14 of the Nagoya Protocol and answers to its own meeting of the parties. Its records internationally recognized certificates of compliance, permits, checkpoints, communiques, carry legal effect and confidentiality rules that the convention's portal does not. Integration at the technical layer must not migrate governance at the legal layer. Finally, Madam Chairperson, operative paragraph 8A speaks of information that is accessible, searchable and reusable. Reusable by whom and on what terms? Article 17 paragraph 1 of the Convention requires that the exchange of information take place.

Thank you very much for that, Namibia. I will now give the floor to Chad, followed by New Zealand. Chad, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Chad aligns itself with the statement of the African Group made by Kenya and thanks the secretariat and the subsidiary body invitation for the work conducted for the implementation of the clearinghouse and knowledge management strategy to support the KMGBF. We welcome the progress made in the development of the central portal, the improvement of the organization of information and the development of the pilot tool. However, this progress needs to be accompanied by a strengthening of technical and institutional capacities of developing countries in order to ensure a sustainable use of these tools. Chad underlines that the digital divide Inadequate infrastructure and the lack of specialized skills remain major obstacles. We call for strengthening digital infrastructures, connectivity, equipment and training as necessary, in particular in terms of geographic information systems, remote sensing, mapping, database management and land use. We also recommend to facilitate the integration of national data on biodiversity in the clearinghouse to better make use of traditional knowledge while respecting the rights of the concerned communities. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Chad. I will now give the floor to New Zealand. New Zealand, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam Co-Chair. New Zealand welcomes ongoing efforts to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of the clearinghouse mechanism, including by the Secretariat working with relevant partners. In undertaking this work, New Zealand considers it important to ensure that we don't create duplication or any overlap with the roles and activities of other international organizations, including, in particular, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. GBIF is an international government-backed data infrastructure that aggregates, standardizes, and publishes biodiversity data from thousands of institutions worldwide.

For this reason, in any requests to the Executive.

Secretary under this item or commissioning further work, especially in regards to data management systems, we request that care is taken to avoid any overlap or duplication with the role and functions of GBIF.

Many thanks.

Thank you very much, New Zealand. I don't see any more requests for the floor from parties, so I would like now to invite other governments, IPOCs and other observers. Yes. I will now give the floor to IIFB, and of course you do have three minutes. Yes.

I speak on behalf of the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity, IIFB. The IIFB welcomes the progress made in implementing the program of work for the clearing house mechanism and the knowledge management strategy pursuant to decision 16/9 A and B. These efforts make an important contribution to the implementation of target 21 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, KMBF, and Article 17 and 18 of the Convention. The IFB emphasizes the effective management of the knowledge management strategy. The IFB emphasizes that effective management of the knowledge management strategy must be consistent with Article 8 and related provisions of the Convention by recognizing and reflecting on the contribution of indigenous peoples and local communities to knowledge generation, knowledge management, and knowledge exchange. National reporting should therefore appropriately capture these contributions to ensure their visibility and to support the effective implementation of the convention. National reports should more fully reflect the indispensable role of indigenous peoples and local communities as right holders, knowledge holders, implementation partners, custodians of biodiversity and not mere actors or stakeholders. The IIFB further endorses...

Thank you very much, IIFB. I will now give the floor to NGOs. NGOs, you have one minute.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm speaking on behalf of Women for Biodiversity. Just to say that my sincere apologies, we were not there in the room when we were called in for, so we are here and we're just looking for party support to our early statement submitted on this agenda item. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you very much. Women for Biodiversity parties, can we support the statements made by, yes, I see Cote d'Ivoire, the DRC and Egypt, so among others. We have also support for the statement early submitted by Women for Biodiversity. Colleagues, thank you very much. We are making progress this morning. So with that, we completed the first reading for item 11. And I would like now to go to Item 13, CEPA, communication, education and public awareness. I will give one minute for us to change teams. Oh, colleagues, so I apologize. I completely forgot to say that I will be preparing a CRP on the cleaning housing mechanism item on the previous item, and I think that we have lots of understanding, and of course, the general feeling from the floor is to strengthen the I'm so sorry. I think I was so happy that we were progressing, you know. Apologies. So, and now we will begin our consideration for item 13. Thank you. So I will now invite the secretary to introduce item 13, communication, education and public awareness. Thank you.

Thank you, Chair.

In its decision 16/10, the COP requested the Executive Secretary to develop a global plan of action for education on biodiversity, to submit a progress report.

On the implementation of the suggested actions for consideration by the SBI, and to keep the topic under review at COP 18 and 19. In response to this decision, the Secretariat has prepared document CBD/SBI/7/13.

This document contains a progress report made in relation to the implementation of the CEPA programme of work.

Communication, education and public awareness, since COP16. The document also contains a draft recommendation with the draft global plan of action for education on biodiversity as an annex to this recommendation.

Thank you, Chair.

Thank you very much, Secretariat. So colleagues kindly note that this document is inviting two things for parties to take note of the progress report on communications, education and public awareness with the topic to continue to be kept under review at COP18 and COP19 as stipulated in decision 16/10. The draft decision also invites parties to endorse the global plan of action as a living document to be further elaborated and requests the executive secretary to gather and incorporate additional inputs in order to strengthen it. As such, we thank those parties who have submitted comments on the draft Global Plan of Action and note that these will not be incorporated during this meeting, but will be reflected through the process that the Secretariat will set up to gather further inputs from parties and observers for its next iteration. The concept of a living document comes into consideration here, which has precedence in decision 15/8 on capacity building and development and technical and scientific cooperation, annex one, section G, para 19. with the idea that further inputs will be gathered and incorporated and that the topic of education itself is changing so rapidly as to need an iterative process of reflection, review and updates together with the other relevant global processes which are also considering the topic of education. So with that introduction, I would like now to call your attention to the review of the early statements modality. So as previously explained, information document 21 lists eight submissions received from parties and seven statements from observers on 1913. The list is also reflected on the slides before us. And so colleagues, I would like to ask you if there are any objections for any parties or observers listed in the information document to your statements being formally entered on record as statements officially submitted for this agenda item in this meeting. Please raise your hands if you have any objection. Thank you. Thank you very much, colleagues. So your statements will be formally entered on record and considered as officially submitted under this agenda item. I would like now to call your attention to the list of observers that have submitted statements through the new modality. So I will ask them if they are in the room and then I will ask If they are present, I will ask for support from parties. So, organization number one, ECOMACSA-CERETARO, are you here? Yes, they are present. Thank you very much. I see support from Guatemala, Tajikistan, Fiji, among others. Thank you very much. Organization two, Global Youth for Diversity Network, are you here? Yes, they are here. Thank you very much. I see Fiji, DRC, and Egypt, among others. Thank you. Organization number three, the IIFB, are you here? Yes, they're here, they're present. Thank you. I see support from Panama, Guatemala, Egypt, among others. Thank you. Organization four, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for human rights. Are you here? Yes, you are here. You're present. Thank you. I see Chile, the European Union, Gambia, among others, support. So it's on record. Organization number five, the United Nations Development Program. You are here. Thank you. You're present. I see the European Union, Mexico and Equatorial Guinea. Thank you, among others. Women for Biodiversity. Yes, now you're here. Thank you. I see the DRC, Egypt, and the United Republic of Tanzania. Thank you. WWF International, yes, they're here. Thank you. I see Fiji, Tanzania, and Egypt. Thank you very much. And the complete list will be presented on the other step on our webpage for this meeting. Thank you. So, colleagues, I would like now to open the floor for intervention on this item. I now open the floor for comments, beginning with parties speaking on behalf of a regional group. I see the Marshall Islands, followed by South Africa. Marshall Islands, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Marshall Islands speaks on behalf of the 14 Pacific Small Island Developing States. We welcome the draft Global Plan of Action for Education on Biodiversity, and we can support its endorsement. We note that the decision describes it as a living document that will be developed further and that it mandates the Executive Secretary to gather and incorporate additional inputs. We intend to use that channel, and we will say now what we plan to put into it. The guiding principles in this plan are good ones for our region. They call for approaches that are pluralistic and holistic, that recognize and integrate diverse knowledge systems, including those of indigenous peoples and local communities, that promote intercultural and intergenerational exchange, and that are grounded in place-based learning through direct engagement with natural, cultural, and living environments. Chair, that is a fair description of how knowledge has been transmitted in the Pacific for 3,000 years. In our islands, biodiversity education is not principally a curriculum question. It is a grandmother teaching a child which fish to take and when, which reef to leave alone this season, and what the season itself is called. Our task is not to invent culturally grounded education. It is to keep what we have from being displaced and to give it standing alongside the formal school system. We have three requests. One, that the further development of this plan includes small island developing states explicitly. As it stands, the plan contains no reference to small island developing states, to islands, to least developed countries, or to developing countries, and no differentiated provision for our circumstances. Voluntary, nationally driven implementation is a right in principle, but without differentiated support, it delivers least where capacity is lowest. Article 13 of the convention places the education obligation on all parties. Article 20, paragraph four, determines whether some of us can discharge it. Two, that the deliverable on learning materials in indigenous and local languages be given weight and resources behind it. For our region, this is the single most consequential line in the plan. The Pacific holds some of the most linguistically diverse and most endangered languages on earth and the biodiversity knowledge carried in them goes when they go. This is not a new concern for this convention. Decision 16/7 records the in-depth dialogue on the role of languages in the intergenerational transmission of traditional knowledge, innovations and practices. We ask that this plan be made the delivery vehicle for that dialogue rather than a document that runs parallel to it. And three, that a defined share of the resources attached to this decision reach regional delivery, including through the technical and scientific cooperation support centres designated under decision slash three, rather than being absorbed entirely at the centre. We ask that the submission window for further inputs be designed so that small administrations can actually meet it. meaning a clear deadline, adequate notice and a simple format. We have said the same thing under items 3 and 12 and we keep saying it because the pattern of underrepresentation of this convention keeps discovering in its own reports is substantially a product of how it asks for information. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you very much, Marshall Allen speaking on behalf of Pacific Seeds. I will now give the floor to South Africa. South Africa, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. South Africa has the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Africa Group. We welcome progress on the implementation of the suggested actions to align the programme of work on CIPAA with the KMGBF. We further welcome the development of the global plan of action for education on biodiversity as a voluntary and nationally driven instrument to support parties in the implementation of the framework. We are particularly encouraged by the plan's recognition of formal, non-formal and informal education systems, whole of society engagement, the contribution of diverse knowledge systems, including those of IPLCs, as well as the important roles of women and youth. We also appreciate the acknowledgement of the need for sustainable and long-term financing to support effective implementation. Madam Chair, as highlighted earlier, the global flagship celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 was successfully hosted in Africa by South Africa under the theme Acting Locally for Global Impact. South Africa was honored to become the first party invited to host this global flagship event. The event provided a valuable platform to showcase practical examples of how CIPA can support the implementation of the framework. It demonstrated the role of communication, education and public awareness in strengthening connections between global biodiversity commitments, national planning processes, stakeholder participation, public awareness and local action using a whole of government and whole of society approach. In light of this significant milestone, the Africa group would like, would welcome and appropriate recognition in respect of a COP decision and therefore proposes the inclusion of a new operative paragraph two as follows, welcomes the successful hosting by South Africa of the global celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2016 under the theme acting locally for global impact marking the first occasion on which a party was invited to host this well received global flagship event. Madam Chair, the Africa Group is also of the view that the draft recommendation could be further strengthened in several aspects. First, the Global Plan of Action will benefit from a stronger articulation of its contribution to implementation of AINB-SAPs, national biodiversity targets and national education systems. Second, implementation efforts should continue to be responsive to national circumstances, capacities, linguistic diversity and culture and local realities, thereby ensuring broad accessibility and relevance across different contexts. Third, developing country parties will benefit from enhanced access to predictable, adequate and accessible financial resources, as well as technical assistance and capacity building support to facilitate effective implementation of the plan. Fourth, monitoring and reporting approaches should Where possible, build on existing mechanisms and reporting processes in order to avoid creating additional reporting burdens for parties. On this basis, the Africa Group is able to support the draft recommendation subject to amendments that further strengthen national implementation, resource mobilization, inclusivity, accessibility, and practical approaches for assessing the contribution of CIPA to awareness raising, understanding, participation, and positive behavioral change. The Africa group looks forward to engaging constructively on the text and will submit its proposals in writing. I thank you, ma'am.

Thank you very much, South Africa, on behalf of the African group. I don't see more requests for the floor from regions, so I would like now to open the floor to parties, individual parties. Yes, I will give the floor to Malawi, followed by Tanzania. Malawi, you have the floor.

Malawi aligns itself with the statement delivered by South Africa on behalf of the African group. We thank the Secretariat for document CBD/SBI/7/13 and welcome the draft global plan of action for education on biodiversity. Malawi anchors its engagement in our national target 21, which commits to making biodiversity information accessible to 50% of our population by 2035. Nationally, we are establishing a national biodiversity information facility, training journalists in biodiversity reporting, integrating biodiversity into school curricula, and reaching rural communities through community radios, extension officers, and traditional leadership structures. With regard to financing, sustainable and predictable resources remain essential. particularly with for least developed countries. We request that operative paragraph four of the draft recommendations explicitly call for technical and financial support that prioritizes developing countries, in particular least developed countries and small island development states. With regard to monitoring and delivery, Malawi requests that the monitoring evaluation and reporting section of the global and support parties in developing standardized indicators for public access to biodiversity information. Malawi further requests that the priority area on fostering human nature connectivity explicitly reference indigenous and local languages and rural and community media such as radio as key delivery channels for underserved population.

Thank you very much. Malawi, I will now give the floor to Tanzania, followed by Zimbabwe. Tanzania, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair.

Zimbabwe aligns itself to the statement made by South Africa on behalf of Africa on agenda item 13. We welcome the draft global. Madam Chair, Zimbabwe supports the endorsement of the global plan of action that has been developed through a collaborative and participatory process as a living document subject to adapt to evolving national realities, thus allowing for ongoing iterative improvements based on regional and national feedback. Madam Chair, Zimbabwe takes note of the Secretary's progress report that demonstrates commendable administrative output and substantial digital reach and other concerted efforts to promote awareness raising and appreciates the hosting of the biodiversity observance day by South Africa Zimbabwe has a comprehensive framework on communication education and awareness in order to create an eco-conscious society. Madam Chair, Zimbabwe has rich indigenous and local community knowledge systems and therefore supports the integration of such systems, avoiding oversimplifying complex indigenous views. Communication, education and awareness strengthen knowledge values, behavioral change and collective action consistent with the ******* Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework vision of living in harmony with nature. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you very much, Zimbabwe. I will give the floor to the Russian Federation, followed by Argentina, but also I would like to announce that I will soon close the floor for these four parties. Russian Federation, you have the floor.

The Russian Federation would like to note the following issue, refining the program of work on communication, education, and public awareness, aligning it with the global biodiversity framework and ensuring its active and effective implementation by parties and non-state actors are all intended to foster both a better understanding of the global biodiversity framework's goals and objectives amongst the general public and the engagement of new partners achieving its objectives. We underscore the importance of proactive measures at all levels of education awareness raising formal, non-formal and supplementary. Given that the proposed Global Action Plan on Biodiversity Education is a living document that will be further refined, the plan cannot be adopted at COP17 as a standalone document. We consider it inappropriate to adopt it in its current form, but propose using it as a solid foundation and inviting the Parties to the CBD, as well as all interested non-state stakeholders, to contribute to its further development, along with providing the necessary technical and financial support for its refinement, implementation and final adoption at COP18 and subsequent implementation. proposals regarding the text will of course be submitted.

The plan needs to be led by and defined by ultimately the parties themselves. In this context we would also make a few suggestions for edits to the action plan strategy in its current version and we'll send all this in writing. Thank you.

Thank you very much Argentina. I will now give the floor to Peru followed by Chile. Peru you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Peru thanks the Secretariat for the presentation of the report on actions towards aligning the programme of work on communication, education and public awareness with the KMGBF and the draft Global Plan of Action for Education on Biodiversity. We recognise that education is a fundamental condition in order to achieve diversity and cultural diversity and knowledge practices and cosmovisions of indigenous peoples and local communities. Peru highlights the importance of strengthening the role played by indigenous peoples and local communities as strategic partners in educational processes and incorporating intercultural approaches and bilingual intercultural education approaches in actions which are developed under this plan. In addition, we believe it's essential to promote a greater link between the sectors of the environment, education and culture and between various levels of government in order to integrate effectively biodiversity into educational curricula, training processes for teachers and formal learning spaces, informal spaces as well. We also highlight the fundamental role played by the youth as agents of change and the importance of ensuring their active participation in the implementation, monitoring and strengthening of the Global Action Plan. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, Peru. I will now give the floor to Chile, followed by Madagascar. Chile, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Chair. For Chile, communication, education, and public awareness raising are essential conditions for the implementation of the global framework.

And on behalf of the African group and wishes to make the following additional remarks. We would like to thank the Secretariat for the report presented and we support the draft global action plan for biodiversity education. For Madagascar, communication, education and public awareness raising are essential drivers for accelerating the implementation of our national biodiversity strategy and action plan. Our approach is based on mobilizing society as a whole and on the strong involvement of public institutions, local governments, local communities, women, youth, the private sector and the scientific community. Our experience has demonstrated that education and public awareness raising are most effective when they take into account national specificities and realities, value local and traditional languages and knowledge, and promote sustainable behavioral changes that benefit biodiversity. In this regard, financial and technical support, as well as capacity building, remain essential to enable developing countries to effectively implement this action plan. We also emphasize the importance of building on existing national monitoring and reporting mechanisms to avoid placing any additional administrative burden on the parties. Madam Chair, I thank you.

Thank you very much, Madagascar. I will now give the floor to Tunisia, followed by Burundi. Tunisia, you have the floor.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair, for having given me the floor. Tunisia wishes to align itself with the statement made by South Africa on behalf of the African group, and we wish to make the following comments. We would like to thank the Secretariat for the presented report, as well as for the progress achieved in elaborating the Global Plan of Action for Education and Biodiversity, which is an important tool in backing the implementation of the coming Montreal global framework. We note with satisfaction the resumption of the work of the advisory and formal committee on communication, education and public awareness raising, which plays a key role in assisting us in elaborating and implementing the global plan of action for education biodiversity. Tunisia considers that communication, education, public awareness raising are essential when it comes to ensure national ownership for the objectives of the global framework and to promote a mobilization of society as a whole. In this respect, the celebration in Tunisia of the Global Biodiversity Day in Tunisia in 2026 served as a platform for dialogue and public awareness raising, which brought together the administration, civil society, the local population, youth, women, media, as well as technical and financial partners. This celebration also marked for the very first time the presentation of the main rare results of the three national results, which will elaborate pursuant to the Convention on Biodiversity and its protocols, thus contributing to strengthening the dissemination of knowledge and raising a feeling of ownership amongst international actors. Finally, Tunisia backs the call for technical and financial support for capacity building to enable the parties to effectively implement all of the activities in terms of communication, education and public awareness raising, taking into account the priorities and national specificities and context. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Tunisia. I will now give the floor to Burundi, followed by Indonesia. Burundi, you have the floor.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair. Thank you for having given me the floor. Burundi backs the statement made by South Africa on behalf of the Africa Group on communication, Communication and public awareness raising. We recognize the role of communication, education, public awareness raising to promote greater understanding by the public and to shed light for all stakeholders to enable better decision making, which will improve the implementation of the Convention and its protocols to achieve the objectives of the global framework and to guarantee the preservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. We, for this reason, back the recommendation to elaborate a global plan of action for education on biodiversity, which would include formal and informal education to back the necessary transformative changes for the implementation of the global framework for biodiversity. Thank you, Madam.

Thank you very much, Burundi. I will give the floor to Indonesia, followed by India. Indonesia, you have the floor. Thank you, Chair. Indonesia welcome the progress in aligning the program of work on communication, education and public awareness with the GPF and appreciate the preparation of the draft global plan of action for education on biodiversity. Guided by Indonesia biodiversity strategy and action plan 2020. 2025 and 2045, Indonesia is strengthening communication, education, and public awareness through biodiversity integration into school curricula, public outreach.

And science-based learning.

Indonesia also promotes open communication channels for communities to provide feedback on site-based conservation condition, encourage universities to incorporate global biodiversity development into education. research innovation and community service and advanced biodiversity mainstreaming in the private sector through environmental, social and governance practices. Indonesia.

Supports the draft recommendation and emphasised that implementation should remain voluntarily nationally driven and adaptable to national circumstances and capacities.

Supported by adequate finance, capacity building, as well as exchange of best and practical practices for developing countries.

Biodiversity education should also recognize traditional knowledge, local wisdom and community-based learning with the full and effective participation of indigenous people and local communities in accordance with national legislation. Finally, monitoring should, where possible, build on existing national reporting mechanisms so as to avoid additional burdens.

Thank you, Chair. Thank you very much, Indonesia. I will now give the floor to India. India, you have the floor, followed by Armenia. India.

Thank you, Madam Chair. We welcome the progress report that summarizes the action undertaken by the Secretariat, parties and actors other than governments in awareness raising, fostering whole of society engagement and participation, promoting knowledge exchange. India welcomes the global plan of action for education on biodiversity encompassing both formal and informal education for the effective implementation of the CMGBF. India strongly feels that there is a need to revamp and modernize institutions like botanical gardens, parks, zoos, aquarium, museum, repositories and libraries across nations for education, research and public awareness and also for the enhancement of youth, women, children and local communities. We would like to point out that the integration of biodiversity and its relevance to current environmental and sustainable development challenges into school and college curricula, as well as the higher education, requires further expansion and strengthening. The development of dedicated platforms such as citizen science initiative for training and building scientific capacities in biodiversity, environmental and climate related fields. as reported by some parties, is a welcome step that married.

Values and interacts with nature. We welcome the fact that almost all the parties in their national action plans for biodiversity referenced education, communication and public awareness of the objectives of the global framework for biodiversity.

Armenia welcomes the elaboration through a collaborative and participative process of the draft plan of action for communication, education and public awareness in terms of biodiversity, which will also be considered during COP17 in Yerevan. Guided by a pluralistic, holistic and equitable approach, the global plan of action could serve to back transformative action. We agree that this plan of action could be considered as a living document, one which is open to consultation, consultations likely to contribute to its further development and to promote better understanding amongst the public. Armenia stands ready to lend its contribution to this process. I thank you.

SEPA implementation requires predictable technical, institutional and financial support. National SEPA strategies should reflect country-specific contexts, making use of local languages, traditional knowledge, community institutions, and appropriate communication platforms. Ghana also encourages stronger integration of CEPF into national biodiversity strategy and action plans, biodiversity monitoring and reporting systems, and implementation of the framework's targets. CEPF should include measurable indicators. that assess not only awareness but also changes in knowledge, attitudes, behavior and participation. Finally, we encourage the secretariat and partners to continue facilitating the exchange of good.

Thank you very much Ghana. I will now give the floor to Botswana and followed by Panama. Botswana, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Republic of Botswana. We align fully with the statement delivered by South Africa on behalf of the African group. Chair, for Botswana, communication, education, and public awareness are essential pillars for implementing our national biodiversity strategy and action plan and achieving the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Our goal of mainstreaming biodiversity across all sectors can only succeed when every citizen understands the value of our natural heritage and the role in protecting it. In our context, biodiversity is central to livelihoods, culture and national identity. We have learned that awareness alone is insufficient. We must foster deeper understanding, build skills and inspire behavioural change. We therefore welcome the 2026 International Day for Biological Diversity theme, acting locally for global impact. Commendably hosted by South Africa. Botswana hosts several other commemorations to augment our outreach programs such as the World Wetlands Day and the World Environment Day. We support the African group call for a strengthened global plan of action with emphasis on the following. First, linking CBA to NB sub implementation and embedding biodiversity in national education systems. Secondly, adapting implementation to national and local context, including for Botswana, the integration of both formal education and traditional knowledge systems with respect for indigenous people, local communities, women and youth. Third, ensuring adequate and accessible financial, technical and capacity building support for developing countries. Fourth, relying on existing reporting processes to avoid unnecessary burdens. Chair, Botswana stands ready to work with all parties to ensure CIPAA drives biodiversity action at every level. I thank you.

Thank you very much, Botswana. I will now give the floor to Panama. Panama, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Panama thanks the Secretariat for the document. Chair, a large part of countries already recognize the national targets, education and public awareness raising, essential in order to conserve biodiversity. But only 43% of these targets are moving forwards according to that agreed upon. So that's what the action plan on education biodiversity is trying to improve. We recommend paragraph 30 as set out and annexed to the document, recognising it's a living document that can still be developed. the main challenge for indigenous peoples and local communities in Panama is that we need to really take into account that this is education of the land, an education that takes account the territory, not just content, but born from it. Nature itself is a classroom which teaches us when we walk through it. So we want to highlight that indigenous knowledge and that from local communities needs to enter into plans and it does so in our country as a folklore. It is a knowledge system which is able to guide us. Their knowledge also needs to appear where we take decisions, not just where people are being taught. So based on indigenous peoples, local communities, women and youth, Panama supports this. Thank you.

And now I will give the floor to Morocco. Morocco, you have the floor.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair. Our statement was sent in writing. We just wanted to add something to it regarding this tier, which is cross-cutting and will therefore impact all of the different agenda items. I would like this to be further developed at the level of the mainstreaming of biodiversity and also item nine, the one that we have just discussed. So these two agenda items, the mainstreaming of biodiversity and item nine of our agenda. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Morocco. Okay, colleagues, I see that we don't have any more requests for the floor from Parties. So I would like now to invite other governments, IPOCs and other observers. I will give the floor to IPOCs. IPOCs, you have three minutes.

Thank you, Chair. The IFB welcomes the progress that has been achieved in the implementing decision 16/10 in aligning the programme of work on SEPA with the KMBF. The IFB emphasises that the implementation of the GBF supported by the programme of work and by the global plan of action must include transformative, innovative and transdisciplinary formal, non-formal and informal education that recognizes the diverse languages, worldviews, values and knowledge systems of indigenous peoples and local communities and their initiatives. The IAFB welcomes the inclusion of indigenous peoples and local communities in the draft global plan. We also express our gratitude for the secretariat's collaboration in disseminating knowledge products in relation to the Global Biodiversity Outlook, which is a valuable information and communication piece. We reiterate our proposal that the programme of work and the global plan of action should include the successes and challenges identified in the Global Biodiversity Outlook, as they do with the Global Biodiversity Outlook. Building on these developments, the IAFB has proposed their draft plan of action for education on biodiversity to include direct access for funding for indigenous peoples and local communities, women and youth, and across cutting enabling conditions, sustainable financial and incentives. and the inclusion of our own reporting including through the local biodiversity outlook and community-based monitoring and information systems in monitoring evaluation and reporting we thank the parties for their support thank you chair.

Thank you very much IIFB I will now give the floor to youth and uh youth since we're talking about education uh you have three minutes thank you okay.

Thank you, Chair.

I'm speaking on behalf of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network and our more than 70 national and regional chapters.

This agenda item is.

Crucial for us as transformative education has been identified as a key priority for youth in our consultations. To strengthen the global education plan, we strongly recommend to reframe it as a plan on education for biodiversity rather than education on biodiversity. This change is to reflect education as a pathway to address the drivers of biodiversity loss and foster transformative change on the benefit of biodiversity and living in harmony with nature versus simply as a topic.

Of content on education.

We thank parties for the support on our proposal, which clarify the plan's linkages with education related provisions on the key MGBF and strengthen.

Please, microphone to youth.

Okay.

I'm sorry.

And strengthening its anchoring to fostering transformative change.

Thank you, Chair.

Thank you very much. Okay, thank you. Thank you very much, colleagues. And with this, I think that we have concluded the consideration, the first reading of this agenda item. And I see that we have a lot of, oh, no, I'm sorry. I see that NGOs are also asking for the floor. So NGOs, you have one minute. Thank you.

Hi, this is the observer California environmental voters and California global biodiversity alliance.

We would just like to note that we would love to see.

Strengthened representation of subnational government cities and other local authorities because of their strong role in implementing education plans.

In this plan.

And also that we would love to see the discussion recommended for biodiversity is on education contextualized across all three.

23, all 23 KMBF targets. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I will now give the floor to UNESCO. UNESCO, you have the floor. One minute.

Thank you, Chair, for the floor. So following the invitation extended by the CBD Secretariat pursuant to decision 16/10, UNESCO is the United Nations specialized agency on education, has been working closely with the Secretary of SPB and the drafting committee for the GPA. So working within our mandate of education for sustainable development, ESG, UNESCO has been already supporting its member states in strengthening biodiversity education in classrooms, in nature and in communities throughout our global network of ministries of education, UNESCO designated sites and educators. We stand ready to continue in supporting this process with our technical expertise and strengthening this interagency synergies.

Thank you, Chair.

Thank you very much, UNESCO. So now I really don't see any more requests for the floor. So we have completed the first reading on item 13. I see that we have a lot of common understanding on the draft recommendations. Therefore, I propose to prepare a conference room paper with the help of the Secretariat that will take into account the proposals made in the early statements and of course here at this plenary. I would like now -- I want now to take advantage of the last few minutes of interpretation so that we can introduce item 14, administrative and budgetary matters. So I will give one minute for changing teams, and meanwhile, Thank you very much. I now invite the Secretariat to introduce item 14. Secretariat, you have the floor. Thank you, Chair.

Under agenda item 14 on administrative and budgetary matters, in response to decision 16/28, the secretariat has prepared document 7/15 which presents the proposed integrated budget for the programmes of work of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing for the biennium 2027-2028. This proposal is supplemented by the document 715/1 reporting on the progress of the functional review of the Secretariat. The Secretariat has in addition prepared document 714 which contains a preliminary report on the administration of the Convention and its protocols for the biennium 2025-2026 and reports on the income and budget performance for the convention on biological diversity and its protocols. This is supplemented by document 714 add one which is a progress report on the implementation of outstanding audit recommendations. The subsidiary body is invited to take note of the listed document as will be presented for the consideration of the conference of the parties. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you very much, Secretariat. Okay, colleagues, as you know, information document 21 lists the six submissions received from parties and one statement from observers on item 14. Colleagues, are there any objections from any parties or observers listed in the information document to your statements being formally entered on record as statements officially submitted for this agenda item in this meeting. Please raise your hands if you have any objection. I don't see any objection. Thank you very much. So your statements will be formally entered on record and considered as officially submitted under this agenda item. I would like now to go on to the approval from the submission made by the only organization that has submitted a statement. It is IPOC's IIFB. Are you here? Yes, they are present. Yes, and I do see lots of support. So Panama, Ghana, and Australia. Thank you very much. Thank you, colleagues. I think that We only have time for this right now, but I would like to ask the Secretariat to make some announcement. I think that we have to resume our plenary session this afternoon. Secretariat, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

So we had a lot of tailwind this morning, so we have traveled quite well, catching up on the speed. So we will meet again at three o'clock here to resume the plenary.

The plenary time will be from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and then at 4:00 PM, we will.

Go to the contact groups that have already.

Been announced on DSI and mainstreaming, and the rooms have been announced, as you can see, where the contact.

Groups will take place.