Lead-up to the publication of the zero draft of the monitoring framework

The zero draft of the monitoring framework was prepared in the light of decisions 14/1, 14/34 and 14/35 and recommendation WG2020-1/1 of the first meeting of the Open-ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, and in response to paragraph 13 of SBSTTA recommendation 23/1 in which the Subsidiary Body requested the Executive Secretary to prepare a document identifying, among other things, options for a monitoring framework and possible baselines, taking into account the outcomes of WG2020-2, and to submit the document to SBSTTA-24 for its consideration.

It was developed on the basis of the indicators identified in decisions XIII/28, XI/3 and X/3, existing reporting processes under the Convention and its Protocols, the indicators used for monitoring the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as indicators developed by the members of the Biodiversity Indicators Partnership.

The preparation process also took into account information previously provided to WG2020-2, and submissions received in response to the peer reviews conducted in regard to Notifications 2019-108 and 2020-045.

SBSTTA-24 Part I

Part I was held virtually from 3 May to 9 June 2021. Under agenda item 3, the meeting considered issues related to the zero draft of the monitoring framework for the 2050 goals and the 2030 action targets of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework contained in CBD/SBSTTA/24/3 and CBD/SBSTTA/24/3/Add.1, and related documents.

A contact group on agenda item 3 was established by the SBSTTA Chair to provide a scientific and technical review of the proposed goals and targets in the updated zero draft of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, and to work on issues and recommendations related to the monitoring framework. The contact group also had before it document CBD/SBSTTA/24/3/Add.2/Rev.1. At the request of the Co-chairs of the contact group, a survey was prepared by the Secretariat to collect in-session feedback from registered SBSTTA Focal Points and observer organizations on the applicability and usability of each of the Headline Indicators in CBD/SBSTTA/24/3/Add.1. A Friends of the Chair Group was also established to address matters related to baselines. A report (annex) was prepared by the Co-chairs of the contact group on agenda item 3 to support the Co-Chairs of the Open-ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework in the preparation of the first draft of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.

The Subsidiary Body approved draft recommendation CBD/SBSTTA/24/L.3, for formal adoption at a later stage. It was noted that the Executive Secretary would align the monitoring framework, including the headline, component and complementary indicators, with the first draft of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. The understanding was that the results of the survey, along with the more general views expressed, would be taken into consideration. The Executive Secretary would further update the monitoring framework, as necessary, to align with the outcomes of WG2020-3.

WG2020-3 Part I

Part I was held virtually from 23 August to 3 September 2021. Participants considered document CBD/WG2020/3/3/Add.1, identifying a set of possible headline indicators which could be used to monitor the implementation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework nationally as well as used to track progress globally. Information document CBD/WG2020/3/INF/2 proposed an approach to monitor progress in the implementation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. Also presented in the document were possible headline indicators, global biodiversity monitoring components and component indicators, and complementary indicators. The indicators were aligned to the goals and targets of the first draft of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. While the monitoring framework was not discussed in detail during Part I, a section on monitoring was however included in the Co-chairs’ summary to facilitate discussions at the resumed session of WG2020-3.

Resumed meetings of SBSTTA-24, SBI-3 and WG2020-3 (Geneva, 14-29 March 2022)

During SBSTTA-24 Part II, the contact group on agenda item 3 was reconvened by the SBSTTA Chair to provide specific advice on the monitoring framework, on the basis of the non-paper posted prior to the resumed meeting. The outcomes of the resumed meeting included the approval of SBSTTA recommendation 24/2 for submission to COP-15. The recommendation outlines the role of the monitoring framework and includes the establishment of an Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group for the period between COP-15 and COP-16. A technical review of a revised non-paper on the monitoring framework was completed and is contained in Appendix 1 of the recommendation. Parties proposed additional or alternative headline indicators which should be considered in further developing the monitoring framework (contained in Appendix 2 of the recommendation).

SBI-3 considered aspects related to monitoring under agenda item 9 and approved SBI recommendation 3/11 at its resumed session. A workshop was convened on 17 and 18 June 2022 in Nairobi, prior to WG2020-4, to further discuss options to enhance planning, monitoring, reporting and review mechanisms. In particular, the workshop provided an opportunity for Parties to discuss the proposed annexes referred to in SBI recommendation 3/11, taking into account the results of the extended peer review. Due to time constraints, Parties had been unable to discuss the proposed annexes during the resumed session of SBI-3.

Section J of the first draft of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework on 'Responsibility and Transparency' also includes elements related to the role of indicators and monitoring. However, due to time constraints, WG2020-3 was unable to address the section at its resumed session.

WG2020-4

Discussion of Section J was taken up at WG2020-4, which also considered the outcomes of the above-cited workshop on options to enhance planning, monitoring, reporting and review mechanisms. WG2020-4 also had before it information documents CBD/ID/OM/2022/1/INF/3 and CBD/WG2020/4/INF/2/Rev.2 to support discussions related to monitoring.

WG2020-5

On the basis of the scientific and technical reviews conducted on Appendices 1 and 2 of SBSTTA recommendation 24/2, including by the participants in the expert workshop, as mandated in the recommendation, the Secretariat developed the tables contained in annex I, as reflected in the draft decision on item 9B on monitoring frameworks for the post-2020 global biodiversity framework contained in the compilation of COP-15 draft decisions. The tables were used by WG2020-5 participants to inform consideration of the goals and targets in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework (participants did not negotiate the text).

On the basis of SBI recommendation 3/11, the Secretariat respectively developed the four annexes in the recommendation, as reflected in the draft decision on item 14 in the compilation of COP-15 draft decisions incorporating all comments received through the above-referenced extended peer review of the four annexes, discussions held during SBI-3 Part II and feedback received during the workshop on options to enhance planning, monitoring, reporting and review mechanisms held in Nairobi.

Resumed meeting of COP-15 (Montreal, 7-19 December 2022

Negotiations on the draft decision on item 9B were taken up at COP-15. The final outcome was the adoption by COP-15 of decision 15/5 on the monitoring framework for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

COP-15 also adopted decision 15/6 on mechanisms for planning, monitoring, reporting and review.