NBSAP Day at CBD COP 16

At CBD COP 16, NBSAP Day, hosted by the IKI co-funded NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, gathered stakeholders to discuss progress and share innovations in implementing National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). The event fostered collaboration to strengthen global efforts to protect biodiversity.

As nations strive to take transformative and urgent action by 2030 to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) are key policy instruments for safeguarding our planet. As the primary mechanism for implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), NBSAPs offer a strategic blueprint for countries to set targets, prioritize actions, identify monitoring activities, and align policies to accelerate efforts to protect nature and the ecosystems upon which societies depend.

All economic and societal levels are underpinned by biodiversity, and coordinated approaches to integrating NBSAP policies are essential to conserving nature and sustaining its benefits for both people and the planet.

The 16th Conference of Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 16) is the first global meeting following the historic GBF. Countries are set to submit their NBSAPs aligned with the framework’s new targets, making it a key moment for global biodiversity conservation. The conference presents an important opportunity for CBD Parties to promote collective efforts and drive progress towards implementation.

IKI co-funded NBSAP Accelerator Partnership coordinated full-day event

On 22 October, the NBSAP Day at CBD COP 16 brought together a diverse range of stakeholders to showcase progress, share lessons learned, and explore innovative solutions for advancing the implementation of NBSAPs. The event was coordinated by the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, a country-led initiative co-funded by the IKI to support the development and implementation of ambitious NBSAPs.

The event facilitated in-depth discussions among policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders, addressing the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for effective NBSAP implementation at both national and local levels.

The event’s objectives were to:

• Foster collaboration between policymakers and practitioners to accelerate NBSAP implementation.
• Address national and local challenges and opportunities for effective NBSAP implementation.
• Explore new approaches for integrating biodiversity considerations into national policies, economic sectors, and development plans.
• Share experiences in establishing monitoring systems and plans to enhance reporting and review of progress towards NBSAPs.
• Strengthen national contributions to global commitments for nature.

The programme began with a high-level opening session reflecting on progress since CBD COP 15, evaluating target setting, reviewing NBSAP updates, and assessing innovations. The subsequent session, "Turning NBSAPs into Reality," focused on advancing NBSAP implementation by mainstreaming biodiversity into economic sectors, political agendas, and wider society. Small group discussions allowed participants to share national challenges, limitations, and opportunities.

In the afternoon, the "Measuring Progress" session provided participants with the opportunity to exchange experiences in establishing national monitoring systems. The session explored the challenges, opportunities, and latest developments related to monitoring and indicators. Finally, the "Catalysts for Action: Driving NBSAP Implementation Forward" session highlighted innovative approaches that are helping to accelerate NBSAP implementation. The event concluded with an invitation for countries to express interest in joining the NBSAP Facilitator Programme’s second cohort.

CBD COP 16 topic page