New dates for the holding of the CBD’s 15th Conference of the Parties

The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity has announced a new change of dates for the holding of the 15^th Conference of the Parties (COP 15 CBD), meeting which will be convened in two parts: The first will take place virtually from 11 to 15 October 2021, with the second part reconvening in face-to-face meetings in Kunming, China from 25 April to 8 May 2022.

After extensive consultations, and with the view to provide political momentum for the preparations of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, this decision will allow time for continued negotiations on the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.

The first part will include the opening of the Meetings and will address agenda items that have been identified as essential for the continuation of the operations of the Convention and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization by the Bureau. This will include meetings about administrative matters and technical issues related to CBD programmes.

There will also be a high-level segment on 12 and13 October 2021. Participants are expected to focus on the development of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.

The second and resumed part of the meetings are expected to address the remaining agenda items, including the finalization and adoption of the post 2020 global biodiversity framework.

The Secretariat will keep Parties and the public updated of any changes and adjustments to the schedule. The meetings are open to organizations and agencies, whether governmental or non-governmental, qualified in fields relating to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, which have informed the Secretariat of their wish to be represented at the meetings. Registration of representatives from these organizations is subject to the receipt of an official letter addressed to the Executive Secretary, providing the names and contact details of their delegation, as well as the title of the meeting or meetings they wish to attend.

Read on at CBD