The project’s objectives and key activities are as follow:
Objective 1: Engage Expertise within CBD Processes
After identifying and prioritizing knowledge need during Reporting Periode 1, Work Package 1 (WP1) has continued its progresses with advancing future scanning and the continuation of knowledge support through a series of workshops with academics, traditional and indigenous knowledge holders, and CBD negotiators (last one still to be held), integrating horizon scanning, interactive discussions, and structured analyses.
Through the work of Work Package 2 (WP2), the project successfully consolidated, standardized, and operationalized a GDPR-compliant expert database, organizing existing scientific and traditional knowledge holders by thematic expertise, geographic coverage, and stakeholder category to facilitate targeted mobilization for CBD policy processes. A new strategy was implemented to translate expert knowledge into actionable technical outputs by preparing concept notes, reports, and draft briefs on priority topics, such as Article 8(j), marine biodiversity, and other emerging issues, directly supporting EU negotiators’ preparatory work for COP17 and intersessional meetings. Dialogue between experts and negotiators was strengthened through structured online exchanges and working groups, including IPLC representatives, enabling the integration of traditional knowledge perspectives.
Through the work of Work Package 4 (WP4), three major events were organised, enhancing expert capacity to contribute to CBD processes: “Promoting CBD activities in Central and Eastern Europe” (18 June 2024, Bologna) ; “Training on Traditional Ecological Knowledge in the context of the CBD” (11–12 June 2025, Trondheim) and a preparatory NFP workshop for the first SB8(j) meeting (2 September 2025, online), engaging 50 Article 8(j) and CBD NFPs and IPLC representatives. Additionally, the Task Force on training materials and development of a MOOC and CBD Guide for Experts will extend capacity-building impact beyond the end of the project.
Objective 2: Promote Technical and Scientific Cooperation
Through the work of WP4, D4.1 report identified 148 capacity-building needs across knowledge creation, management actions, policy implementation, and cooperation, based on NBSAPs, national targets, previous CO-OP4CBD reports, and two questionnaires targeting CBD National Focal Points (NFPs). This report provided a structured foundation for subsequent training and capacity-building initiatives across EU Member States and Associated Countries.
Project (WP4 and WP2) also successfully organized workshops and training sessions, with 3 CHM Network Meeting (26 September 2024-online, 10 March 2025-online; 18–20 November 2025-Malaga); 7 online trainings for SBSTTA 27 (1–5 September 2025, 123 participants) covering IPBES, KM-GBF, biodiversity and health, climate change, invasive species, and scientific needs; a capacity-building event at SBSTTA 27 (24 October 2025, Panama City) and a training session on TSC and CHM (18–20 November 2025, Malaga).
Some activities focused on embedding long-term capacity-building pathways and supporting the European Subregional TSCC, with the WEOG Regional Dialogue and TSCC launch (23–25 September 2025, Brussels/online), and a side-event titled “Bridging science and policy: European action for biodiversity and climate goals” (11 October 2025, Abu Dhabi, IUCN World Conservation Congress).
Objective 3: Develop Monitoring and Review Processes
During this reporting period, WP3 reviewed the global monitoring framework and assessed the capacity of EU Member States and Associated Countries to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF). Semi-structured interviews, NBSAP reviews, and national reports informed lessons learned for designing and implementing national indicator frameworks, while practical case studies highlighted challenges and solutions for headline indicators. Pilot methodologies were developed to use models and scenarios to review progress and evaluate pathways toward KM-GBF goals. Practical guidance is being drafted to help countries integrate models and scenarios into national monitoring and reporting processes, reflecting varied capacities and technical resources.
