By Ms. Pamela Tapia, Representative of the CBD Women’s Caucus to the Fourth Meeting of the Informal Advisory Group on Technical and Scientific Cooperation (TSC-IAG)
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or opinions of the CBD Women’s Caucus
Building the Foundations for the KMGBF
Effective capacity-building, technology transfer, and scientific cooperation are essential for the success of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). This process must address the entire cycle of support—from identifying the gaps that limit effective participation in the objectives of the Convention to monitoring whether these gaps have been successfully closed. The CBD Women’s Caucus (CBD WC) is actively working to ensure this process is equitable and gender-responsive.
The Fourth Meeting of the TSC-IAG
On 5–6 August 2025, Ms Pamela Tapia participated in the fourth meeting of the Informal Advisory Group on Technical and Scientific Cooperation (TSC-IAG). The meeting was convened to review the draft workplan for the intersessional period, which is organized into four key areas:
- Capacity-building and development
- Technical and scientific cooperation
- Knowledge management
- The clearing-house mechanism
Established at COP 15, the TSC-IAG provides advice on practical measures, tools, and opportunities to promote and facilitate technical and scientific cooperation, technology transfer, and capacity development in support of the KMGBF.
Identifying Critical Capacities: The CBD Women's Caucus Intervention
A central question on the agenda was: How can we address technological, technical, and institutional capability gaps?
We highlighted a key tool currently being developed by the CBD WC: the integration of human rights and a gender perspective into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). This tool will help identify gender-transformative approaches while also recognizing possible gaps in implementation.
Measuring Success: Evaluating the Long-Term Strategic Framework
Another critical agenda item focused on accountability: How will we know if capacity-building and technology transfer have been effective?
The discussion centered on the independent evaluation of the long-term strategic framework for capacity-building and development and the technical and scientific cooperation mechanism.
- The Secretariat has been tasked with preparing this evaluation in conjunction with the global review of the global biodiversity framework.
- The evaluation will be presented at the Subsidiary Body on Implementation
- The TSC-IAG was requested to prepare terms of reference for the evaluation, ensuring it assesses the relevance and effectiveness of the framework’s two key components:
- The long-term strategic framework
- The technical and scientific cooperation mechanism
Looking Ahead: Next Steps for an Equitable Biodiversity Framework
The discussions at this fourth meeting were preliminary, laying the foundation for more detailed negotiations. Specific text suggestions will be addressed at the fifth in-person meeting of the TSC-IAG, scheduled to be held in Montreal from 30 September to 2 October 2025.
In the meantime, members have been invited to submit written feedback through the group’s online forum, ensuring that contributions are compiled and considered ahead of the in-person deliberations.
