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Executive Director Dr. Jerome L. Montemayor carried the banner of the Foundation for the Philippine Environment and the larger civil society during the SBSTTA 26 and SBI 4 meetings in Kenya

Posted on September 23, 2024

From May 13-29, 2024, experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the world gathered at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) quarters in Nairobi, Kenya for the 26th Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA 26) and 4th Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI 4) meetings. The meetings provided opportunities for participants to exchange insights, share their diverse experiences, and collaboratively craft strategies to address the pressing challenges of global biodiversity conservation.

Alongside other Philippine contingents led by DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) OIC Director ASec. Marcial C. Amaro, Jr., Foundation for the Philippine Environment Executive Director Dr. Jerome L. Montemayor heralded the state of affairs in the Philippine conservation arena carrying the banner of civil society.

Dr. Montemayor played a significant role as a distinguished speaker in the event titled “Whole of Society approach and Human rights-based implementation of the GBF: Insights from NBSAP processes,” hosted by a consortium of organizations, including Swedbio, WWF International, Women4Biodiversity, Forest Peoples Programme, GIZ, UNDP, International Land Coalition, Transformative Pathways, Natural Justice, and the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB), along with the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership.

The Whole of Society approach is a multistakeholder strategy designed to tackle complex issues by engaging the government, private sector, civil society, and individuals. This approach recognizes that no single or independent entity can effectively solve challenges that extend beyond sectoral boundaries.

Furthermore, Dr. Montemayor advocated for the inclusion of Indigenous peoples, local communities, women, and youth in biodiversity conservation efforts during the SBI plenary sessions. His insights were particularly relevant during the SBI 4 plenary, where he emphasized the importance of expanding data sources outside national reports. Oftentimes, these reports only provide a general reflection of an issue at hand. A substantial amount of relevant data and intel are available from local contexts and non-governmental sources that can provide a more comprehensive and specific scope.

The Philippines proposes involving non-parties, industry associations, research institutions, and international entities to enhance the evaluation of the Nagoya Protocol’s effectiveness and promote genetic resource value chains.

Primarily focuses on providing scientific and technical advice related to biodiversity issues. It assesses and synthesizes scientific information and provides recommendations to the Conference of the Parties (COP) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Concentrates on the practical aspects of implementing decisions made under the CBD. It reviews progress in the implementation of biodiversity-related actions, identifies challenges, and suggests measures to enhance the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use efforts.