From Kunming to Yerevan: OSS mobilizes its expertise to support the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework

From 7 to 9 September 2026, in Kunming, China, the Sahara and Sahel Observatory took part in the Kunming Dialogue on collective progress towards the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework.

A few weeks ahead of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), to be held from 19 to 30 October 2026 in Yerevan, the discussions provided an opportunity to review progress, identify key challenges and explore ways to accelerate the implementation of commitments towards 2030. One clear message emerged: while ambition is firmly established, translating it into concrete results must now accelerate.

This momentum closely aligns with the OSS’s mandate as a Technical and Scientific Cooperation Support Centre for the CBD. The Observatory contributes to strengthening the capacities of African countries by bringing together scientific expertise, environmental data and operational needs.

Represented by Abir Ben Romdhane, the OSS took part in discussions among African Support Centres, which bring together complementary expertise in Earth observation, biodiversity information systems, ecosystem restoration, natural capital accounting, protected areas, access and benefit-sharing, and biosafety.

The discussions highlighted the need to move beyond isolated interventions and siloed approaches, in order to sustainably strengthen national capacities, consolidate data and monitoring systems, and translate biodiversity strategies into measurable action.

In this context, the OSS shared its experience in environmental information, knowledge management and ecosystem accounting for natural capital. Particular emphasis was placed on integrating environmental and socio-economic data to support planning, ecosystem conservation and restoration.

This integrated approach is particularly relevant in the Sahara and Sahel, where biodiversity, land degradation, desertification, water stress and climate change are closely interconnected. The OSS therefore promotes stronger linkages between information systems, institutional capacities and monitoring mechanisms, notably under the CBD and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

Biodiversity financing, including through the Kunming Biodiversity Fund, was also a key topic of discussion. The challenge is to better align countries’ priorities, available regional expertise and financing mechanisms, in order to facilitate the transition from strategies to investments and concrete action.

From Kunming to Yerevan, the way forward is clear: turning commitments into capacities, data into decisions, and ambition into tangible results for territories and communities.