Article 25 of the Convention on Biological Diversity establishes an open-ended intergovernmental scientific advisory body known as the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) to provide the Conference of the Parties (COP) and, as appropriate, its other subsidiary bodies, with timely advice relating to the implementation of the Convention. As a subsidiary body of the COP, SBSTTA is to report regularly to the COP on all aspects of its work. Multidisciplinary and open to participation by all Parties, SBSTTA comprises government representatives competent in the relevant field of expertise. Its functions include: providing assessments of the status of biological diversity; providing assessments of the types of measures taken in accordance with the provisions of the Convention; and responding to questions that the COP may put to the body. How SBSTTA carries out its work is described in its modus operandi, which can be found in annex 1 of decision IV/16 (as amended by decision V/20) and in its consolidated modus operandi, set forth in annex lll of decision Vlll/10 ).

Meetings of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice

Final Reports

SBSTTA reports regularly to the Conference of the Parties on all aspects of its work. To download the reports of the 11 meetings please click here.