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Statement on World Oceans Day 2025 “Blue planet”, the fond monicker for Earth, is a tribute to the ocean. The vast blue expanse wrapping around continents sustains life, regulates the global climate, feeds billions, supports livelihoods, and inspires cultures. On World Oceans Day let us remember not to take the ocean for granted. The triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste is taking a hefty toll on marine and coastal ecosystems and, as a result, on all of us. “We must sustain what sustains us,” as the Secretary-General of the United Nations reminds us. Implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)-- the world’s masterplan to halt and reverse biodiversity loss-- is part of the global endeavour to save our ocean. The 23 targets of the KMGBF apply to all biomes, including the ocean. Their implementation requires transformative change—humanity’s ticket to harmony with nature. A healthy, thriving ocean constitutes one of the mo... 
Statement on World Bee Day-- 20 May 2025 Excellencies, Distinguished participants, I would like to thank FAO and the Government of Ethiopia for the invitation to speak. I would have loved to be with you. "Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all". What a stimulating theme. Indeed, let us be inspired and act together to fulfill the vision of living in harmony with nature, which was adopted by the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity as part of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). As you are aware, the KMGBF provides a blueprint for collective action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. The 23 action targets of the KMGBF, which must be achieved by 2030, include making better use of biodiversity in agriculture, thereby enhancing pollination, pest control, soil fertility, food diversity and nutrition, among others. Working together with nature, we can achieve those targets, but also food security and nutrition, and support the implementation of the Sustainable Development... 
Statement on World Migratory Bird Day -- 10 May 2025 Each year, millions of birds take to the skies, embarking on extraordinary journeys across continents and reminding us of the fascinating workings of nature. Armed with their wings and natural compass, their epic voyage has inspired –and continues to inspire—artists, writers, poets and many of us who watch migratory birds fly past in awe. In many parts of the world, the familiar sounds and sights of migratory birds are a marker of natural cycles and seasons and form part of culture and tradition, reminding us that living in harmony with nature is the natural state of humankind, before unsustainable consumption and production, among other drivers, upset the balance. Migratory birds are not just a wonder of nature but also an essential part of the web of life. They are crucial for pollination and pest control, which means we owe them a fair share of the food we eat. They contribute to sustaining the ecosystem services that provide us with countless benefits. &nb... 
Astrid Schomaker | Executive Secretary, CBD
The United Nations Secretary-General has designated Astrid Schomaker of Germany as Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Ms. Schomaker officially took up her appointment as of 1 July 2024. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Schomaker has work on a variety of issues ranging from bilateral and multilateral relations to chemicals, oceans, and the water industry. Most recently, as Director for Green Diplomacy and Multilateralism with the European Commission in Brussels, she promoted a global transition to resource efficient, low emission, nature-positive circular economies.
Programmes
Thematic
The Conference of the Parties (COP) has established seven thematic programmes of work (listed below) which correspond to some of the major biomes on the planet. Each programme establishes a vision for, and basic principles to guide future work. They also set out key issues for consideration, identify potential outputs, and suggest a timetable and means for achieving these. Implementation of the work programmes depends on contributions from Parties, the Secretariat, relevant intergovernmental and other organizations. Periodically, the COP and the SBSTTA review the state of implementation of the work programmes.
Cross-Cutting
The COP has also initiated work on key matters of relevance to all thematic areas. These cross-cutting issues correspond to the issues addressed in the Convention's substantive provisions in Articles 6-20, and provide bridges and links between the thematic programmes. Some cross cutting initiatives directly support work under thematic programmes, for example, the work on indicators provides information on the status and trends of biodiversity for all biomes. Others develop discrete products quite separate from the thematic programmes.
Clearing-House
Clearing-House Mechanism of the Convention on Biological Diversity
The Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM) contributes to the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity by promoting and facilitating scientific and technical cooperation, knowledge sharing and information exchange, and by establishing a fully operational network of Parties and partners.
Biosafety Clearing-House
The Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH) is a mechanism set up by the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to facilitate the exchange of information on Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) and assist the Parties to better comply with their obligations under the Protocol.
Access and Benefit-Sharing Clearing-House
The Access and Benefit-Sharing Clearing-House (ABSCH) is a platform for exchanging information on ABSCH and a key tool for facilitating the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol.