Subregional dialogue on biodiversity monitoring and reporting with a focus on ecosystem restoration (Target 2 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework)

Organised by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Centre for Biodiversity, the dialogue aimed to enhance national capacities for implementing and reporting on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly Target 2: Restore 30% of all Degraded Ecosystems, which commits countries to restore at least 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030. The event brought together CBD national focal points and SBSTTA focal points from countries including Brunei Darussalam, India, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. Discussions centered on strengthening data collection systems, developing monitoring frameworks, and adopting participatory approaches that reflect the diversity of ecosystems and stakeholders. A key takeaway was that no country currently feels fully prepared to report on restoration in the Seventh National Report, highlighting the urgent need to address data gaps and enhance monitoring capacities.