This report does not aim to present an exhaustive analysis of each agenda item discussed at SBSTTA 22, but rather to point out key and relevant aspects of the agenda that relate to the work of civil society and that could help in the advocacy work of the organizations and networks interested in the CBD process. The report also presents references for material that could be useful to understand details of
the negotiation.
The Twenty Second meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA 22) 1 created great expectation among civil society, specially around the agenda items related to Synthetic Biology (Synbio). In this occasion, the groups working on Synbio, Digital Sequence Information (DSI) and related topics, were able to organize a number of meetings and side events but also a demonstration outside the venue 2 that called the attention of official delegates and created positive pressure for action. It is also important to highlight the concerning, increased and intense participation of the private sector in particular around Synthetic Biology.
Also, and parallel to the official meeting, the Second Conference entitled Fostering Community Conservation II 3 took place in Montreal bringing together a large number of communities, indigenous peoples and actors from around the world who are dedicated to conserving forests and biodiversity.
In summary, the hard work of civil society made it clear that our presence is important in the process and that further efforts should be undertaken to ensure and enhance a full and effective participation of civil society not only for the credibility of the process but also for the implementation on the ground as the materialization of the decisions taken at higher levels is in the hands of real stake and rights holders.