The NBN Trust has been granted observer status to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the international agreement that underpins global cooperation on biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and benefit sharing.
Observer status enables the Trust to participate in CBD meetings, including COP17, which takes place in Yerevan, Armenia, from 19 – 30 October 2026.
This is an important step for the NBN Trust and the wider National Biodiversity Network. It reflects the relevance of the Trust’s work in biodiversity data, monitoring, citizen science, and evidence systems at a time when countries are working to deliver the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
As an observer organisation, the NBN Trust will be able to share its knowledge and experience in making biodiversity data more available, usable, and connected. It also provides an international platform to highlight the role of the UK’s biodiversity data infrastructure in helping to measure progress and inform action for nature.
Gareth Thomas, NBN Trust CEO, said:
“The NBN Trust exists to make biodiversity data work for nature. Being granted observer status to the Convention on Biological Diversity is a proud step for the Trust and the wider Network. It reflects the growing importance of biodiversity data infrastructure and open evidence systems in turning global commitments into practical action for nature.
Observer status gives us the opportunity to bring the Network’s experience to international discussions on biodiversity action, and to champion the crucial role of data in understanding, protecting, and restoring nature. It also strengthens our ability to learn from and collaborate with partners across the world who are working towards the same goals.”
This is a positive step for the Trust, and a helpful way to strengthen our international visibility while keeping the focus on the value of the wider Network.
You can find out more about the Convention on Biological Diversity on its website.