As this report outlines, the period from 1 October to 30 November 2019 was a critical and productive time in which we made important progress in contributing to the science on the climate emergency; supporting the multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) that dock at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and strengthening partnerships and synergies across the environment and development spheres.

Following the entry into force of the LBS Protocol in August 2010, Article XIV of the LBS Protocol established the LBS STAC. Under Article XIII.2.c, the Secretariat of the Cartagena Convention is responsible for providing such assistance that the STAC may require to carry out its functions, as referred to in Article XIV.

The link between SDG 16 and our environment is clear when we understand that natural resources that are managed sustainably, transparently, and based on environmental rights can be the engine for sustainable development as well as a platform for peace and justice. On the contrary, violations of environmental law undermine the possibility to develop sustainably. This is necessary not for
only conflict prevention, but also post-conflict reconstruction and the establishment of peaceful and inclusive societies.

Did you know that only 23% of the environment-related SDG indicators are on track to meet the target if current trends continue? For 68%, there is not enough data to assess progress and for 9% there is not progress toward achieving the target. Specifically, progress has been made on all 11 environment-related SDGs indicators related to policy, financial and institutional processes with available data; there has been mixed progress in improving access to environmental resources and reducing the impacts of environmental degradation on human health and food security; and there is either no data or no progress towards all 12 of the SDGs targets related to the state of the environment. In order to achieve the environmental dimension of sustainable development, there is a need to scale up environmental action and also to improve environmental monitoring and analysis.