SINTEF Researchers Attend UN Biodiversity Conference
The research organization is engaging with global stakeholders at COP17 in Yerevan to advance environmental policy goals.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Environmental
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Representatives from SINTEF are participating in the UN Biodiversity Conference, COP17, in Yerevan, Armenia. The group is presenting research to inform decision-making processes tied to the global conservation of land and sea areas.
Why it matters
The delegation aims to foster international scientific collaboration and address the technological needs required to meet ambitious global biodiversity targets. Their work directly supports the ongoing assessment and implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets a target to conserve 30% of world land and sea areas by 2030. The BlueNature research centre coordinates these efforts through a network of 41 partners.
The players
SINTEF
This is a large independent research organization based in Norway that specializes in technology, nature, and social science.
Rachel Haug Fossbakk
She serves as a Chief Scientist at SINTEF Ocean and is contributing to international environmental discussions.
BlueNature
This research centre comprises 41 partners working toward scientific solutions for global biodiversity.
Ina Helene Ahlquist
She is a Research Scientist at SINTEF who focuses on biodiversity governance and environmental policy.
Emily Christine Cowan
She acts as a Senior Research Scientist at SINTEF Ocean involved in presenting case studies at international conferences.
The details
SINTEF researchers are conducting scientific sessions and meeting with stakeholders to discuss trade-offs in biodiversity and climate decision-making. These efforts follow the February 2026 approval of the IPBES Business and Biodiversity Assessment, which guides global environmental policy.
Timeline
February 2026: The IPBES Business and Biodiversity Assessment was officially approved.
October 23, 2026: The Jobs as Nature's Bridge session took place at COP17.
October 24, 2026: A presentation on trade-offs in biodiversity and climate decision-making occurred.
December 4, 2026: SINTEF will host an annual symposium on biodiversity and business in Trondheim.
2028: SINTEF plans to organize a dedicated session at COP18.
The Big Picture
SINTEF participation directly supports the execution of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This work marks a shift from setting high-level conservation goals to informing the specific scientific policy decisions needed to reach the 30 percent target by 2030.
Advancements in biodiversity governance and research collaboration could lead to more effective global environmental policies. These changes have the potential to influence future agricultural and industrial regulations that rely on ecosystem health.
The takeaway
Scientific collaboration at international summits is essential for translating global biodiversity targets into actionable policy. Organizations are shifting focus toward integrating business operations with environmental conservation to meet established 2030 goals.
What happens next
SINTEF will host an annual symposium on biodiversity and business in Trondheim on December 4, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research in our Environmental section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SINTEF.
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