Update 4 May 2023
Following James' appointment to the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group (AHTEG) on Indicators in April 2023, James was elected as co-chair of the group along with Maria Cecilia Londoño (from Colombia). The election took place during the group’s first meeting on 2 May 2023, which was opened by Hesiquio Benitez, the Chair of the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD’s) Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA).
Well done James!
13 April 2023
James Williams, a Senior International Biodiversity Advisor here at JNCC, has recently been selected as one of six representatives from the 'Western Europe and Others Group' for the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group (AHTEG) on Indicators for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) announced the group of 45 experts on 6 April 2023, following a nomination and selection process.
During his time at JNCC, James has played a pivotal role in the development of the UK Biodiversity Indicators, having been involved in the process since their inception back in 2006. James was also instrumental in the development of the Streamlined European Biodiversity indicators. In addition, he has long-standing experience of writing and editing reports on UK implementation of multilateral Environmental Agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention on Migratory Species and Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. As a result, he has considerable experience and knowledge to share with the expert group.
On learning of his appointment, James said: "I am delighted to have been selected. I am very much looking forward to being able to contribute to the development of thinking on the headline indicators that will be used by all CBD Parties to measure their progress towards the new Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework"
The AHTEG is composed of 45 experts, 30 nominated by Parties and 15 by Observers. The Group has been established for the period to COP-16 (until 2024) and will primarily work remotely; with, two in-person meetings anticipated. Further information on the AHTEG will be available on the CBD website in due course.
Congratulations James!