The report provides information on progress in the implementation of Governing Council decision 26/4 and on an intergovernmental science-policy platform on biodiversity and ecosystem services, including the outcomes of the first session of the plenary meeting to determine modalities and institutional arrangements for the platform, held in Nairobi from 3 to 7 October 2011. The Governing Council is not required to take a decision on this matter, as the second session of the plenary meeting is being organized pursuant to decision 26/4.