The present document contains the elaborated programme of work on marine and coastal biological diversity, which has been produced in response to recommendations VIII/3 A-D of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA). In recommendation VIII/3 A, SBSTTA stressed that the programme elements of the programme of work still corresponds to global priorities, and although much progress has been made, the programme of work has not yet been fully implemented. Therefore, SBSTTA recommended that the Conference of the Parties extend the time period of the programme of work by an additional six years, and that an elaboration of the programme of work be undertaken by the Executive Secretary in accordance with paragraph 2 of recommendation VIII/3 A for the consideration of the Conference of the Parties at its seventh meeting.