Cooperation and Partnerships

Introduction

Achieving the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the 2010 Target, requires cooperation and coordination with a wide range of other conventions, institutions and processes. Significant elements of cooperation are included under Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan, to ensure the Convention fulfills its leadership role in international biodiversity issues.

The Conference of the Parties has consistently recognized the need for collaboration, adopting decisions on cooperation at each of its meetings. In light of this mandate, the Convention on Biological Diversity has developed partnerships with a number of conventions, organizations and initiatives. These are listed in the CBD’s searchable partners database, and fall under the following categories:

• Rio Conventions
• Biodiversity-related conventions
• Consortium of Scientific Partners on Biodiversity
• Other relevant conventions and agreements
• Relevant organizations and stakeholder groups

To further cooperation, the Convention has signed Memoranda of Cooperation and Joint Work Programmes with many of its partners, outlining formally agreed activities or targets. The Secretariat has also established formal liaison groups among the secretariats of the Rio Conventions (Joint Liaison Group) and those of the biodiversity-related conventions (Biodiversity Liaison Group).

In addition, the Conference of the Parties has requested the Executive Secretary to examine options for a flexible framework between all relevant actors, such as a partnership on biodiversity in order to enhance implementation through improved cooperation (decision VII/26, paragraph 3).