Implementing the Convention and realizing its core objectives requires the involvement of an active and informed citizenry, who are educated as to the relevence of biodiversity to their lives. In this respect, communication, education and public awareness (CEPA) are core components of any national and international implementation strategy. Given the complex nature of biodiversity science and policy, the task is to find elegant and straightforward explanations on the relevance of biodiversity, and the work of the Convention, to the daily lives of citizens and stakeholders around the world.
Faced with this complexity, the Conference of the Parties has increasingly turned to a practical programme of work for CEPA, with a focus on implementation of a few focused instruments and campaigns to act as pilot projects. From these experiences, national and regional programmes will be created. The short list of priority activities from
decision VIII 6 is designed, during the current biennium, to provide examples of such activities that can be duplicated across regions. Toolkits, workshops and activities are part of this.
One of the main instruments for CEPA is the
International Day for Biological Diversity, which is celebrated every year on 22 May.
