Cooperation and Partnerships

Liaison Group of Biodiversity-related Conventions

In order to enhance coherence and cooperation in implementation, a liaison group has been established between the heads of the secretariats of the seven biodiversity-related conventions. The Liaison Group of Biodiversity-related Conventions meets regularly to explore opportunities for synergistic activities and increased coordination, and to exchange information.

The mandate for establishing the Liaison Group of Biodiversity-related Conventions was set out by the Parties to the CBD, in decision VII/26 (paragraphs 1 and 2).

Through decision IX/27 (paragraphs 3 and 4) the Conference of the Parties to the CBD underlined the important role of the Liaison Group of Biodiversity-related Conventions, encouraged more regular meetings and invited the Group to identify options for improved implementation of and cooperation among the biodiversity-related conventions.

Through decision X/20 (paragraphs 4, 7-11) the Conference of the Parties to the CBD further underlined the need for strengthened effectiveness and improved harmonization of the biodiversity-related conventions. Paragraph 11(a) requests the biodiversity-related convention to review and, where necessary, update working arrangements, and at the Second Retreat of Biodiversity-related Conventions held in Geneva on 4 September 2011, a new modus operandi was agreed and signed by all six biodiversity-related conventions.

Reports of the meetings held to date are accessible below:

  • Application of the Addis Ababa Principles and Guidelines
    The Biodiversity-related Conventions Liaison Group has developed an interactive CD-ROM on the applications of the Addis Ababa Principles and Guidelines (AAPG) for the Sustainable Use of Biodiversity. This CD explains the AAPG and their relevance in the context of each of the biodiversity related conventions. In addition to providing information on the applications of the AAPG, the CD contains the full text of the principles and guidelines, relevant decisions, recommendations and resolutions, background documents, as well as other materials, including links to relevant websites. This joint collaboration between the biodiversity-related conventions was lead by the CITES Secretariat.

    The CD content is available here for download or to request a copy of the CD, please write to secretariat@cbd.int

  • Preconditions for harmonization of national reporting to biodiversity-related agreements
    The UNEP project on Knowledge Management among MEAs, led by UNEP-WCMC in partnership with the Biodiversity-related Conventions, called for a paper on pre-conditions for harmonization of national reporting can help countries understand the rationale for and challenges to harmonization of national reporting, to be prepared by UNEP-WCMC for distribution by the convention secretariats. The report is accessible here.