Core functions of the regional and/or subregional centres of the technical and scientific cooperation mechanism
In accordance with decision 15/8, paragraph 26, the core functions of the regional and/or subregional centres of the technical and scientific cooperation mechanism are the following:
(a) To promote and facilitate, on a demand-driven basis, technical and scientific cooperation and technology transfer among Parties, especially from developed country Parties to developing country Parties, to support the implementation of the Convention and of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including through joint research programmes and joint ventures for the development of technologies relevant to the objectives of the Convention;
(b) To provide a “one-stop service centre” for Parties to biodiversity-related conventions, indigenous peoples and local communities, women and youth organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to access technical and scientific knowledge, expertise, tools and other resources, taking into account the science, technology and innovation capability gaps identified by Parties, especially developing country Parties;
(c) To provide Parties, especially developing country Parties, with access to information on opportunities for technical and scientific cooperation, technology transfer and innovations, including biotechnology research;
(d) To mobilize resources to provide timely and targeted support for projects and activities that address specific identified technical and scientific needs;
(e) To facilitate matchmaking between Parties with specific needs and Parties or organizations in a position to provide assistance in response to the priority needs identified;
(f) To catalyze and support the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of technical and scientific cooperation projects and programmes that:
- Promote and incubate international and regional cooperation and partnerships using a programmatic approach;
- Facilitate the development, transfer and diffusion of technologies and innovative national, regional and local solutions, including those of indigenous peoples and local communities, with their free, prior and informed consent, through scalable initiatives;
- Facilitate access to, and utilization of, available scientific knowledge, information and data;
(g) To strengthen capacities of regional, subregional and national institutions to facilitate technical and scientific cooperation with an emphasis on science, technology and innovation;
(h) To facilitate knowledge sharing and organizational learning;
(i) To identify, collate and disseminate good practices and lessons learned regarding biodiversity-related technical and scientific cooperation, technology transfer and innovation, including biotechnology research;
(j) To maximize synergies and collaborate with other technology transfer initiatives and mechanisms;
(k) To perform such other activities related to science, technology and innovation as may be determined by the Conference of the Parties.
