Partners Secretariat of the Convention on Biodiversity
Secretariat of the Convention on Biodiversity      PDF  | Print |  Email

(www.cbd.int)


A.    Profile

The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) was established to support the goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).  Its principal functions are to prepare for, and service, meetings of the Conferences of the Parties (COP) and other subsidiary bodies of the Convention, and to coordinate with other relevant international bodies.

As a neutral organization staffed by international civil servants, the Secretariat is accountable to the COP and its subsidiary bodies and carries out those tasks that fall under its associated mandate.

The Secretariat is institutionally linked to the United Nations Environment Programme, its host institution and, pursuant to decision II/19, is located in Montreal, Canada since 1996. It currently employs some 70 staff, including short-term staff and consultants. Civil servants of the Secretariat come from around the world. Its head, the Executive Secretary, is appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations in consultation with the COP through its Bureau.

The Secretariat assists and provides administrative support to the COP, SBSTTA and other Convention bodies. It represents the day-to-day focal point for the Convention, organizes all meetings under the Convention, prepares background documentation for those meeting and facilitates the flow of authoritative information on the implementation of the Convention. The Secretariat plays a significant role in coordinating the work carried out under the Convention with that of other relevant institutions and conventions, and represents the Convention at meetings of relevant bodies.

The Secretariat also plays a significant role in supporting the implementation of the Convention. This can be fulfilled, for example by compilation of national reports on compliance by domestic authorities. The Secretariat transmits such reports and information to the COP and sometimes elaborates a synthesis of the national reports and information on implementation. The Secretariat also acts as information clearing house. In light of this, the Secretariat is strengthening its information dissemination activities on public awareness, information and training, in order to facilitate implementation of Article 13 of the Convention on Public Education and Awareness.


B.    SCBD as ACB’s Strategic Partner in Biodiversity Conservation

SCBD is a strategic partner of the ACB in promoting biodiversity conservation in the region.  In January 2008, the ACB and SCBD signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to conduct joint programs in the areas of biodiversity research, capacity building and training, public education and awareness, policy development and coordination, as well as technical cooperation for the conservation and sustainable development of biodiversity in the ASEAN region. 

The collaboration between the two international institutions aims to enhance the capacity of the ASEAN Member Countries to meet their obligations to the Convention on Biological Diversity.  It is also expected to reinforce the ASEAN’s efforts in articulating policies that integrates biodiversity with development concerns.