Focal points
The focal points under the Convention on biological diversity
- The ‘National Focal Point for the Convention on Biological Diversity’ (CBD NFP) acts, on behalf of the national government, as a liaison with the international Secretariat of the Convention. It is also in charge of the general follow-up of CBD implementation.
- Other national focal points are appointed to follow-up specific thematic issues. These focal points have similar functions as the CBD NFP within their area of expertise. Their task is to support the work of the CBD National Focal Point, to which they regularly report their activities.
- Because the conservation of biodiversity is mainly undertaken in a regional context, Belgium has designated three additional focal points for the CBD, one in each of the Regions. These regional focal points act as a relay between the NFP and biodiversity stakeholders at regional level.
- Since biosafety is a specific issue, addressed by the CBD under a protocol, it entails its own system of focal points. The ‘National Focal Point to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety’ plays the same role as the CBD NFP.
The different focal points form a national network of expertise. It is only through this intense cooperation that the implementation of the CBD can be promoted.
Role of the focal points
The text of the Convention does not formally identify a mandate for the focal points (except that of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety). This provides the national governments flexibility in the identification of their attributions and daily work.
However, the Conference of the Parties – the governing body for the Convention – has identified a number of specific tasks. A major responsibility of all types of focal points is to play an efficient role of facilitator in the implementation of the Convention.
In addition, focal points are encouraged to- receive and disseminate information on the Convention,
- ensure that their country is represented at meetings of the Convention,
- collaborate with other countries to facilitate international implementation of the Convention,
- help translate global negotiations into national implementation,
- monitor national activities that contribute to, or negatively affect, implementation of the Convention,
- promote more favourable outcomes for biodiversity, among others through the exchange of information and the development of public awareness.
