In decision VI/7-A, the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity requested the Executive Secretary to prepare, in collaboration with relevant organizations, in particular the International Association for Impact Assessment, proposals for further development and refinement of the guidelines, particularly to incorporate all stages of the environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment processes taking into account the ecosystem approach.

In response, the Executive Secretary invited Parties and relevant organizations to contribute current experiences in environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment procedures that incorporate biodiversity-related issues, as well as experiences in applying the guidelines contained in the annex to decision VI/7-A. In addition to the material provided by Parties, relevant case studies were also solicited through the International Association for Impact Assessment and the Netherlands Commission for Impact Assessment. These case studies, which are available through a searchable database provided the basis for proposals for further development and refinement of the guidelines, which were presented to SBSTTA-9.

The Executive Secretary commissioned the Netherlands EIA Commission to prepare, in collaboration with the International Association for Impact Assessment, a draft set of guidelines that would respond the the guidance provided through decision VI/7-A.

The unedited draft Revised Guidelines on Biodiversity and Impact Assessment is available for comments.

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