Background and Role of CEPA in implementing the Convention

Implementing the Convention and achieving its core objectives requires the engagement of an informed and empowered citizenry, aware of the relevance of biodiversity to their daily lives. In this context, Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) remain central to any national or international strategy for the Convention’s implementation.

Given the increasing complexity of biodiversity science, policy, and governance, it is essential to provide clear, accessible, and compelling explanations of biodiversity’s importance and the work of the Convention for citizens, stakeholders, and decision-makers worldwide.

To address this challenge, the Conference of the Parties has developed a practical CEPA programme of work, emphasizing the implementation of targeted tools, campaigns, and pilot projects that demonstrate innovative approaches and tangible results.

CEPA through COP decisions

At COP 3, Parties recognized the importance of education and public awareness for advancing biodiversity objectives, as reflected in Decisions III/12 and III/19. They encouraged Parties to strengthen related programmes, particularly in the areas of agricultural, inland water, and marine and coastal biodiversity.

At COP 4, Parties held the first substantive discussion of Article 13 under “Measures for Implementing the Convention,” inviting UNESCO to consider developing a global initiative on CEPA. Through Decision IV/10 (Part B), Parties agreed that education and public awareness should be integrated into all sectoral and thematic work programme.

At COP 5, Parties confirmed through Decision V/17 the integration of CEPA into all Convention work programmes. They also established a joint CBD–UNESCO consultative expert group tasked with identifying priority activities for the emerging global CEPA initiative.

At COP 6, Parties adopted Decision VI/19, establishing the Global CEPA Initiative. Its core programme elements included developing a global CEPA network, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and strengthening capacity‑building for CEPA. Cost estimates for CEPA activities were reflected in Decision VI/29, including provisions for the Special Voluntary Trust Fund for 2003–2004.

At COP 7, Parties agreed on the formation of an informal CEPA advisory committee to develop the CEPA work programme for consideration at COP 8. The Parties also requested the preparation of the second edition of the Global Biodiversity Outlook and third edition of the Handbook on the Convention.

At COP 8, Parties adopted Decision VIII/6, setting out a shortlist of priority activities to guide CEPA implementation, including establishing CEPA structures, assessing public awareness, developing key messages and media strategies, and conducting workshops and producing CEPA toolkits. The COP also formally invited the UN General Assembly to declare 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity.

At COP 9, Parties were urged to double efforts to implement the CEPA Work programme and to integrate CEPA into their NBSAPs. The COP supported CEPA activities related to access and benefit sharing and undertook preparations for the International Year of Biodiversity 2010.

At COP 10, Parties adopted the Aichi Biodiversity Targets under the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020 and urged Parties to continue strengthening CEPA activities with the full participation of all stakeholders. The COP requested the Informal Advisory Committee on CEPA to develop indicators and guidelines for assessing public awareness at national and regional levels, and Parties were asked to report biodiversity celebrations and CEPA activities to the Secretariat for inclusion in UNGA reports.

At COP 11, Parties emphasized the role of indigenous peoples and local communities, calling on Parties and stakeholders to advance CEPA activities within these communities and requesting that the Executive Secretary draw on indigenous and local community’s knowledge in developing CEPA products. Parties also supported strengthening the Clearing‑House Mechanism to better promote CEPA through improved mechanisms, technology transfer, and cooperation.

At COP 12 the Parties advanced work relevant to CEPA by requesting, through Decision XII/02, that the Executive Secretary facilitate a global communication strategy in conjunction with UNESCO, including through updated CEPA toolkits and knowledge gap workshops.

At COP 13, Parties advanced work relevant to CEPA by supporting technical and scientific education on biodiversity in developing economies and encouraging Parties to develop curricula and public awareness programs on the role of ecosystem functions and biodiversity in climate change adaptation and mitigation. COP 13 also adopted Decision XIII/22, which requested the development of a global communication framework on biodiversity designed to support the goals of the Decade on Biodiversity and the Convention’s 2050 Vision.

COP14 encouraged Parties to continue the implementation of the global communications strategy initiated at COP13 and invited them to strengthen targeted communications to increase awareness and action for biodiversity.

At COP 15, Parties adopted Decision 15/14, establishing the communications strategy to support implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Parties reaffirmed the continued integration of CEPA across thematic work areas through partnerships, capacity‑building initiatives, and awareness campaigns. The COP also initiated preparatory work towards Decision 16/10 and the development of updated CEPA guidance.

At COP 16, Parties adopted Decision 16/10, reaffirming CEPA as a core element of Convention implementation. Parties were encouraged to integrate CEPA into national strategies and action plans in alignment with the KMGBF. The COP also requested the Executive Secretary to develop a draft Global Plan of Action for Education on Biodiversity for consideration at COP 17.