Background (Draft)

The Peace and Biodiversity Dialogue Initiative (PBDI) was launched to support transboundary cooperation in line with the Convention’s programme of work on protected areas.

Transboundary conservation has been defined as a process of cooperation to achieve conservation goals across one or more international boundaries . Transboundary cooperation is key for safeguarding habitats, species and ecosystem services.

Transboundary conservation has sometimes been designed to promote cooperation and peace and this effort can be a powerful force for peace. Transboundary conservation can also strengthen international relations, because efficient management involves dialogue, cooperation and transparency, among others. There is a great deal of knowledge and experience which could be further shared internationally.

Work to establish and strengthen regional networks, transboundary protected areas (TBPAs) and collaboration between neighbouring protected areas across national boundaries has been identified as a goal of the Programme of Work on Protected Areas (POWPA) (Decision VII/28). The importance of cooperation to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and the restoration of ecosystems, and also to further peace among nations in transboundary protected areas was also recognized by the Gangwon Declaration on Biodiversity for Sustainable Development. 

More information about the outline of the PBDI can be found on the note by the Executive Secretary UNEP/CBD/COP/12/INF/30