Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) was identified as a major group in Agenda 21, General Assembly resolution 47/190 of 22 December 1992.
VIII/16. Cooperation with other conventions and international organizations and initiatives
11. Welcomes progress made by the Global Partnership on Plant Conservation in promoting the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation and expresses its gratitude to Botanic Gardens Conservation International for its continued support to the Partnership;
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)—typically not-for-profit groups operating independently of political institutions—play a vital role in advancing biodiversity conservation. While Parties to the Convention hold primary responsibility for implementation, NGOs are essential partners in promoting sustainable development, conserving biodiversity, and educating the public.
NGOs contribute through lobbying, direct action, and public outreach, and have been instrumental in shaping the CBD since its inception at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio. Today, they remain active participants in policy development and implementation, from grassroots initiatives to global advocacy.
NGOs engaging with the CBD can benefit from:
- Connections to national governments through the CBD framework
- Access to CBD tools and guidelines
- Increased visibility and credibility
- Rich information resources
- Opportunities to align with National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs)
Observer Participation in CBD Meetings
Rule 7.1 of the Rules of Procedure applies to bodies or agencies qualified in the fields of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use wishing to be represented as observers to meetings of the Conference of the Parties (COP) and its subsidiary bodies. These observers may, upon invitation of the President of the meeting, participate without the right to vote in the proceedings of any meeting in matters of direct concern to the body or agency they represent unless at least one third of the Parties present at the meeting object (rule 7.2).
By decision IX/29 (annex) the COP adopted steps for admitting qualified bodies and agencies, whether governmental or non-governmental, as observers to meetings of the COP and its subsidiary bodies without prejudice to Article 23, paragraph 5, of the Convention and rule 7 of the rules of procedure.
Governmental or non-governmental bodies or agencies qualified in the fields of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use wishing to be represented as an observer to meetings of the COP and its subsidiary bodies are requested to please submit an official letter of interest to the Secretariat.
All letters of interest must be on the organization's letterhead and must be signed by the organization's chief executive or president. They must include:
(1) A specific and clear request for the organization to be represented as an observer to the particular CBD meeting (name of meeting should be clearly stated).
(2) The names, titles and contact details of the organization's nominated representatives.
Additional relevant information
If the organization is new to the forum, or has not recently been admitted as an observer to a meeting of the COP (including when the COP serves as the meeting of the Parties to the Biosafety Protocol) or its subsidiary bodies, additional relevant information should be included with the letter of interest including:
(1) A statement demonstrating the organization's qualifications in fields relating to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.
(2) A website address.
(3) The organization's statutes/by-laws or terms of reference demonstrating the organization's legitimacy as a bona fide organization constituted in its home country.
(4) Any other relevant information.
Bodies and agencies should notify the Secretariat of any relevant change in the information provided previously to the Secretariat that may affect the organization’s admission as an observer.
Please note that individuals without an institutional affiliation cannot be admitted as observers to CBD meetings.
The Agenda for meetings and other planned activities will be made available on due course on the Secretariat's list of upcoming meetings.
The CBD Secretariat does not provide financial support for NGO participation in CBD meetings. Travel and related expenses must be covered by the organization or its representative.
GEF Civil Society Engagement The GEF CSO Network is an independent global alliance of Civil Society Organizations working to address global environmental challenges in areas linked to the six GEF focal areas. Civil society stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the GEF by:
- Commenting on project proposals
- Commenting on policies
- Supporting project implementation, monitoring and evaluation
- Participating in GEF events
- Making a formal complaint or grievance relating to GEF projects and operations, including concerns about possible corruption or fraud
GEF policy and guiding documents on public involvement and civil society engagement are as follows:
CBD Alliance The CBD Alliance is a loose network of activists and representatives from NGOs, community-based organizations (CBOs), social movements and Indigenous Peoples organizations (IPOs) advocating for improved and informed participation in Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) processes.
Relevant links
NGO Branch The NGO Branch supports the work of the Committee on NGOs of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the intergovernmental body responsible for granting consultative status with ECOSOC to non-governmental organizations (NGOs). There are currently 6,494 NGOs in active consultative status with ECOSOC. The webpage includes: How to apply for consultative status; iCSO - CSO database and accreditation system; Indico - CSO registration system
Small Island Developing States Partnership Framework and
The United Nations (UN) Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Partnerships Awards
Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) is to increase awareness and involvement of civil society in the United Nations' work on social development issues. The Division: (1) Facilitates partnerships and engages with representatives of civil society organizations, experts, and other relevant stakeholders to promote inclusive social development through: Providing relevant information on the areas covered by the Division through briefings, workshops, and consultations. Planning, developing, and implementing outreach and communication campaigns/strategies. Developing strategic partnerships with key constituencies to gain support for and maximize the impact of promotional objectives. Conducting analytical studies on ways to improve working relations between the Division and civil society actors and other relevant stakeholders. Providing support to NGOs using online platforms and networks. (2) Coordinates the participation of NGOs and other civil society organisations in the work of intergovernmental bodies and other bodies served by the Division
The Civil Society Unit within the UN Department of Global Communications fosters dynamic partnerships between the UN and civil society. It supports meaningful engagement in UN processes by providing information, guidance, and coordination to a wide range of stakeholders. CSU assists civil society organizations (CSOs) in navigating the UN system, offering advice on engagement opportunities and facilitating participation in events such as conferences, hearings, and workshops. It manages calls for participation, reviews applications, supports registration, and facilitates on-site engagement, including organizing inputs and statements.
UN System Engagement with NGOs, Civil Society, the Private Sector, and Other Actors ©2005 - NGLS
Intergovernmental Negotiations and Decision Making at the United Nations ©NGLS
