Voluntary Peer Review of NBSAP Revision and Implementation
The Voluntary Peer Review (VPR) is an in-depth process by which a group of reviewers from different countries reviews the development and implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of a country under review. The main objective is to strengthen Parties’ capacities, and to help make their implementation efforts more effective. This is done through peer-exchange. The development of the VPR methodology was mandated and overseen by COP (Decision XII/29). The VPR process was adopted as part of the Convention’s planning, monitoring, reporting and review mechanism by COP Decisions 14/29 and 15/6.
The Governments of Japan, Norway and Switzerland committed funds and resources to the development of the voluntary peer review process.
Current and Upcoming VPR processes
- Luxembourg (ongoing - review report expected by SBI-7)
- Review team members:
- Ms. Alice C. HUGHES, University of Melbourne, Australia
- Ms. Hanitra Lalaina RANDRIANASOLO, Direction Générale de la Gouvernance Environnementale, Madagascar
- Mr. Nestor Hugo ARANIBAR ROJAS, National Museum of Natural History, Bolivia
- Mr. Eduardo Espeleta QUEBLATIN, Independent expert, Philippines
- Japan (upcoming)
- United Republic of Tanzania (to be confirmed)
In order to request a review of your country's NBSAP process, please fill out the scoping checklist and submit it to secretariat@cbd.int.
VPR processes undertaken to date
Information brief - VPR and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
Updated VPR methodology (2025 version)
Key COP decisions and documents:
In decision 15/6, the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties adopted an enhanced multidimensional approach to planning, monitoring, reporting and review, with a view to enhancing implementation of the Convention and of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, comprising voluntary peer reviews of NBSAPs, among other elements.
Other relevant decisions and documents:
- Decision 14/29
- Decision XIII/25
- Decision XII/29
