Observer Admission

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 kindly requested to 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.
   

New applications by organizations for accreditation will be considered for COP and COP-MOP meetings. Once accredited at the governing body level, organizations can also participate in subsidiary body meetings.

New applications by organizations for accreditation to participate in subsidiary body meetings will be considered on a case by case basis. Such organizations, if they meet accreditation requirements, will participate provisionally in the meetings of the relevant subsidiary bodies subject to their accreditation status being confirmed at the next meeting of the governing bodies.

Important:

• 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.
• The CBD admission process is independent from any status of an organization with other UN organizations and agencies.
• Individuals without an institutional affiliation cannot be admitted as observers to CBD meetings.
• The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity does not provide financial support for the participation of non-governmental organizations in CBD meetings. Travel and other expenses must be covered by the organization or the representative.
• Once accredited, organizations can organize side events and hold exhibits at CBD meetings.

The agenda for meetings and other planned activities will be made available in due course on the Secretariat's list of upcoming meetings.