On the national level, the Parties to the Convention reported on progress in the implementation of Article 11 and the programme of work on incentive measures in the third national reports.

On the international level, achievements made under the programme of work generally fall into two categories.

The gathering and dissemination of technical and analytical information on incentive measures, including case studies and best practices

The Conference of the Parties repeatedly requested governments and international organizations to submit such information to the Secretariat, and requested the Secretariat to disseminate this information through the Clearing-House Mechanism and other means. The information gathered further to these requests is available in the database on incentive measures and in form of synthesis reports.

The development of international policy guidance to assist Parties and governments in addressing incentive measures

The Conference of the Parties, at its third and fourth meetings, already provided policy guidance to the Parties on the design and implementation of incentive measures. The Conference of the Parties also adopted specific guidance relating to incentive measures on a wide range of topics, including for example in the thematic programmes of work.

More detailed policy guidance was subsequently developed in form on the Proposals for Design and Implementation of Incentive Measures and in form of the Options for the Application of Tools for Valuation of Biodiversity and Biodiversity Resources and Functions. Draft Proposals on the Application of Ways and Means to Remove or Mitigate Perverse Incentives are also available; pending their finalization, the Conference of the Parties encouraged Parties and governments to use the proposals as voluntary interim guidance.