A set of training modules on national biodiversity strategies and action plans, and other aspects of implementation of the Convention, is available below. This set of training modules aims to provide CBD focal points, biodiversity managers and other national stakeholders with an introduction to the Convention and the role of national focal points, as well as practical guides to the process of preparing National Reports and a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and to making best use of the NBSAP once it has been prepared.
The training package has been designed to be used for several types of training purposes; however its main audience is expected to be National Focal Points of the Convention and other national staff responsible for implementation of the Convention. The Convention itself is a framework for identifying national action to be taken in accordance with national circumstances and capabilities to meet the objectives of the Convention.
The modules have been developed through a collaborative effort of the United Nations Environment Programme, the Secretariat of the Convention and the United Nations University.
It is envisaged that the modules will be periodically updated and developed in the light of experience. Please regard these as preliminary versions. Further topics will be addressed in due course. The Secretariat and its partners would welcome feedback on the use of modules and suggestions for their improvement. Please send comments to secretariat@cbd.int
A series: General Topics
- A-1. Guide to the Convention on Biological Diversity
This module provides an introduction to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) for the focal points of the Convention as well as newcomers to the CBD process. It begins with a summary of the background of the Convention, the institutional and operational framework for the Convention, and the work being carried out by the Convention.
- A-2. Role of the CBD National Focal Point
This module has been prepared as part of the effort to enhance the capacity of the National Focal Points (NFPs) of the CBD. The module introduces the Terms of Reference that were adopted at COP 8 and provides a brief description of the role of the NFP in practical terms.
- A-3. An Introduction to National Reporting
This module discusses the importance of National Reporting and the preparation process. It provides information concerning the importance of the process and provides a checklist to assist Parties. It also provides highlights of the Guidelines for the Preparation of the Fourth National Report. The module briefly discusses how eligible Parties can access GEF funding toward preparation of National Reports. See also PowerPoint Presentation Assessing Progress towards the 2010 Target - The Fourth National Report of the CBD presented by SCBD at WGRI-2 in July 2007.
B series: National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans
- B-1. An Introduction to National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans
This module explains why the NBSAP is a key element of a country’s implementation of its obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity. It provides an overview of the background and summarizes the guidance given to Parties by the Conference of the Parties, the institutional arrangements for assisting countries, achievements so far and lessons learned. It provides an introduction to issues that will be explained in greater depth in the subsequent modules.
- B-2. How to prepare and update a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
This module will provide an overview of how to organise the process for developing and implementing the first version of a national biodiversity strategy and action plan. It will show how implementation of the NBSAP has to be an adaptive and cyclical process that leads to periodic review and revision. It will suggest that those responsible for the NBSAP will need to assess how to carry out these tasks in light of the specific conditions in their country and the resources available.
- B-3. Mainstreaming biodiversity into sectoral and cross-sectoral strategies, plans and programmes
This module provides an overview of mainstreaming and its importance for achieving National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan goals. It describes specific tools and strategies that can be used to achieve mainstreaming of biodiversity concerns into sectoral and cross-sectoral plans and programmes. These tools and strategies include incorporating biodiversity into national development and/or poverty reduction strategies, using sectoral strategies and tools as entry points for mainstreaming, applying Strategic Environmental Assessments, application of the Ecosystem Approach and related approaches, and using financial and economic tools for mainstreaming.
- B-4. Setting national biodiversity targets, making use of the CBD framework for the 2010 Biodiversity Target
This module discusses the importance of targets as tools for moving from policy to measurable, on-the-ground results toward reducing the rate of loss of biodiversity. It provides a brief history of target development in the context of the CBD, and goes on to explain some of the ways in which countries can develop their own national targets within the framework of CBD’s global 2010 targets. The module briefly discusses ways to monitor progress towards targets, including through the use of indicators.
- B-5. Ensuring stakeholder engagement in the development, implementation and updating of NBSAPs
This module explains why the preparation and revision of a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan should involve the active participation of ‘stakeholders’. For a country to develop and implement an effective NBSAP that will enable it to fulfil the three objectives of the Convention, all those sectors and institutions that have a ‘stake’ in biodiversity-related questions need to play an active part in the preparation and revision of the NBSAP. The module will explain what is meant by the term ‘stakeholders’ and how to identify who they are. It will offer some ideas on mechanisms for promoting their effective engagement in NBSAPs.
- B-6. Getting political support for the NBSAP and financing its implementation
This module will address three practical aspects of getting the support needed to make the NBSAP the main national instrument for achieving the objectives of the Convention. These are: making the case for biodiversity in order to get political support for biodiversity and the NBSAP and incorporate it into the policy-making framework; getting endorsement for the NBSAP and follow-up to monitor its implementation; and building the financial basis for implementation through resources from the national budget, other domestic sources of support, and external funding.
- B-7. Communication Strategy for NBSAPs
This module discusses the importance of having a good communication strategy for National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans. It then proceeds to describe the steps that you would need to take to develop a communication strategy, including some of the practical issues that should be considered. Finally, the module also talks about fundraising to support implementing the communication strategy.
