Project on Issue-Based Modules for the coherent implementation of biodiversity-related agreements

In response to GC Decision 23/1 to support Parties with the implementation of their obligations under the MEAs, UNEP, with the assistance of the Belgian Government, and in cooperation with The World Conseravation Union (IUCN) and UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Center(UNEP-WCMC), developed Issue-Based Modules to encourage and facilitate the coherent implementation of MEAs at national level.
The four modules on key biodiversity issues, namely Inland Waters, Invasive Alien Species, Climate Change and Sustainable Use, provide all actors involved in implementation of different MEAs, with more structured information on common issues across different MEAs. The modules are available on a website (www.svs-unepibmdb.net) which contains the four modules in English as well as the text of the articles, decisions, recommendations and resolutions that are referred to in the modules. The Russian and French parts of the website are being finalized and the other 3 UN languages will follow. The focus of the project is now on bringing the modules to the national level. In that respect, national workshops will take place in the Pilot Countries to test the modules, to build capacity for their use and to develop guidance for other countries.

The project as a service is highly appreciated and was acknowledged by the governing bodies of several MEAs . The importance of this service in particular for developing countries was further stressed by the African Ministers for the Environment during the 11th meeting of AMCEN in May 2006. As a result, UNEP has been requested to ensure that this service is maintained and strengthened in a reliable way by further developing the project as demanded by the users. Depending on available funding UNEP will therefore extend the modules to all regions, develop new modules on key biodiversity issues and support and promote the use of the modules at national and regional level.

List of Activities

• Introduction meetings with the 8 Pilot Countries (Belgium, Hungary, Morocco, Norway, Russia, Senegal, Seychelles, Uganda)
• 5 Coordination Group Meetings (all authors + UNEP Task Manager)
• Side events (2005-2006) during CBD WGRI, CCD COP8, Ramsar COP9, CMS COP8, CBD SBSTTA11, UNFCCC COP11, CBD COP8
• 2 rounds of peer review (contacted over 450 biodiversity experts)
• 2 meetings of the Steering Committee (17-18 November 2005, 1-2 June 2006)
• Regional Workshop for Europe in Croatia (February 2006)
• Regional Workshop for Africa in Brazzaville, Congo (May 2006)
• Development and upload of the database and website