The Bern Process
Is a process for cooperation among Parties to the relevant biodiversity-related conventions that aims to strengthen cooperation and collaboration, contributing to effective and efficient implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and is recognized by the CBD COP decision 15/13. Ultimately the Bern Process strives to see the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, involving contributions from all relevant Multilateral Environmental Agreements(MEAs), within a cooperation process characterised by collaboration among secretariats and parties as well as other stakeholders, aiming for synergistic intergovernmental processes. The Bern Process builds on lessons from Bern I and Bern II consultations highlighted above.
Further, and responding to recent intergovernmental calls to continue the Bern Process, UNEP organized the Bogis-Bossey Expert Meeting (27 - 30 June 2023), in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment, to gather advice on the aim, scope, agenda, participation, and modalities of organization of a conference to support the Bern Process. The meeting also considered the lessons learned from the Bern I and Bern II Consultations on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, including the use of online mechanisms and guidance to support preparations for the Bern III conference.
Bern I
The first consultation workshop of biodiversity-related conventions on the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (Bern I) took place in Bern, June 10-12, 2019, in response to CBD COP decision 14/34. The consultations were hosted by the Government of Switzerland. During this meeting, participants discussed elements for inclusion into the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and explored ways for other conventions to contribute to its preparation. The outcomes of Bern I informed the co-chairs of the Open-ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (OEWG). The co-chairs were Switzerland and South Africa. Responding to the interests of the biodiversity-related conventions for further consultations, it was decided to convene a second round of consultations (Bern II).
Report Bern I Consultation Workshop
Bern II
Conducted virtually in early 2021, during the Covid-19 Pandemic, Bern II aimed to further enhance cooperation and ensure coherent implementation of the Post-2020 GBF by the biodiversity-related conventions. Online discussions during Bern II spanning nearly one year, focused on concrete elements for inclusion in the post-2020 GBF and mechanisms for the monitoring and review of its implementation. Furthermore, ways were identified in which conventions other than the CBD could contribute towards the framework's development and collaborate on its operationalization. A total of twelve conclusions were formulated and shared with a range of MEA advisory and governance bodies, including a Co-chairs Paper, advancing discussions on the development of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. Cambodia and the EU co-chaired this meeting. More information on the Bern II Consultation Workshop
Report Bern II Consultation Workshop
Bern III
It was clear that cooperation for the GBF must continue even after its adoption, and recognized by CBD COP decision 15/13, which called for the continuation of the Bern Process. Thereby, UNEP was invited to facilitate strengthened cooperation and collaboration amongst MEAs, contributing to the efficient and effective implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Therefore, the Bern III Conference will take place in January 2024, in line with this directive, focusing on action-oriented results on how to drive and coordinate an inclusive as well as collaborative implementation process for the GBF while respecting the mandates of biodiversity-related conventions and other relevant MEAs. Thereby, Bern III builds on the experience of the Bern I and Bern II consultations. The co-chairs are from Mexico and Sweden. Other biodiversity-related conventions and relevant conventions were also invited to consider the framework and strengthen collaboration through their processes and further interlinkages.
