The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) is fundamental for achieving the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its protocols and is directly relevant to other multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), including those administered by UNEP. To foster dialogue, coordination and collaboration between biodiversity-related conventions in support of the effective and synergetic development and implementation of the KM-GBF, the “Bern Process” was launched. It is a party-led, informal process whose activities are organized by UNEP in close collaboration with the Secretariat of the CBD, the Government of Switzerland, and other partners. Since its lauch, the role of the Bern Process has been recognised by several MEA governing bodies.
The Bern Process began with the Bern I Workshop in June 2019 in Switzerland, initiated in response to CBD COP decisions 14/34 and 14/30. Over 120 participants, including representatives from global biodiversity-related conventions, gathered to discuss the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. Co-chaired by Switzerland and South Africa, the workshop focused on identifying cross-cutting issues and contributions from other multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), informing the CBD Open-ended Working Group’s first meeting. Bern II followed in early 2021, held online due to the pandemic and co-led by Cambodia and the EU, continuing the dialogue with 13 MEAs and resulting in informal conclusions aimed at enhancing collaboration. In June 2023, the Bogis-Bossey Expert Meeting was convened in response to intergovernmental calls and CBD COP decision 15/13, providing crucial advice for shaping Bern III. Subsequently, in January 2024, Bern III, co-chaired by Mexico and Sweden, brought together representatives from 16 MEAs to further discuss collaboration for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Key proposals included establishing partnerships and national platforms, and leveraging opportunities for action through upcoming meetings.
Further information on meetings under the Bern Process can be found on the corresponding meeting pages:
Useful online resources about cooperation, collaboration, and synergies in the implementation of biodiversity-related MEAs can be found in the Compendia of Guidance to support synergies in reporting and enhance cooperation and coordination at the national level, hosted in UNEP’s Data Reporting Tool for MEAs (DaRT).
