Institutions and Networks

Overarching Framework: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) created in 1992 understood that scientific knowledge and technological know-how varies enormously from country to country. For this reason, the Convention has established a "clearing-house mechanism" (CHM) to ensure that all governments have access to the information and technologies they need for their work on biodiversity. The CHM:

Promotes and facilitate technical and scientific cooperation between countries

Develops a global mechanism for exchanging and integrating information on biodiversity

Develops the necessary human and technological network.

The Clearing-house Mechanism (CHM) is the primary global cooperation and information network on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. It supports at the local, national, regional and international levels: (i) more cost-effective decision-making (for example for trans-boundary issues and topics such as migratory and alien species); (ii) international cooperation and sharing of related technology, training, education, research, information and expertise; (iii) reduction of overlapping efforts; (iv) more cost-effective implementation of biodiversity-related initiatives, and (v) the objectives of the of the Convention. The CHM promotes cooperation in six key areas: tools for decision-making, training and capacity-building, research, funding, technology transfer, and the repatriation of information. CHM also keeps records of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, Global Taxonomy Initiative, Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP), and the Biosafety Clearing-House.