The development of IABIN is complementary to and consistent with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). IABIN works hand-in-hand with the CHM (Clearing-House Mechanism) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (1992).This has been the subject of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the CHM. The activities proposed for the implementation of IABIN will help fulfill, at the regional level, CHM's goals of exchange of biodiversity information and exchange of scientific and technical expertise. The CBD Secretariat has been an invited participant in IABIN consultations since the first experts' meeting in December 1997, and IABIN Focal Points are commonly the CHM Focal Points for their respective countries. The Convention has established CHM to:

• Promote and facilitate technical and scientific cooperation, within and between countries;

• Develop a global mechanism for exchanging and integrating information on biodiversity; and

• Develop the necessary human and technological network.

Specifically IABIN directly supports various goals of The Convention on Biological Diversity as defined in Article 16 (Access to and Transfer of technology), Article 17 (Exchange of Information), and Article 18 (Technical and Scientific Cooperation).

Additionally, IABIN experts are linked to facilitate joint work programs. For example, the IABIN Invasive Species Information Network (I3N) collaborates with the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP) and with the Convention's scientific body to develop a joint scientific initiative on invasive alien species. IABIN, like the CHM strives to link human resources with cutting-edge scientific initiatives to create a mutually supportive and beneficial approach to problem-solving. IABIN's Thematic Networks support the five thematic work programs and cross-cuttting issues of the CHM. In the short term, IABIN will provide tools and services useful to the CHM in the following Thematic Programs: Dry and Sub-humid Lands Biodiversity, Forest Biodiversity, Inland Waters Biodiversity, and Marine and Coastal Biodiversity. In the area of Cross-Cutting Issues, IABIN will provide tools and services useful to CHM in: Alien Species Ecosystem Approach , Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, Global Taxonomy Initiative, Indicators, Protected Areas, Public Education and Awareness, and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity.