Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity – Montreal, QC

Institution Overview

The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is a prominent United Nations body headquartered in the International District of Montreal. Established in the city in 1996, the Secretariat operates under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Its primary mandate is to serve the Conference of the Parties (COP) and support the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity, a global treaty committed to the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.

Functions and Services

• Diplomatic Support: The Secretariat organizes and services major international meetings, including the COPs and subsidiary body sessions, facilitating negotiations among 196 member nations.
• Policy Implementation: It assists governments in developing National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and monitors progress towards global goals like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
• Technical Cooperation: The office manages the Clearing-House Mechanism to promote scientific and technical cooperation and information exchange regarding biodiversity conservation.
• Protocol Administration: The SCBD also administers the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing.

Legal and Historical Context

Following the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, Montreal was selected as the permanent seat of the Secretariat in 1995, reflecting Canada’s commitment to environmental diplomacy. As an international organization hosted by the Government of Canada, the Secretariat operates with diplomatic immunities and privileges. The office is located within the World Trade Centre Montreal and is not a public service centre for general inquiries; access is strictly controlled and limited to accredited delegates, officials, and authorized visitors by appointment.