Technical and scientific cooperation is a core means of implementation under the CBD. Firmly grounded in the Convention’s Articles 16, 17 and 18, Parties have committed to strengthen international, regional and national cooperation through appropriate institutions; promote the development, transfer and joint use of technologies; and facilitate the systematic exchange of scientific, technical and traditional knowledge. Together, these provisions emphasize collaboration, knowledge sharing and capacity building as essential foundations for achieving the objectives of the Convention.

To advance these commitments, the Conference of the Parties established the Technical and Scientific Cooperation (TSC) Mechanism at its fifteenth meeting (COP 15). The Mechanism is designed to respond to country driven technical and scientific needs by strengthening cooperation among Parties and relevant stakeholders. It operates through a network of regional and subregional technical and scientific cooperation support centres, working in coordination with a global coordination entity hosted by the SCBD. Through this network, Parties, indigenous peoples and local communities and other relevant stakeholders are supported in strengthening capacities, facilitating technology transfer, and improving access to and use of scientific, technical and knowledge resources, thereby contributing to effective and coherent implementation across regions.

Strategic guidance on the operation of the Mechanism is provided by the Informal Advisory Group on Technical and Scientific Cooperation (TSC IAG). Also established by COP 15, the TSC IAG advises on practical approaches to technical and scientific cooperation, capacity building and development, technology transfer, knowledge management, and the clearing house mechanism in support of the effective implementation of the KMGBF.

A number of complementary initiatives under the Convention contribute to advancing technical and scientific cooperation by addressing specific thematic and cross cutting needs. Among others, these include:

• The Bio-Bridge Initiative, which facilitates partnerships responding to country driven priorities;
• The Forest Ecosystem Restoration Initiative, supporting cooperation and capacity building for restoration;
• The Sustainable Ocean Initiative, strengthening scientific and technical cooperation for marine and coastal biodiversity; and
• The Peace and Biodiversity Dialogue Initiative

Additional initiatives include the Biosafety Capacity Building Initiative, the Global Partnership for Plant Conservation, and the Inter-Agency Liaison Group on Invasive Alien Species.

In addition, the Biodiversity Technology and Innovation Expo is a dedicated parallel event organized by the CBD Secretariat and the Bio-Bridge Initiative, in collaboration with host governments and partners, on the margins of meetings of the Conference of the Parties. The Expo provides a platform to showcase and facilitate access to technologies, innovations and solutions that support the implementation of the Convention, its Protocols and the KMGBF. By highlighting practical and innovative approaches, it contributes to knowledge exchange, cooperation and the uptake of effective solutions in support of global biodiversity goals.

• Learn more about the 2024 Biodiversity Technology and Innovation Expo at COP 16
• Learn more about the 2018 Biodiversity Innovation and Solutions Fair at COP 14