Bogis-Bossey Expert Workshop: The Bern Process and the contribution of MEAs to the implementation of the KM-GBF

In January 2024, UNEP convened the Bern III Conference on cooperation among the biodiversity related conventions for the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF). The conference brought together representatives of parties and secretariats of 16 MEAs, together with a range of other stakeholders, organizations and individual experts. The open exchange on cooperation to implement the KM-GBF resulted in concrete ideas and options for action for increased collaboration among MEAs at global, regional and national levels. Among them, the Conference highlighted the value of MEAs in contributing to the global review of collective progress on implementation of the KM-GBF, and recognized the value of the conference itself, and the potential for building on the “Bern Process”. In addition, holding a future Bern conference was one of the options considered to continue the dialogue on strengthening synergies in the implementation of the KMGBF. 

Global Review of Collective Progress in the Implementation of the KM-GBF 

Based on CBD Decision 16/32 on mechanisms for planning, monitoring, reporting, and review, including the global review of collective progress in implementing the KM-GBF, the global review will assess progress in the Framework’s implementation, drawing primarily on national reports. In addition, it will incorporate the global report, which will include a concise compilation of examples of contributions by relevant MEAs in line with their mandates, as well as information from MEAs, international organizations, and related processes, including Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) reporting. Furthermore, under the reporting template adopted in Decision 16/32, Parties are invited to indicate links between GBF targets, SDGs, and other agreements.  An ad hoc scientific and technical advisory group (AHSTAG), co-chaired by Australia and Mexico, is guiding the preparation of the global report. The AHSTAG has developed an annotated outline of the global report, which has been made available for peer review and will be considered by SBSTTA-27. Section E of the outline will showcase examples of how MEA-related actions at national and international levels have created synergies and contributed to GBF implementation. A template for MEA secretariats to link their work to specific GBF targets and provide relevant examples has been made available, and the CBD Secretariat will continue to coordinate this process and inform stakeholders on submission procedures. 

 The Bern Process 

The Bern Process, launched under CBD COP decision 14/30 to strengthen collaboration among biodiversity-related conventions, also supports the inclusive development of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) as set out in decision 14/34. The Bern I and II consultations informed the Framework’s content, while subsequent decisions by the CBD, ITPGRFA, Ramsar Convention, and Carpathian Convention called on UNEP to continue facilitating the process and encouraged engagement from Parties and secretariats. Outcomes from the Bern III Conference aimed at facilitating MEA synergies and cooperation have since been welcomed by a wide range of MEAs, including CITES, CMS, WHC, IWC, IPPC, UNCCD, the BRS Conventions, and the Minamata Convention, as well as by UNEA-6. In CBD decision 16/35, Parties highlighted the Bern III outcomes, invited consideration of its report, and called for continued support through UNEP for cooperation among biodiversity-related and other relevant MEAs, with a view to advancing their effective implementation.  

Day 0 (26 August 2025)

19:00-20:30: Welcoming Reception Swiss Apéritive, welcoming remarks & tour-de-table 

Day 1 (27 August 2025)

08:15-09:00: Registration & DSA Processing 

09:00-09:15: Official Opening (Swiss Government, UNEP, CBD Secretariat)

09:15-10:00: Setting the Stage: Framing the Expert Workshop and the Bern Process (UNEP)

10:00-10:20:  Briefing on the Process of the Global Review of Collective Progress on the implementation of the KM-GBF (CBD Secretariat)

10:20-10:45: Briefing on the Work of the AHSTAG on the Global Report (AHSTAG Co-Chair)

10:45-11:00: Introduction to Group Discussion Modalities 

11:00-11:30: Coffee break

Discussion Block I: Views on the draft annotated outline of the global report

11:30 - 12:30: Group Discussions: Global Report 

Guiding Themes: 

• Usefulness of the Global Report for MEAs
• MEA-specific information in Global Report & potential gaps
• MEA synergies in the Global Report & potential gaps
• MEA information in CBD National Reports and NBSAPs 

12:30-13:30: Lunch 

13:30-15:00: Plenary: Gathering inputs from groups and advancing discussions on the global report 

15:00-15:30 Coffee Break 

Discussion Block II: Views on other opportunities for MEAs to contribute jointly to the global review and how to showcase these opportunities. 

15:30-16:50: Group Discussions: Global Review & MEA Contributions

 Guiding Themes: 

1. Joint submissions of MEAs to the global report and use of existing guidance
2. Visibility of MEA contributions in the global review process beyond the global report
3. MEAs alignment with KM-GBF indicators 

19:00-20:00 Dinner 

20:00-21:30: Further Discussions (optional)

Day 2 (28 August 2025)

09:00-09:10: Recap of Day 1 

09:10-10:30: Plenary: Group Inputs & Advancing Discussions on the Global Review and MEA Contributions. 

10:30-11:00: Coffee break 

11:00-11:45: Plenary: Summary and Conclusions on Blocks I & II Discussions. 

11:45-12:30: Briefing on the Bern Process and its achievements (UNEP & Bern III Co-chair)

12:30-13:30: Lunch 

Discussion Block III: Input regarding the future role and objectives of the Bern Process 

13:30-14:30: Group Discussions: Future of the Bern Process 

Guiding Themes: 

1. The role of the Bern Process in supporting the KM-GBF implementation and Global Review
2. Next priorities and relevant activities/events for the Bern Process
3. Considerations towards a potential Bern IV Conference 

14:30-15:00: Coffee Break

15:00-16:00: Plenary: Group Inputs & Advancing Discussions on the Future of the Bern Process 

 16:00-16:30: Closing Session & Way Forward (Switzerland, UNEP, CBD)