As part of the Biodiversity Beat series, which highlights efforts supporting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, CO-OP4CBD partner Robin Goffaux from the Foundation for Research and Biodiversity (FRB) was interviewed by David Ainsworth during SBSTTA-26 in Nairobi, Kenya.

Robin shared insights about the mission of CO-OP4CBD to strengthen engagement in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) process by enhancing the capacity of experts and policymakers. He highlighted that the project aims to provide a platform for exchanging knowledge and tools to ensure effective participation in CBD discussions.

Robin provided details about the primary goals of CO-OP4CBD. He emphasized that the project provides expert knowledge to national focal points (NFPs), identifies the landscape of expertise through the CO-OP4CBD calls for experts, and sets up a community of experts and organizing training sessions to produce technical briefs that address the needs of CBD negotiators.

Robin also highlighted that CO-OP4CBD organized training sessions in Paris and Budapest in March and April 2024, with a focus on experts from Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC). During these events, participants displayed a strong willingness to engage. "This is highly motivating as the CO-OP4CBD project enters a new phase," says Robin.

Looking ahead, CO-OP4CBD, launched last year, aims to explore various techniques and strategies to mobilize expertise. Engaging experts in the CBD arena can be challenging due to its specific nature. But with CO-OP4CBD 's mission to provide a platform that bridges science and policy, project partners will provide their best effort to ensure that experts can effectively contribute to a knowledge-based discussion within the CBD dialogue.

Take a look at Robin’s interview for the Biodiversity Beat here. Check out other episodes from the Biodiversity Beat series from SBSTTA-26 and SBI-4 here.