The National Focal Point to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

The Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources (MTENR) is the Focal Point Institution for the implentation  of Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The text of the Convention does not formally identify a mandate for the focal points (except that of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety). This provides the national governments flexibility in the identification of their attributions and daily work. However, the Conference of the Parties – the governing body for the Convention – has identified a number of specific tasks. A major responsibility of all types of focal points is to play an efficient role of facilitator in the implementation of the Convention.

In addition, focal points are encouraged to

    * receive and disseminate information on the Convention,
    * ensure that their country is represented at meetings of the Convention,
    * collaborate with other countries to facilitate international implementation of the Convention,
    * help translate global negotiations into national implementation,
    * monitor national activities that contribute to, or negatively affect, implementation of the Convention,
    * promote more favourable outcomes for biodiversity, among others through the exchange of information and the development of public awareness.

Mr. Ignitius Makumba is National Focal Point to the CBD in Zambia