Communication is a key element of any NFP’s responsibilities. NFPs are the main points of contact on matters:
- within the Member State (at the government level and beyond)
- between the Secretariat/Coordinating Unit and the Member State, and
- between Member States.
It is therefore crucial to establish a regular flow of information and communication. “Staying up-to-date” regarding developments under CMS and its instruments is the starting point.
It is recommended that the NFPs regularly communicate: At the national level, with:
- colleagues, peers and supervisors within the organization where the NFP works as well as other relevant government ministries and agencies.
- experts/members of scientific and technical subsidiary bodies of the relevant CMS instrument.
- other NFPs of the CMS and/or its instruments as appropriate
- NFPs of other biodiversity-related MEAs
- other relevant expert institutions (e.g. relevant non-governmental organizations) and individuals;
At the regional level, with:
- their regional representatives in the relevant bodies of the CMS and its instruments,
- Regional authorities/fora as appropriate e.g. the European Commission and regional economic commissions such as the Southern African Development Community.
At the international level, with:
- Secretariats/Coordinating Units concerned,
- NFPs of other Member States outside of their region.
- International governmental and non-governmental organizations
With regard to dissemination of information, many tools have been developed by the Secretariats/ Coordinating Units and are currently in use. These include as websites, e-bulletins, social media as well as the e-community platform. These both help keep Member States and stakeholders abreast of progress on the work of the instrument; challenges and needs; and provide platforms for communications and exchange of views.
