The Challenge

To develop the inaugural strategic plan for the global Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM) operated by the United Nations Environment Program's Convention on Biological Diversity, and to conduct an independent evaluation of its Pilot Phase.  The CHM is the primary global cooperation and information network on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, incorporating a range of communication vehicles from advanced Web approaches to personal contact. 

Our Approach

As this was the CHM’s first such plan, CULLBRIDGE™ worked closely with the CHM's Secretariat and Informal Advisory Committee to articulate a shared vision, goals, objectives and key strategies. Tactics, budgets, schedules, roles and responsibilities, and evaluation criteria were also determined. The ten year plan was then reviewed by additional experts from across the globe. We consulted with and gained consensus from a broad audience - including representatives from many different countries with different cultures, languages and priorities.

The plan was also based on an independent evaluation of the CHM’s pilot phase, for which we surveyed CHM users and stakeholders from around the  world, using e-mail, fax, phone, and a face-to-face meeting.

During the course of this project, we were also asked to provide facilitation services to the CHM’s advisory committee. This included on-line facilitation of a month-long electronic (listserv) meeting, as well as a face-to-face meeting.

Collaborators

These projects were jointly conducted by CULLBRIDGE™ and the LURA Group.  We are grateful for the contributions provided by GLPi, Iris Bradley and Associates, Sustainable Strategies, and Trillium Learning Centre.

Impact

Cullbridge helped develop a plan that was widely supported, and helped the CHM sharpen its focus, broaden its reach, and develop capacity world-wide. We also brought their advisory committee to a new level of working together.