On 8-10 June 2026, UN CBD National Focal Points and biodiversity experts from Central and Eastern Europe, Armenia and Turkey will gather in Budapest, Hungary, for the upcoming CO-OP4CBD regional training session.

Co-organised by the HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research (HUN-REN CER) and Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), with the support of the Biodiversity and Gene Conservation Department, Ministry for the Living Environment, Hungary, this event aims to strengthen the participation of the experts in the CEE region in the UN CBD processes.

For three days, distinguished experts and representatives from a wide range of organisations and national contexts will deliver presentations on UN CBD-related themes.

The first day of this event will focus on UN CBD processes, preparations for COP17, the Global Report, the TSC Mechanism and the Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM) with presentations from:

• Levente Kőrösi, Ministry for the Living Environment, Hungary;
• Éva Macskásy, HUN-REN CER;
• Hendrik Segers, RBINS;
• Karen Khachatryan, Ministry of Environment, Republic of Armenia;
• Jillian Campbell, CBD Secretariat;
• Kristina Taboulchanas, CBD Secretariat;
• Abhinav Prakash, CBD Secretariat.

During the second day of this training, in the spotlight will be the overview and status of the CHM, the European TSCC, experts engagement and the NR7 reporting presented by:

• Pierre Spielewoy, MNHN;
• Jorge L. Ventocilla, RBINS;
• Isabella Livertout, MNHN;
• Baptiste Albisson, MNHN;
• Joachim Paul Töpper, NINA.

Finally, during the third day, the following speakers will discuss the challenges of addressing CBD Article 8(j) and IP&LC issues in Europe and the NR7 reporting (continuation): 

• Zsolt Molnár, HUN-REN CER;
• Kinga Öllerer, HUN-REN CER;
• András Báldi, HUN-REN CER.

This regional workshop and networking session will provide an excellent opportunity for the CEE NFPs and biodiversity experts to discuss these topics, share experience and network with fellow participants.

View the full programme here.