Bioinformatics, the Clearing-House Mechanism and the Convention on Biological Diversity

This paper will discuss the development and role of the Convention’s Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM), its synergies with the Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH), and its support for bioinformatic initiatives in light of the Convention’s programme areas and cross-cutting issues. Within this context, the paper will also examine the significance of bioinformatics in assisting Parties to implement obligations under the Convention and the role of the CHM in facilitating activities by Parties and Governments to exploit the benefits arising from the evolving bioinformatics global infrastructure.