The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) expresses the acute need of the global community to move toward sustainable development. "It represents a dramatic step forward in the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources". The Convention was opened for joining at 5 June 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (the Rio "Earth Summit"). Since that time 175 countries have joined the Convention. More information about the Convention on Biological Diversity could be found on CBD site.

The co-ordinated policy at all levels - local, regional, national and international is essential for meeting the Convention objectives. The mechanism on supporting the research and technological collaboration in biodiversity is suggested by Article 18.3 of the Convention. The Clearing-House Mechanism is a part of this mechanism of collaboration. Its purpose is to provide informational support for the collaboration, promotion and exchange of information on all aspects of biodiversity research and conservation.

The "Biodiversity" Office of the Republic of Moldova, which was set up in September 2000, acts as the CHM National Focal Point . Our current priority is to promote and co-ordinate exchange of information between biodiversity data holders and users. We hope that this will be the background for the National Biodiversity Information Infrastructure and wide cooperation on biodiversity conservation.