BCH Training Modules

Five training modules were developed under the UNEP-GEF Biosafety Clearing-House project, in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biodiversity (SCBD), with content provided and reviewed by world-renowned experts in the field.

Module 1: An introduction to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety This module briefly outlines some of the key elements of the Cartagena Protocol that are of importance for the Biosafety Clearing House. It includes: briefs on the background to and purpose of the Protocol; working procedures that apply; and institutional and administrative arrangements.

Module 2: An introduction to the Biosafety Clearing-House This module briefly addresses the requirements in the Protocol for a Party to make specific kinds of information available to the BCH. It seeks to explain: the purpose and functioning of the BCH; the various categories of information available on the BCH, with regard to information that a Party is required to post on the BCH; what information is required, and when it may need to be made available on the BCH through the provision of basic definitions.

Module 3: An introduction to the BCH Central Portal This module describes the main functionalities and information that can be found on the BCH Central Portal. Users will learn how to navigate the BCH Central Portal to find information of interest.

Module 4: Finding Information from the BCH Central Portal This module provides detailed information on the databases found within the “Finding Information” section of the Central Portal. It provides: Information about the Central Portal; and How to search the databases available on the Central Portal to obtain comprehensive results.

Module 6: Registering Data in the BCH Central Portal This module is intended for registered users of the BCH, to assist them in making information available to the BCH. It includes: An introduction to the Central Portal and the Management Centre; To register and sign in to the BCH Central Portal; To register new information in all different sections; To manage submitted records; To manage authorised users.

Note: Module 5 is not included here since it outlined national options to assist countries in choosing the best suitable option to participate efficiently in the BCH.

Interactive BCH Training Modules

Two interactive BCH training modules are available that are designed to enable users to understand the concepts in a hands-on manner. The modules are designed to be used in conjunction with the UNEP-GEF training module to train participants during a training workshop. The modules are designed in Macromedia Flash and are very intuitive to use. However, these modules should be installed locally, their execution through the internet is not recommended because of the large file size.

Interactive Module 1: Introduction to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety Interactive Module 2: Introduction to the Biosafety Clearing-House

UNEP-GEF Training Workshop Manual

The aim of the UNEP-GEF Training Workshop Manual is to enable trainers to get an overview of the whole training process, and provide them with an insight of some of the areas that should be covered when they are conducting a BCH training workshop.

The UNEP-GEF BCH project also developed a complete online training workshop module which provides guidelines on how a BCH training program can be conducted including:

• An example of a training schedule and training aids;
• Sample presentations for all the learning modules;
• Case studies to be used during hands-on labs;
• Two Interactive Modules described above.