Frequently Asked Questions for Media participating at COP 10 and MOP 5
Where can I learn about press accreditation for COP 10/MOP5?
Please visit our web section on press and media at www.cbd.int/cop10/meeting/media or
www.cbd.int/mop5/meeting/media . Please note that the CBD Secretariat follows
standards that closely follow United Nations criteria for media accreditation.
I have covered previous CBD meetings do I have to apply again?
Yes. Press badges issued at previous CBD meetings do not remain valid. Members of thepress must be accredited for each meeting. A new accreditation form and all supporting
documentation are also required.
What is the deadline for accreditation?
There is no deadline, onsite accreditation is permitted. However, to prevent any
unpleasant surprises and delays to accreditation due to incomplete documentation, theSecretariat strongly suggests that media seek accreditation considerably in advance of themeeting.
What must I do to become accredited at the meeting?
The information and procedures for accreditation are available on the website atwww.cbd.int/cop10/meeting/media. The most salient points are reproduced here:
1. Complete the accreditation form
2. Send a letter of assignment on official letterhead of a media organization. The letter
must be signed by the Publisher/Assignment Editor, Editor-in-chief or Bureau Chief,
specifying the name and functional title of the journalist. Unsigned letters or e-mails
will not be accepted
3. Submit a photocopy of a valid press card/work pass and a photocopy of passport ornational ID card
4. You may also be asked to submit additional materials, in line with the United Nations
criteria
5. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, so you will be advised if any
additional materials are required.
6. You will be informed of your acceptance by email.
What do you mean by “additional materials”? What is required?
If you are asked to submit additional materials, the following may be requested:

Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity
United Nations Environment Programme
413 Saint-Jacques Street, Suite 800, Montreal, QC, H2Y 1N9, Canada
Tel : +1 514 288 2220, Fax : +1 514 288 6588
secretariat@cbd.int www.cbd.int

-Print media representatives may be required to submit two bylined articles within thepast four months and a copy of the publication.
Radio and TV media representatives may be asked to submit two recordings of reports
within the past four months.
Photographers are required to submit original tear sheets or photos with credits of theissuing organization.
Online media (including “bloggers”) must meet the following requirements:o The web publication must belong to a registered media organization, and havea specific, verifiable non-web address and a telephone number. The online
journal requesting accreditation for its correspondent must have a substantial
amount of original news content or commentary or analysis on international
issueso If the website is new, the applicant seeking accreditation must provide thelatest data on the site's visitors or other relevant material (press citations, etc.)
about the outlet's audience. The applicant must have an established record ofhaving written extensively on international or biodiversity issues and must
present copies of three recently published articles with his/her bylineo Please note that online publications which are communications outreach or
advocacy publications of non-governmental or non-profit organizations do not
qualify for media accreditationo Work samples must demonstrate active engagement in covering the activitiesof the United Nations, and specifically the biodiversity process. Samples must
be unaltered clippings or media products of the bona fide organization withbylines of the individual requesting accreditation.

Do I need to send a photo?
No, it is not necessary to send a photo in advance; your photo will be taken at theregistration station.
To whom do I address the letter of assignment?
To the CBD Press Office, attn. Johan Hedlund.
What should the letter of assignment contain?
The letter of assignment must be on letterhead and be addressed to the CBD Press Office.
It must be signed by an authorized official (e.g., the Publisher, Assignment Editor or
Bureau Chief), of the media organization seeking accreditation. Unsigned letters or emails
will not be accepted. Letters of assignment must specify the type of coverage, event or
project assigned; the period of time for which accreditation is required; and the name andprofessional function(s) of the individual(s) to be assigned.
How can I send my materials to you?
You can send copies by fax to +1 514 288 6588 or send scanned copies in an image
format (bmp, gif, tif, jpg) or PDF to secretariat@cbd.int2

I don't have a press card. Will you still accredit me?
If you don’t have a press card, you may be asked to submit additional materials, in linewith United Nations criteria. Please see section on additional materials, above.
I would like to register as a delegate or NGO and also have press accreditation. Is
this possible?
No. Double accreditation is not allowed (e.g. as press and delegate, or as press and NGO).
If you are already registered with a delegation or observer organization, you will have tochoose. The Secretariat will not issue more than one badge to an individual.
I am a freelance journalist. Can I still get accreditation?
Freelance journalists are subject to the same requirements for accreditation and mustcomplete the full process, as above. Freelance journalists, including photographers, must
provide clear evidence they are on assignment from a specific news organization orpublication. A valid assignment letter from that news organization, or publication, isrequired. Photographic agencies must provide clear evidence from a client newsorganization or publication. You must also submit the other required documents foraccreditation.
What about press accreditation for blogs?
Accreditation of bloggers for CBD meetings will be done on a case-by-case basis. Someof the criteria currently applied to online media will be applied; also, additional criteria
for accreditation of bloggers may be applied.
I am with an independent film company that is producing a documentary. Can I
access the conference?
Per the criteria for United Nations accreditation of media, independent TV production
companies are required to provide a letter from a broadcast organization which intends to
air their work. You must also submit the other required documents for accreditation.
I am a press officer at an embassy. Do I need press accreditation to attend?
No. Your name should be included on the official delegation list and you will beregistered as a member of the delegation. While this registration will not allow you to use
the facilities reserved for the accredited press at the International Media Centre, you mayleave materials for distribution to accredited press and you may be present at any press
conferences that you organize. The communications and media team will be happy toassist.
I am a writer or press officer for a non-governmental or observer organization,
should I seek press accreditation?
No. As with press officers for delegations, your name should be included on the official
delegation list. This registration will not allow you to use the International Media Centre,
but you may leave materials for distribution to accredited press. You will receive the full
support of the media team.
What about press traveling with a head of state/government?

3All journalists traveling with heads of state or government should be accredited with theSCBD.
What if I am an organization that wishes to hold a press conference?
You may apply to the Secretariat for permission and suggested times to do so. There is
no charge for use of the press conference facilities, but you will be responsible forproviding your own interpretation services.
Can I do a blanket accreditation from my organization?
It is not possible to give blanket press accreditation to a media organization. Instead,accreditation is granted to individuals representing bona fide media organizations, whoproduce the required documentation for accreditation.
What happens if I have to replace someone already accredited from my organization?
Please communicate changes in staff as soon as they are known, as we are aware thatassignments can change at short notice. The applicant will have to complete the sameprocess, but as long as they have the required, valid materials, there is usually little delay
in processing.
How can I check the status of my accreditation?
For the status of your application and other questions about media accreditation, pleasecontact the CBD Secretariat. If you have been accredited, you will have received anemail for this. If you require additional documentation, you will be requested to provide
this by email. If you have not received any information, then your application is beingprocessed. Please wait at least 5 working days for applications to be considered.
Do you fund journalists’ participation?
Some participation of journalists from developing countries at our conferences has been
made possible through support for media training workshops. This participation is byinvitation only.
Do you make hotel reservations for press representatives?
No. Media representatives accredited to cover CBD meetings are responsible for theirown travel and hotel bookings. The Secretariat is not in a position to make thesearrangements.
Will you help me get a visa?
No, the CBD secretariat is not in a position to issue invitation letters for visa purposes.
You may use the confirmation of your accreditation when making your application, as
well as the letter of assignment from your media organization.
I've got my accreditation, what now?
Once you have received confirmation of your accreditation, you will be registered for theconference. You will receive an email with your confirmation. You will be asked todownload and print a bar-code sheet which you will present at the registration counter.
You may collect your badge on-site at the media registration counter at the conference4venue. Registration for the MOP 5 opens on 6 October 2010. Registration for the COP 10
opens the weekend before the meeting starts, 16 October 2010.
Your photo will be taken at the registration station; you must present two forms of photo
ID (passport, driver's license, work ID, etc.) in order to collect your badge.
Can I pick up my badge in advance?
For security reasons, it is not possible to collect badges in advance.
What does the accreditation cover?
Media accreditation may only be used for coverage of the COP 10/MOP5 meetings anddoes not constitute an endorsement for any other purpose. In Nagoya, certain preconference meetings taking place the week of 5 to 9 October 2010, relating to theBiosafety Protocol, have limited access. For more details on these meetings, pleasecontact the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. For details on what
access permissions and support services you enjoy as an accredited journalist, please referto the sections below:
What should I do if my badge is lost or stolen?
You MUST immediately report it to the media registration desk in the conference venue.
Where am I allowed to go?
You have access to any public areas and meetings in the conference venue. This includes:- Side events;- Open plenary and working group sessions in designated seats(except for restrictions tofilm and video crews);- Public exhibitions.
You also have access to all press conferences/briefings of the CBD Secretariat and theGovernment of Japan in Press Conference Room (Bldg.3, 3rd fl.) and press conferences ofother delegations and organizations.
Where am I not permitted?
Closed areas and meetings are off limits to you. This includes:- Regional coordination meetings;- Contact Groups;- Bilateral meetings – unless you have specific permission to do so by both parties tothe meetings;- Offices of the CBD Secretariat, COP 10/MOP 5 Presidency – unless you have specificpermission for conducting interviews.
How do I request interviews?
You may submit interview requests to the staff at the International Media Centre, whowill transmit your request to the appropriate person. If your request is directed to the staffof the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, you will receive a reply from
the Media Coordinator. If your request is directed to a representative of the Government5

of Japan, you will receive your reply from them. Please note that if your request is for aninterview with a representative of another government or organization, you will receive areply from them directly. While the International Media Centre staff will attempt tocontact delegations with these interview requests, the granting of interviews is at thediscretion of individuals and delegations. All requests should include:- Name of the journalist and agency making the request and local
contact information, including cell phone and email- List of indicative questions- Proposed time(s)- Length of the Interview
I am a still photographer, where may I take pictures?
You are permitted to take pictures in the following areas:- Side events and rooms- Open plenary and working group sessions, but only from the designatedphotographer’s platforms and areas.
- For the opening ceremonies of MOP 5 and COP 10 and the high level segment, youwill be permitted up to 15 minutes to capture images from the main floor of theCentury Hall. After this time, you will be asked to move to the designated areas on
the second floor. In the event that demand exceeds supply, a pool will be set up. Poolcards will be arranged and distributed on the morning of the openings at theInternational Media Centre.
- Public exhibitions and public spaces- Press conferences
I am a broadcaster, where may I obtain images?
You are permitted to film in the following:- The first fifteen minutes of the Opening ceremonies of MOP-5 and COP 10;- The opening and closing ceremonies of the High Level Segment- Side event rooms- Public exhibitions and public spaces- Press conferences
Outside of the opening and closing ceremonies, all images from the plenary and working
groups must be obtained from the Host Broadcaster. Feeds will be made available for thispurpose. You can arrange to obtain these at the International Broadcast Centre (IBC),
located in the International Media Centre (IMC). Details are listed below.
Where are press conferences held?
Press conferences are held in the International Conference Room on the 3rd floor ofBuilding 3. The government of Japan will also hold briefings in its dedicated briefing
room, located in the IMC.
What languages will be spoken at the press conferences?

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Press briefings by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and theGovernment of Japan will be in English and Japanese, with simultaneous interpretation.
Press briefings and conferences by other governments and organizations will be in
English unless otherwise announced.
How will I gain access to the Press Conference Room?
Ten minutes prior to any scheduled conference, journalists should gather at the Press
Information Counter in the International Media Centre. From there, you will be escorted
by IMC staff to the room. These same staff will provide you with any materials for theconference and will assist in distributing microphones during question periods.
What facilities are available to the accredited media?
The International Media Centre (IMC) located on the 2nd floor of the Building 2 offers
work cubicles and spaces/desks to the accredited media. A total of 16 work cubicles andseven media work spaces (in Media Working Room A, two-seat desk per one space) areavailable to TV/radio broadcasters and news agencies upon request on a fee-for-service
basis . A total of 30 work spaces (in Media Working Room A, two-seat desk per onespace) are shared by all media and available upon request on a fee-for-service basis. InMedia Working Room A, two networked computers are available free of charge. In MediaWorking Rooms B and C, 216 seats at desk are shared by all media and available free ofcharge on a first come, first served basis. A total of 36 computers networked with theprinter are also available free of charge in Media Working Rooms B and C. Wireless
LAN is available throughout the IMC. For detailed information about media facilities andservices offered at IMC, please visit the website of the NHK International, the Host
Broadcaster for the Conference: (http://media.cop10.go.jp/)
Will I have to pass through screening?
All accredited press accessing the conference premises must pass through security
screening, including those with equipment.
Where can I obtain information about the latest events and activities at theConference?
The International Media Centre is the centre of activity and information for media at theconference. Lists of Press conferences of the day, events and activities are updated andmade available daily. The programme of meetings, side-events and press conferences
will also be posted on the Grand Reserva system, which displays information on CCTV
screens around the conference site. Staff at the International Media Centre will also be
glad to assist you with queries.
Can you send me a list of CBD accredited media persons?
No, information on media accreditation for CBD meetings is for internal use only andconfidential. The CBD Secretariat does not distribute media lists.
I would like to stay informed about CBD news and events. Can you add me to yourmailing list?

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If you wish to be added to the CBD’s media mailing list, send a message topress@CBD.int. Alternatively, when you begin the media accreditation process, you will
have an opportunity to sign up for this service.
Disclaimer
The CBD reserves the right to deny or withdraw accreditation for activities that violate
the principles of the Charter or the codes of behaviour and/or ethics of journalism and/or
the United Nations. At any time, the CBD Secretariat may revoke accreditation if it is put
to improper use; if it has been used to abuse the privileges so extended; or if personal or
public conduct is not consistent with the best interest of the Organization. The press
badge must not be loaned to another person; UN Security will confiscate any pass in thepossession of any individual to whom it was not issued.

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