The Conference of the Parties (COP) oversees the implementation of the Convention. It is established by the Convention as the supreme decision-making body, and it comprises all ratifying governments. The first five sessions of the COP were held annually from 1997 to 2001.

Starting 2001 sessions are held on a biennial basis interchanging with the sessions of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC), whose first session was held in 2002.
For further information on the COP and CRIC as well as assisting bodies and institutions please consult fact sheet 9 "Institutions and procedures"

For documents on the 10 sessions of the Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee (INCD) preceding the COP from 1993-1997 please consult the official documents page.

Sessions held so far