The "expert meeting in preparation of SBSTTA-5" was an informal scientific workshop, aiming to exchange information on the topics to be discussed at the upcoming fifth meeting of SBSTTA of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The 36 participants, including a member of the CBD Secretariat and representatives from national ministries, agencies and scientific institutions from 16 countries (EU-member states and PHARE countries) attended in their personal capacity as experts for the Convention.