GEM-CON-BIO's strategic objective is to explore the interactions between governance modes and sustainable development objectives in view of identifying what governance processes and institutions can best contribute to the conservation of biodiversity.

In order to meet its strategic objective, GEM-CON-BIO has the following specific and operational objectives:

• Identify existing governance types and their modes and processes in relation to conservation of biodiversity; discuss its findings in a workshop with experts in the field.
• Identify critical ecosystem management characteristics; discuss its findings in a workshop with experts in the field.
• Develop a governance matrix linking governance types and critical ecosystem management characteristics.
• Identify and conduct research on a set of 29 case studies to show how different governance approaches can be exercised in different ecosystems, using the governance matrix developed above.
• Compare the "success" and "failure" of different approaches in Europe and globally as to whether good governance practices lead to better outcomes.
• Draw lessons from the US experience, especially in the context of market-based instruments for conservation.
• Develop best practice guidelines that could be transferred to a wider context.
• Codify its recommendations in a policy guidance document aimed at policy makers and officials at all levels (local, national, regional, European).
• Establish and operate a science - policy interface with the active participation of all stakeholders since the beginning of the project, culminating in a conference and workshop at the end of the project, to guide, discuss and evaluate the applicability of the policy guidelines.
• Develop the tools to disseminate the acquired knowledge at all levels, i.e. from governments and policy makers through to local people