"To contribute significantly to the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and its Strategic Plan for the Biodiversity 2011-2020, through effective information services and other appropriate means in order to promote and facilitate scientific and technical cooperation, knowledge sharing, and information exchange, and to establish a fully operational network of Parties and partners."

This mission is articulated around three major goals:

1. The central clearing-house mechanism provides effective global information services to facilitate the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020.
2. National clearing-house mechanisms provide effective information services to facilitate the implementation of the national biodiversity strategies and action plans.
3. Partners significantly expand the clearing-house mechanism network and services.