The Working Group on Review of Implementation (WGRI) was set up by the COP in 2002. The decision to set up the WGRI as an ‘ad-hoc open-ended working group’ came in response to the realisation that attainment of the 2010 target required far more rapid and effective implementation of the CBD and a better review, feedback and information process. The WGRI has met three times so far, preparing recommendations to the COP for more effective implementation of the CBD.

In contrast with the Scientific Body ( SBSTTA) the WGRI is primarily concerned with assessing implementation of parts of the CBD ( Strategic Plan).

The WGRI has also been requested by the COP to formulate proposals for advancement of CBD financial system processes ( Decision VIII/18, paragraph 6), on the Global Biodiversity Outlook ( Decision VIII/14, paragraph 18) and on certain areas of the COP organisation and structure (referred to as the ‘operations of the Convention’  Decision VIII/10, paragraphs 35 and 39)