The Conference of the Parties is the governing body of the Convention, and manages the implementation of the Convention through the decisions it takes at its periodic meetings. The expectations from COP11 are focussed on progress in the implementation of Nagoya compact, which comprises of the Nagoya Protocol, Strategic Plan and Strategy for Resource Mobilisation.

This mega United Nations event will attract more than 15,000 delegates from as many as 193 countries and UN bodies. The delegates attending the conference will include members from Ministerial delegations, government bodies working towards biodiversity conservation, inter-governmental organisations, NGOs working in related fields, scientific bodies, commercial organisations involved with governments across the world, academic institutions, quasi-public organisations, etc.

Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India is the local host of this, the largest and most prestigious event to be held in the country. India was chosen to host this event through an internal process at the CBD General Body Meeting.

MCI Management India was chosen to be the Conference Managers after participating in a rigorous tendering process. Out of 12 bidders, five were shortlisted based on their experience in handling international conferences, environment related events and core team strength. The five were then asked to submit a technical and financial proposal for selection as the official conference managers. According to the agency, MCI's differentiating factor was its strong team, encompassing the best of talented professionals with substantial experience in handling not only government conferences, but also UN events.

Commenting on their receiving this mandate, Vishal D'Souza, Joint Managing Director, MCI-India said: "This win is a defining moment for MCI India's future, in line with our growth and long term strategy in the meetings and conference domain. Our global project management and transversal knowledge-sharing among teams and industry practices helps us to ensure consistent execution and create a meaningful connection with our stakeholders. We are ecstatic to be associated with UNEP-CBD and partnering with Govt. of India - Ministry of Environment and Forest and in staging a world class conference in Hyderabad in October 2012."

MCI Management India will be responsible for the overall management of the conference including the logistic arrangements, accommodation management, exhibition sale and management, venue management, transport, greening of the conference, and several other areas for ensuring success of the conference. While most of the vendors and service providers for this event have been shortlisted, MCI India declined to elaborate on the same at this time.

MCI Management India is a wholly owned subsidiary of MCI Group Holding, which is headquartered in Geneva. Founded in 1987 MCI's mission is to help companies, governments and associations bring people together to create meaningful connections and win.

MCI set up base in India in 2007 and is working closely with leading International Associations. It recently organized conferences and events for the World Nuclear Association, the International Institute of Auditors, UNOPS, and World LP Gas Association, among others. December will see it partnering with the World Allergy Organization to deliver the 2012 WAO International Scientific Conference at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre.