Conference of the Parties (COP)
Definition
The term used to describe the regular meeting of state parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. This is the body with authority to take decisions under the Convention.
Source
"Glossary and Abbreviations", Barnsley, Ingrid, United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS) 2009, "UNUIAS Guide, Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation in Developing Countries (REDD): A Guide for Indigenous Peoples." January 2009 http://www.ias.unu.edu/resource_centre/2009_REDD_Guide.pdf
Alternative definition
The Conference of the Parties is the governing body of the Convention, and advances implementation of the Convention through the decisions it takes at its periodic meetings.
Alternative source
CBD, 2013 (http://www.cbd.int/cop/).
