The Conference of the Parties (COP) meets at three-yearly intervals and is the decision-making body of CMS. Its Standing Committee gives policy and administrative guidance between meetings. The Scientific Council meets between COP sessions to offer scientific advice and identify research and conservation priorities. The Secretariat develops and promotes Agreements, services meetings, supports and supervises research and conservation projects and co-operates with governments and partner organizations. The Secretariat is provided by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and currently has a professional staff of 16 and is based in Bonn, Germany. Please refer to the Organization Chart for the UNEP/CMS Secretariat for a more detailed overview of the organizational structure of the CMS Secretariat.