It has the primary purpose of coordinating, supporting and executing activities and projects designed to foment understanding of biodiversity within Mexico and the surrounding region.

The mission of CONABIO is to promote, coordinate, support and carry out activities aimed at increasing awareness of biodiversity and its conservation and sustainable use for the benefit of society.

Among the main functions of CONABIO are to implement and operate the National Information System on Biodiversity, as required by article 80, section V of the General Law of Ecological Equilibrium and Environmental Protection.

The Technical Secretary is the head of the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources, C. Víctor Manuel Toledo and the heads of the following secretariats also participate: Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food; Social Development; Economy; Public Education; Energy; Finance and Public Credit; Foreign Affairs; Health; and Tourism.

CONABIO performs its functions via an operative group that, since its inception, has been led by José Sarukhán Kermez as National Coordinator.