These rules are quite similar, although they may differ with respect to the range of organizations which could be granted observer status (e.g. intergovernmental organizations, international and national NGOs, governmental bodies, trade unions, the private sector). At the same time, all these joint commissions consider the observer status as a main mechanism for NGO participation in their activities. Other joint bodies have set up similar criteria for granting observer status. For example, according to its rules for granting the observer status (2002), the Oder Commission requires submission of: (a) a description of organization, its competence and the experience which it could bring to the Commission’s work, the last name of a representative who will participate in the meetings, (b) an explanation how the organization believes its input could be beneficial for the Commission’s activities, and (c) written confirmation that the organization accepts the obligations of the Convention and the rules of procedure. Observers cannot take part in the process of adopting decisions. Representatives of observer organizations take part in the activities of expert groups.