|
|
|
Above photo: Mexican
delegation |
|
|
|
|
Above photo L-R: Valerie
Normand, CBD Secretariat and Diann Black Layne, Antigua
and Barbuda
|
|
|
Switzerland (right photo: François Pythoud, Switzerland) noted that many
sub-working groups’ sessions were held without interpretation and
requested the Bureau to
provide timely information on the availability of interpretation for future
meetings. Diann Black Layne, meeting rapporteur, presented the draft report
of the meeting (UNEP/CBD/WG-ABS/2/L.1), which was adopted with an amendment
proposed by Mexico, stating that the Working Group identified a clear need
for an international ABS regime.
|
|
|
 |
|
Above
photo: Krishna Chandra Paudel (Nepal) |
|
|
 |
|
Above photo: David Hafashimana (Uganda)
|
|
Uganda
on behalf of the African Group, Mexico on behalf of the
LMMC, the EU,
Nepal on behalf of the Asian Group, Egypt, Lithuania,
Jordan,
Palau,
Canada and Colombia expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the
organizers of the meeting, highlighting the progress made and expressing
hope that the fruitful negotiations on an international ABS regime will
continue at COP-7. Malaysia invited delegates to COP-7.
|
|
|
 |
|
Above photo: Jeffrey Beattie (Palau)
|
|
|
 |
|
Above photo: Ossama El-Tayeb (Egypt)
|
|
|
The
US (right photo: Leonard Hirsch, US) raised concern that many recommendations are not consistent with the
CBD, such as, inter alia: references to countries of origin;
references to derivatives and products; and the modalities of a
certificate of origin. The IIFB reiterated the indigenous peoples’
commitment to biodiversity conservation, and called for a code of ethics
on ABS and recognition of indigenous communities’ right to deny access
to genetic resources and traditional knowledge for commercial use. A
representative speaking on behalf of an NGO coalition noted the lack of a
clear commitment to a legally binding international regime.
|
|
|
 |
|
Above
photo: Lourdes Amos (IIFB)
|
|
|
 |
|
Above photo: Beth Burrows (Edmond's Institute) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hamdallah
Zedan, CBD
Executive Secretary (above right) expressed his appreciation for the work done
towards the implementation of CBD�s third objective. Hans
Hoogeveen, Working Group Chair (above left) thanked participants and organizers, and closed the meeting at
1:45 pm.
|
|
|
|
|
On
Friday, Working Group Chair Hoogeveen (right photo: left) opened the closing
Plenary. SWG-I Chair Verleye and SWG-II Chair Verma reported on progress and
outcomes of their sub-working groups. The report of SWG-I (UNEP/CBD/WG-ABS/2/L.1/Add.1)
was adopted with a minor amendment. Delegates also adopted the report of SWG-II
(UNEP/CBD/WG-ABS/2/L.1/Add.2) without amendment.
ENB
coverage of the 