ENB @ 2nd Marine Biodiversity Working Group: Highlights for 30 April, 2008

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	Second meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Informal Working Group to study issues relating to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction New York \| 28 April-2 May 2008


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Delegates discuss MGRs, governance and regulatory gaps

The Ad Hoc Open-ended Informal Working Group of the General Assembly to study issues relating to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction (the Working Group) convened for its third day on Wednesday 30 April, at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York.

In the morning, the Working Group addressed issues identified in General Assembly resolution 61/222. During the exchange of views on marine genetic resources (MGRs) widely divergent perspectives were voiced, with some delegates determined that MGRs were the common heritage of all humankind, and others contesting this notion. Many delegates proposed focusing on advancing areas of agreement.

During the afternoon, delegates exchanged views on the existence of a governance or regulatory gap and how this might be addressed.

Above: G-77/China delegates at a coordination during a break.

Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Co-Chair Robert Hill (Australia) gaveled the opening of the day's session.
Genetic Resources Beyond Areas of National Jurisdiction
Renée Sauvé, Canada, said the Working Group was the appropriate forum for discussing MGRs.	Dire Tladi (South Africa) stressed the common heritage of mankind principle in relation to MGRs.	Aleksander Čičerov (Slovenia), for the EU, urged focusing on practical and concrete steps.
Stella Kerubo Orina (Kenya).	Marjo Vierros (UNU).	Vassily Titushkin (Russian Federation).
Governance or Regulatory Gaps
Gou Haibo (China).	Gillian Joseph (Antigua and Barbuda, for the G-77/China).	Caleb Christopher (Marshall Islands).
Side Events
FAO held a lunchtime side event on its intergovernmental work on genetic resources, particularly with regard to multilateral benefit-sharing.
The International Seabed Authority held a lunchtime side event to introduce its Endowment Fund for Collaborative Marine Scientific Research.
Around the Working Group
Biliana Cicin-Sain (Global Forum), David Freestone (World Bank), Karen Sack (Greenpeace) and Philippe Vallette (NAUSICAA).	Edna Chia (Singapore) conferred with Ana Cristina Rodriguez-Pineda (Guatemala).	Elie Jarmache (France) and Constance Arvis (US) smiled for a picture.