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ENB:09:01
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PROPOSED WORK PROGRAMME: The programme of work, prepared by the Interim Secretariat, has been revised after consultation with member states. Concerns were expressed over the division of topics into two working groups that did not parallel the working groups that had been established in the INC. The revised programme of work clarifies that methods to achieve the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, including technology transfer and capacity building, are part of the work assigned to Working Group I for this week's deliberations. Funding, the COP and biosafety issues are assigned to Working Group II. This document is intended to replace the schedule found in the annotations to the provisional agenda.
PLENARY: The session is scheduled to begin this morning at 9:30 am although informal consultations on the size and composition of the Bureau may delay the onset of deliberations. The morning's meeting will begin with a seven minute slide and music show prepared by the Interim Secretariat entitled, "The Richness of All Living Things." Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Executive Director of UNEP, will deliver opening remarks, followed by a presentation by an NGO representative on the outcome of the Global Biodiversity Forum, held on 7-9 October at IUCN Headquarters. There will be a brief presentation on the occasion of World Food Day. Ms. Dowdeswell will preside as the Committee adopts the Rules of Procedure and elects a Chair. The newly elected Chair will proceed first to the question of the size and membership of the Bureau. The Plenary will then adopt the agenda for the first session and discuss the organization of work for the week.
WORKING GROUP I: Deliberations will begin in the afternoon on the topic of "Conservation and Sustainable Use" once the Plenary concludes its consideration of the procedural matters. Discussions will commence with the full range of activities for reducing biodiversity loss. UNEP, UNDP and the World Bank will provide brief overviews on the categories of action they have supported. The rest of the afternoon session will be left for discussion.
WORKING GROUP II: Deliberations will begin in the afternoon on the topic of the institution(s) operating the financial mechanism, once the Plenary concludes its consideration of the procedural matters. Debate on this topic is scheduled to continue through Tuesday afternoon. GEF Administrator Ian Johnson will speak briefly on the GEF, and may highlight the outcome of the Replenishment Meeting and Participant's Assembly held two weeks ago in Washington. Discussion will follow on the characteristics desired in the institution(s) operating the financial mechanism under the Convention.