ENB:09:35

PLENARY

COP President Kusumaatmaya opened the afternoon Plenary and announced that the first revision of the draft Jakarta Ministerial Statement had been circulated. He invited further comments. Delegates then turned their attention to the question of the permanent location of the Secretariat. Geneva, Madrid, Montreal and Nairobi were the cities bidding to house the CBD Secretariat. Voting took place in accordance with the agreed scenario for voting (UNEP/CBD/COP/2/Crp.1) and decision 1/10 of COP-1. Three ballots were held, with the country receiving the least number of votes withdrawing its bid at the end of each round.

After the first ballot, Nairobi withdrew. The order of votes received for the others was: Montreal, Geneva, Madrid. After the second ballot, Madrid withdrew. The order of votes was: Montreal, Geneva. Montreal was the choice for location on the third ballot, and the Plenary endorsed the decision by acclamation.

SWITZERLAND noted its continued support for CBD and wished the best of luck to Montreal and the Secretariat, to whom it gave its fullest support. CANADA thanked the other three countries and their delegates for the friendly, harmonious competition. He assured all Parties that Canada and Montreal would work hard to ensure that the aims of CBD will be met and enhanced. Canada gave Dr. Juma a knit cap and scarf for use during the colder months. SPAIN noted that it was good to have the decision made so that all can get to work to conserve the world's biodiversity. KENYA thanked the others for a spirited competition, and noted that Nairobi is always open with a winterless climate to host meetings.