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ENB:09:37
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BIOSAFETY: The drafting group met into the night, and resolved bracketed text in the Preamble. It was stated that there appeared to be general agreement that a biosafety protocol was necessary. The group considered the mandate and terms of reference (TOR) for a proposed Open-Ended Ad Hoc Working Group to consider its modalities. After extensive debate, language defining the scope of this group's mandate referred to "...a negotiation process to develop in the field of the safe transfer, handling and use of LMOs, a protocol on biosafety [in the context of] [specifically focusing on] transboundary [transfer] [movement] of any LMO...setting out for consideration, in particular, appropriate procedures for advance informed agreement."
MARINE AND COASTAL and TERRESTRIAL ISSUES: The contact group adopted a draft decision on Forests and Biological Diversity and text from the marine and coastal drafting group. The forests draft decision requests the CBD Executive Secretary to provide information and advice on indigenous and local communities and to work toward a background document on forests and biodiversity. The document would be transmitted to IPF for information and considered at COP-3 regarding whether further input to IPF is necessary. Delegates deleted references to a CSD decision, the IPF establishment and SBSTTA recommendations, as well as language establishing an intersessional working group on forests.
The contact group on marine issues agreed on a draft decision, Annex I (additional conclusions regarding recommendation I/8 from SBSTTA), and Annex II (terms of reference and work programme for an ad hoc panel of experts). Delegates adopted language to "support" SBSTTA recommendations in I/8 "subject to" the conclusions in Annex I. Delegates agreed to select the ad hoc panel "on the basis of nomination by regional groups for a period of three years." SBSTTA will be asked to provide a summary review at COP-3 of the first annual report of the panel. In Annex I, delegates agreed to a redraft regarding the issue of subsidies. In Annex II, delegates incorporated sub-paragraphs noting specific issues for study into a reference to address "activities that impact marine resources."
BUDGET AND PROGRAMME OF WORK: The contact group agreed to a draft work programme that reflects delegates' attempts to integrate COP decisions with budgetary implications. The budget includes provision for an economist, secondments from FAO and UNESCO and a biosafety meeting.