Distr.
CONVENTION ON GENERAL
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/1/Add.1 20 July 1996
ORIGINAL: ENGLISH




SUBSIDIARY BODY ON SCIENTIFIC, TECHNICAL AND
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVICE
Second Meeting
Montreal, 2 to 6 September 1996


ANNOTATED PROVISIONAL AGENDA


Introduction

1. Article 25 of the Convention on Biological Diversity ("the Convention") establishes a Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice ("SBSTTA"), to provide both the Conference of the Parties to the Convention ("COP") and, as appropriate, other subsidiary bodies with timely advice relating to the implementation of the Convention.

2. The first meeting of the SBSTTA was held in Paris from 4-8 September 1995 in accordance with decision I/7; Professor Jameson Seyani (Malawi) chaired the meeting. In decision II/1, the COP took note of the Report of the first meeting of the SBSTTA (submitted as document UNEP/CBD/COP/2/5) and endorsed the modus operandi of the SBSTTA as outlined in recommendation I/1. The Bureau of the SBSTTA met in Montreal between 3-4 May 1996 to review preparations for the this meeting.

3. The second meeting of the SBSTTA will take place in Montreal from 2 to 6 September 1996. Registration of participants will commence on 2 September at 8.00 a.m. The venue is at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal.

1. Opening of the meeting

4. The meeting will be opened at 10.00 a.m.



2. Organisational matters

2.1 Election of the officers

5. At the first meeting of the COP, in accordance with rule 26, paragraph 3, of the rules of procedure, by which the COP shall elect the chair of each subsidiary body, Mr. Peter Johan Schei (Norway) was elected chairman of the SBSTTA for 1996.

6. At its opening session, the SBSTTA shall elect the other members of the Bureau in accordance with rule 26, paragraph 5, and rule 21 of the rules of procedures for meetings of the COP.

2.2 Adoption of the agenda

7. At its first meeting the SBSTTA adopted recommendation I/9, which contained a draft provisional agenda for the second meeting of the SBSTTA. The second meeting of the COP took note of the report of the SBSTTA. The draft provisional agenda contained in document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/1 reflects recommendation I/9, as well as the tasks assigned to the second meeting of the SBSTTA by the relevant decisions adopted at the second meeting of the COP, and the recommendations of the Bureau of the SBSTTA and the Bureau of the COP.

8. Under this agenda item, the SBSTTA may wish to adopt the recommended provisional agenda contained in document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/1.

2.3 Organisation of work

9. Paragraph 8 of recommendation I/1 on the modus operandi of the SBSTTA provides that "[t]wo open­ended sessional working groups of the SBSTTA could be established and operate simultaneously during meetings of the SBSTTA. They shall be established on the basis of well­defined terms of reference, and will be open to all Parties and observers. The financial implications of these arrangements should be reflected in the Budget of the Convention." Paragraph 2 of decision II/1 of the COP endorsed the modus operandi of the SBSTTA. Furthermore, the financial implications of the two sessional working groups are reflected in the budget of the Convention for 1996 as contained in decision II/20.

10. Accordingly, the SBSTTA may wish to establish two sessional working groups for this meeting. The following allocation of tasks between the two sessional working groups and the plenary has been suggested by the Bureau of the SBSTTA:

11. There will be no more than two meetings convened at the same time, each with simultaneous interpretation.

3. Matters on which advice from the SBSTTA is required by the third meeting of the Conference of the Parties

3.1 Assessment of biological diversity and minimum standards for national reports

3.1.1 Review of assessment of biological diversity made in 1995, and methodologies for future assessments, as well as the minimum standard data required, as appropriate, to be applied in accordance with national priorities and programs.

12. Consideration of this agenda item arises from paragraph 2(a) of Article 25 of the Convention, which calls upon the SBSTTA to provide scientific and technical assessments of the status of biological diversity. The recommendation of the SBSTTA on this issue will be considered by the COP at its third meeting under its provisional agenda item 8.2, on appraisal of the SBSTTA review of assessments of biological diversity for the implementation of Article 25(2)(a) and advice on methodologies for future assessments.

13. The second meeting of the COP acknowledged the importance of undertaking assessments specifically designed for the needs of the Convention and endorsed the SBSTTA's recommendations relating to this topic made at its first meeting. To assist the SBSTTA in the consideration of this agenda item, the Secretariat has prepared document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/2, which reviews important assessments of biological diversity, provides advice on methodologies on the basis of this previous experience and future requirements of the Convention, and identifies important needs within the priorities of the Convention.

14. SBSTTA may wish to consider initiating an assessment of a particular sector that supports the consideration of other issues before the SBSTTA and/or the COP and will begin the process of providing assessments for the specific needs of the Convention.

3.2 Identification, monitoring and assessment of components of biological diversity and of processes that have adverse impacts

3.2.1 Alternative ways and means in which the Conference of the Parties could start the process of identification, monitoring and assessment of components of biological diversity, as well as processes and categories of activities which have or are likely to have significant adverse impacts on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, in accordance with Article 7.

15. Consideration of this agenda item arises from paragraph 2(a) of Article 25 of the Convention, which calls upon the SBSTTA to provide scientific and technical assessments of the status of biological diversity. The recommendation of the SBSTTA on this issue will be considered by the third meeting of the COP under its agenda item 8.1 on options for implementing Article 7 of the Convention.






16. The second meeting of the COP endorsed paragraphs 2, 4 and 5 of recommendation I/3 of the SBSTTA, which considered alternative ways and means in which the Conference of the Parties could start the process of identification, monitoring and assessment of components of biological diversity. To assist the SBSTTA in the consideration of this agenda item, the Secretariat has prepared document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/3, which considers how the COP can build on these recommendations, particularly with regard to identifying processes and activities that have an adverse impact on biological diversity.

17. Given the fundamental importance and complexity of this topic, for the purposes of the Convention, the SBSTTA may wish to consider developing and promoting intersessional activities to generate more detailed advice on this matter, which could also respond to the requests of the COP in a more iterative manner. The SBSTTA may wish to consider establishing an ad hoc technical panel or a liaison group, as provided for in part VI of the modus operandi of the SBSTTA, to advise the COP in organising the necessary international cooperation required to effectively address this issue. The SBSTTA may wish to consider a recommendation to the COP, that given the need for considerable development of the issue, the matter be included as a standing item on the agenda of future meetings of the SBSTTA and/or the COP.

3.3 Review and promotion of indicators of biological diversity

3.3.1 Review and promotion of indicators of biological diversity to be used for assessment of effectiveness of measures taken in accordance with the provisions of the Convention.

18. Consideration of this agenda item arises from paragraph 2(b) of Article 25 of the Convention, which calls upon the SBSTTA to prepare scientific and technical assessments of the effects of types of measures taken in accordance with the provisions of the Convention.

19. The second meeting of the COP endorsed paragraphs 2, 4 and 5 of recommendation I/3 of the SBSTTA on this matter, which may form the basis of the SBSTTA's recommendations. The recommendations of the SBSTTA on this matter may be considered by the COP under its agenda item 8. To assist the meeting in its consideration of this item, the Secretariat has prepared document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/4, which reviews the use of indicators and provides suggestions as to how to develop more sensitive and useful indicators for the needs of the Convention.

20. SBSTTA may wish to consider developing criteria for the use of particular sectors to assist any review initiated by the COP resulting from the advice of the SBSTTA on provisional agenda item 3.1 or any other agenda item. The SBSTTA may wish to consider including this task within the work of any intersessional activities they may recommend as a result of the SBSTTA's deliberations on the previous agenda item. The SBSTTA may wish to consider a recommendation to the COP that, given the need for considerable development of the issue, the matter be included as a standing item on the agenda of future meetings of the SBSTTA and/or the COP.






3.4 Practical approaches for capacity building for taxonomy

3.4.1 Consider advice to the Conference of the Parties on ways and means to overcome the current lack of taxonomists, taking into account existing initiatives and being mindful of adopting a more practical direction of taxonomy linked to bio­prospecting and ecological research on conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and its components.

21. Consideration of this agenda item arises from paragraph 2(e) of Article 25 of the Convention, which calls upon the SBSTTA to respond to scientific, technical, technological and methodological questions that the Conference of the Parties may put to it. Paragraph 7 of decision II/8 of the COP requested the second meeting of the SBSTTA to address the issue of the lack of taxonomists that are required for Parties to implement the Convention.

22. To assist the meeting in its consideration of this item, the Secretariat has prepared document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/5, which reviews the current status of taxonomic capacity, particularly in developing countries, considers how taxonomic capacity might be developed, and contains a number of options to address the needs of the Convention and of Parties.

23. The SBSTTA may wish to consider how it might develop, support or facilitate the work of institutions that have the capacity to train taxonomists. The SBSTTA may also wish to consider establishing a liaison group to coordinate the Convention's work with other relevant initiatives and to facilitate the implementation of any practical measures it recommends.

3.5 Identification and transfer of sound technologies, including biotechnology

3.5.1 Identification of sound technologies, including biotechnology, and description of ways and means to promote and facilitate access to, and transfer and development of these technologies, and the role of the clearing­house mechanism.

24. Consideration of this agenda item arises from paragraph 2(c) of Article 25 of the Convention, which calls upon the SBSTTA to identify innovative, efficient, state-of-the-art technologies and know-how relating to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, and to advise on the ways and means of promoting development and/or transference of such technologies.

25. Paragraph 2 of decision II/4 of the COP endorsed paragraph 1(d) of recommendation I/4 and requested the Executive Secretary to prepare, for consideration by the SBSTTA at its second meeting, a background document, taking into account the views expressed by Parties and observers at previous meetings associated with the Convention, including those decisions related to the clearing­house mechanism. The COP also requested that the document should identify key priority issues relating to opportunities for and obstacles to the transfer of technology for consideration by the SBSTTA.





26. SBSTTA has been requested to submit a detailed report to the third meeting of the COP, when it will be considered by the COP under item 13 of the provisional agenda. The meeting will have before it document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/6 prepared by the Secretariat and intended to provide the SBSTTA with elements for its detailed report to the COP.

27. The SBSTTA may wish to develop an inventory of available, transferable technologies as a first concrete step towards the implementation of these commitments under the Convention. Paragraph 3 of decision I/4 also endorsed paragraph 1(e) of recommendation I/4, which states that the Executive Secretary may, as appropriate and depending upon the resources available, establish a liaison group in accordance with the recommendation I/1 on the modus operandi of the SBSTTA. If further consideration of the SBSTTA's report to the third meeting of the COP is required, the SBSTTA may wish to consider the terms of reference of such a liaison group.

3.6 Knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities

3.6.1 Ways and means to identify and protect the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities embodying traditional lifestyles, and to compensate through the equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of such knowledge, innovations and practices, in accordance with Article 8(j) of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

28. Consideration of this agenda item arises from paragraph 2(c) of Article 25 of the Convention, which calls upon the SBSTTA to identify innovative, efficient, state-of-the-art technologies and know-how relating to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, and to advise on the ways and means of promoting development and/or transference of such technologies. Consideration of this agenda also arises from paragraph 2(e) of Article 25 of the Convention which calls upon the SBSTTA to respond to scientific, technical, technological and methodological questions that the COP may put to it. Decision II/1 of the COP requested the SBSTTA, in considering its programme of work for 1996, to ensure that the programme is based on the priorities set in the programme of work of the COP for 1996 and 1997 as contained in decision II/18 and other decisions of the second meeting of the COP. Under item 11 of the provisional agenda for its third meeting, the COP will consider options for the implementation of Article 8(j).

29. The meeting will have before it document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/7, prepared by the Secretariat for its consideration of this agenda item. The meeting will also have before it document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.3 prepared by the Secretariat in accordance with paragraph 2(a) of decision II/9 of the COP as a contribution to the Report of the Secretary General on "Traditional forest-related knowledge" to be submitted to the third session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests.

30. The provisions of Article 8(j) are closely linked to those of Articles 10(c) and 18.4 and the SBSTTA may wish to consider possible advice to the COP on the merits of a coordinated consideration of these Articles and recommendations on a suitable process for this.




3.7 Capacity building for biosafety

3.7.1 Capacity-building in relation to the safe, handling and use of living modified organisms resulting from biotechnology that may have adverse effects on the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components.

31. The SBSTTA may wish to consider a recommendation to the third meeting of the COP that they should ensure that the work of the SBSTTA on this item will be consistent with its decision on Article 19.3 in order to avoid duplication with any other work that the Conference of the Parties might initiate.

32. The Open-ended Ad Hoc Working Group on Biosafety established by decision II/5 of the COP held its first meeting from 22 to 26 July 1996 in Aarhus, Denmark. The report of this meeting is contained in UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.11. The COP at its third meeting will consider a report on the results of this meeting.

3.8 The role of the clearing­house mechanism in promoting technical and scientific cooperation

3.8.1 Role of the clearing­house mechanism in facilitating and promoting technical and scientific cooperation in research and development related to conservation of biological diversity and sustainable use of its components.

33. Consideration of this agenda item arises from paragraph 2(d) of Article 25 of the Convention, which calls upon the SBSTTA to provide advice on scientific programmes and international cooperation in research and development related to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.

34. In decision I/3 the COP established a clearing-house mechanism to promote and facilitate technical and scientific cooperation in accordance with Article 18, paragraph 3 of the Convention. In decision II/13 the COP decided that the clearing­house mechanism should start with a pilot phase for 1996­1997, which would be reviewed at its third meeting and for which the Executive Secretary is asked to submit a progress report. The Executive Secretary is also asked to report to the third meeting of the COP on arrangements for cooperation in the operation of the clearing-house mechanism.

35. The progress report of the Executive Secretary will reflect the activities undertaken pursuant to decision II/3, during the period from January to August 1996.

36. In decision II/3 the COP also decided to review implementation of the pilot phase at it fourth meeting and requests the SBSTTA to provide scientific and technical advice. The SBSTTA therefore wishes to consider the preparation of advice for this second review in 1997. To assist the meeting in its consideration of this item, the Secretariat has prepared document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/9.

37. The SBSTTA may also wish to consider how the clearing-house mechanism can contribute to supporting initiatives arising from other matters being considered at this meeting.



3.9 Agricultural biological diversity

3.9.1 Scientific, technical and technological aspects of the conservation of agricultural biological diversity and sustainable use of its components.

38. Consideration of this agenda item arises from paragraph 2(e) of Article 25 of the Convention, which calls upon the SBSTTA to respond to scientific, technical, technological and methodological questions that the COP may put to it. Decision II/1 of the COP requested the SBSTTA, in considering its programme of work for 1996, to ensure that the programme is based on the priorities set in the programme of work of the COP for 1996 and 1997 as contained in decision II/18 and other decisions of the second meeting of the COP. The third meeting of the COP will consider the conservation and sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity under its provisional agenda item 9. In particular, it will consider: a) agricultural biological diversity within the context of the Convention's three objectives and its provisions (Item 9.1); and b) a report on progress under the FAO Global System for the Conservation and Utilisation of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Item 9.2).

39. To assist the SBSTTA in the consideration of this item, the Secretariat has prepared document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/10.

40. Bearing in mind the issues to be considered by the COP at its third meeting, the SBSTTA may wish to consider recommending that the COP consider elaborating an international framework for agricultural biological diversity, which might include assessments, indicators, guidelines, partnerships for technology transfer, equitable sharing of benefits, and incentives and modalities for cooperation with other processes. The SBSTTA may wish to consider recommending that the COP instruct them to provide advice on those elements of the framework that would benefit from scientific, technical and technological advice, and which has not been the subject of attention in other intergovernmental processes. One such area might be microbial diversity and, in this case, the SBSTTA might wish to consider how best to apply and promote its work on indicators to this topic.

3.10 Terrestrial biological diversity

3.10.1 Scientific, technical and technological aspects of the future work of terrestrial biological diversity in the light of deliberations of the third session of the Commission on Sustainable Development in 1995.

41. Consideration of this agenda item arises from paragraph 2(e) of Article 25 of the Convention, which calls upon the SBSTTA to respond to scientific, technical, technological and methodological questions that the Conference of the Parties may put to it. Decision II/1 of the COP requested the SBSTTA, in considering its programme of work for 1996, to ensure that the programme is based on the priorities set in the programme of work of the COP for 1996 and 1997 as contained in decision II/18 and other decisions of the second meeting of the COP. The third meeting of the COP is to consider the future programme of work for terrestrial biological diversity in the light of the outcome of deliberations of the third session of the Commission on Sustainable Development ("CSD") in 1995.

42. In its review of "sectoral cluster: land desertification, forests and biodiversity" at its third session, the CSD reviewed progress in the implementation of chapters 10 to 15 of Agenda 21 and decided to establish an open-ended ad hoc Intergovernmental Panel on Forests ("IPF") to pursue consensus and the formulation of coordinated proposals for action. In decision II/9, the COP adopted a statement from the Convention to the IPF on biological diversity and forests and requested the Executive Secretary to: a) provide advice and information pertaining to the relationship between indigenous and local communities and forests; and b) to produce a background document on the links between forests and biological diversity, in order to consider, at its third meeting, whether further input to the IPF is required.

43. The information provided by the Executive Secretary on the relationship between indigenous and local communities and forests is referred to above under item 3.6 of the provisional agenda of the meeting (document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.3). Document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/11 is the background document on the links between forests and biological diversity requested by the COP, and the SBSTTA may wish to consider the scientific, technical and technological advice it can provide the COP on this matter, together with possible recommendations for further work on forests and biological diversity.

44. The other aspects of terrestrial biological diversity considered by the CSD at its third session were the "integrated approach to the planning and management of land resources", "combating desertification and drought, sustainable mountain development", "promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development" and "conservation of biological diversity". The Secretariat has prepared document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/12 to assist the meeting in its consideration of this item. The document seeks to identify areas of relevance to the future programme of work on terrestrial biological diversity arising out of the third session of the CSD. To further assist in the consideration of this item, the Secretariat has prepared document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.1, which contains the relevant sections of the Report on the Third Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development.

45. The SBSTTA may wish to consider recommending that the COP initiate a preliminary assessment of the links between one of the issues considered by the CSD and biological diversity.

3.11 Economic valuation of biological diversity

3.11.1 Scientific, technical and technological advice on economic valuation of biological diversity and its components, in particular in relation to access to genetic resources.

46. Consideration of this agenda item arises from paragraph 2(e) of Article 25 of the Convention, which calls upon the SBSTTA to respond to scientific, technical, technological and methodological questions that the Conference of the Parties may put to it. Decision II/1 of the COP requested the SBSTTA, in considering its programme of work for 1996, to ensure that the programme is based on the priorities set in the programme of work of the COP for 1996 and 1997 as contained in decision II/18 and other decisions of the second meeting of the COP. The third meeting of the COP is to consider incentive measures and the compilation of information and experiences shared on the implementation of Article 11 under its provisional agenda item 15. Advice on the economic valuation of biological diversity is, however, of general relevance to the three-fold objectives of the Convention and as a consequence, any recommendations made by the SBSTTA can be of relevance to other items to be considered by the COP, including items 6, 7, 9, 12 and 14 of the provisional agenda. For example, item 12 is to consider the possible options for implementing Article 15 on access to genetic resources. Clearly, developing effective strategies will depend on an understanding of the economic value of these genetic resources.

47. To assist the SBSTTA in the consideration of this item, the Secretariat has prepared document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/13, which examines existing information on the valuation of biological diversity, especially genetic resources, and considers how the SBSTTA may develop this knowledge.

48. In light of the general relevance of this item, the SBSTTA may wish to consider establishing an ad hoc technical panel or a liaison group to develop specific areas that have the greatest potential for contributing to the aims of the Convention. In addition to the matter of access to genetic resources, an area of central importance to the implementation of the Convention requiring further technical development, and which would contribute significantly to other items on the agenda, is the development of criteria for identifying, assessing and monitoring processes and activities that have an adverse impact on biological diversity (see item 3.2.1 of this provisional agenda). The SBSTTA may wish to consider a recommendation to the COP that, given the need for considerable development of the issue, the matter be included as a standing item on the agenda of future meetings of the SBSTTA and/or the COP.

3.12 Coastal and marine biological diversity

3.12.1 Scientific, technical and technological aspects of the conservation and sustainable use of coastal and marine biological diversity.


49. The COP at its second meeting took note of recommendation I/8 of the SBSTTA on scientific, technical and technological aspects of the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal biological diversity and affirmed that it represented a solid basis for future elaboration of the issues presented. The COP supported the recommendations, in paragraphs 10-19 of recommendation I/8, subject to Annex 1 of decision II/10, of reaffirming "the importance of future work by the SBSTTA to provide a balanced perspective on the remaining issues presented by the recommendation I/9 and Annex 1 of decision II/10."

50. The COP instructed the Executive Secretary to provide the SBSTTA with scientific, technical and technological advice and options for recommendations to the COP in further elaborating the recommendations contained in recommendation I/8, with the exception of paragraphs 3 and 4. The advice and options referred to include: a) options for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and its components in the implementation of marine and coastal management and planning practices, including options for the development of integrated marine and coastal area management at regional and local levels; and b) annual reports to the SBSTTA, the first of which will include a three-year work plan. The COP requested the Executive Secretary to provide, in accordance with Annex II, the SBSTTA with scientific, technical and technological advice and options for recommendations to the Conference of the Parties in further elaborating the recommendations contained in recommendation I/8, with the exception of paragraphs 3 and 4.

51. In accordance with these instructions, the Executive Secretary has prepared document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/14; the SBSTTA may wish to review this document and submit its recommendations to the COP.

3.12.2 Bio-prospecting of genetic resources on the deep seabed

52. Decision II/10 of the COP also requested the Executive Secretary, in consultation with the United Nations Office for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, to undertake a study of the relationship between the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea with regard to the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources on the deep seabed, with a view to enabling the SBSTTA to address at future meetings, as appropriate, the scientific, technical and technological issues relating to the bio-prospecting of genetic resources on the deep seabed.

53. The Executive Secretary has produced a preliminary assessment of this topic, which is contained in document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/15 and which is the basis on which consultations with the United Nations Office for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea have been initiated by the Executive Secretary. The SBSTTA may wish to consider this preliminary assessment before the Executive Secretary and provide guidance to the Executive Secretary, in particular as to which areas would benefit from further scientific work and how these issues might provide a basis for further collaboration between the two Conventions.

4. Review of the modus operandi of the SBSTTA

54. At its meeting on 3 and 4 May 1996, the Bureau of the SBSTTA suggested that the SBSTTA may wish to consider reviewing its modus operandi in light of: a) the forthcoming overall assessment of its work and the effectiveness of its advice during the period 1995 to 1997 at its third meeting; and b) the review of the SBSTTA to be undertaken by the COP at its fourth meeting in 1997.

55. The Bureau of the SBSTTA suggested that the SBSTTA may wish to consider increasing its intersessional activities, especially with regard to:

1. the greater use of liaisons groups;
2. greater formal contact with the STAP; and
3. representation of the Convention at relevant meetings by members of the Bureau.

56. The Bureau suggested that the SBSTTA may also wish to consider recommending to the COP: a) adjustments in the terms of office of the members of the Bureau of the SBSTTA, in order to ensure greater institutional continuity; and b) calling the meetings of the SBSTTA earlier in the year in order to allow more time for the COP to receive and analyse the report of the SBSTTA and its recommendations.

57. To assist the SBSTTA in the consideration of this item, the Secretariat has prepared document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/16.

58. Paragraph 3 of Decision II/2 requests the Executive Secretary, in consultation with the Bureau of the SBSTTA, to identify and mobilise, for publication and distribution, scientific and technical information of relevance to the medium-term programme of work, recognising the limitations of the budget. The SBSTTA may also wish to provide advice to the COP on this matter, with a view to guiding the Executive Secretariat and the Bureau of the SBSTTA, particularly with regard to the production and publication of the Global Biodiversity Outlook and the role of the clearing-house mechanism in the dissemination of information.

5. Programme of work of the SBSTTA for 1995­1997

59. Recalling paragraph 6 of decision II/1 of the COP, the SBSTTA may wish to review its programme of work for 1997, as contained in recommendation I/2, in light of the medium­term programme of work of the COP, as contained in decision II/18. The SBSTTA may also wish to bear in mind: a) the assessment to take place -- at its fourth meeting -- of its work and the effectiveness of its advice from 1995 to 1997; and b) the review of the SBSTTA to be undertaken by the COP at its fourth meeting in 1997. To assist the meetings in the consideration of this item, the Secretariat has prepared document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/17.

6. Draft provisional agenda of the third meeting of the SBSTTA

60. To assist the meeting in its consideration of this agenda item, the Secretariat has prepared a draft provisional agenda for the third meeting of the SBSTTA. This is contained in document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/18. The draft provisional agenda has been prepared on the basis of recommendation I/2 as well as decision II/18, together with other relevant decisions adopted by the COP at its second meeting.

7. Date and venue of the third meeting of the SBSTTA

61. In light of the SBSTTA's consideration of its modus operandi under item 4 of the provisional agenda, the SBSTTA may wish to consider a date in July 1997 for the fourth meeting of the SBSTTA. The venue of the third meeting will be decided in accordance with rule 3 of the rules of procedure for meetings of the Conference of the Parties, which provides that "the meetings of the Conference of the Parties shall take place at the seat of the Secretariat, unless the Conference of the Parties decides otherwise or appropriate arrangements are made by the Secretariat in consultation with the Parties." For this agenda item, the meeting will have before it document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/19.

8. Other matters

62. The meeting will consider any other items proposed and accepted for discussion.


9. Adoption of the report

63. The meeting will consider and adopt its report, which will be presented by Mr. Peter Johan Schei (Norway), Chairman of the SBSTTA, to the third meeting of the COP for its consideration under the relevant agenda items, in particular item 4.

10. Closure of the meeting

64. The meeting will be closed on Friday, 6 September 1996 at 6.00 p.m.
Annex

List of Documents for the Second Meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice

Symbol Title
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/1 Provisional agenda
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/1/Add.1 Annotated provisional agenda

UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/2 Assessment of biological diversity and minimum standards for national reports
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/3 Identification, monitoring and assessments of components of biological diversity and processes which have adverse impacts.
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/4 Review and promotion of indicators of biological diversity
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/5 Practical approaches for capacity building for taxonomy
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/6 Identification and transfer of sound technologies, including biotechnology
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/7 Knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities: implementation of Article 8(j)
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/8 Capacity-building in biosafety for developing countries
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/9 Role of the clearing­house mechanism in facilitating and promoting technical and scientific cooperation
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/10 Agricultural biological diversity
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/11 Biological diversity and forests
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/12 Future programme of work for terrestrial biological diversity in light of the outcome of the third session of the Commission on Sustainable Development
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/13 Economic valuation of biological diversity
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/14 Proposed programme of work for the conservation and sustainable use of coastal and marine biological diversity
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/15 Bio-prospecting of deep seabed genetic resources
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/16 Modus Operandi of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/17 Medium­term programme of work of the Conference of the Parties and the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/18 Draft provisional agenda of the third meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/19 Date and venue of the third meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice

UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.1 Future programme of work for terrestrial biological diversity: relevant sections of the Report of the Third Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development

UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.2 Submissions received by the Secretariat concerning the transfer and development of technologies
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.3 Traditional forest-related knowledge and the Convention on Biological Diversity
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.4 Submissions received by the Secretariat concerning the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal biological diversity
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.5 Submissions received by the Secretariat concerning forests and biological diversity
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.6 Submissions received by the Secretariat concerning knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.7 Submissions received by the Secretariat concerning identification, monitoring and assessment of biological diversity
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.8 Status of ratifications of the Convention on Biological Diversity
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.9 National focal points for the clearing-house mechanism
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.10 Provisional agenda of the third meeting of the Conference of the Parties
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.11 Consideration of the need for and modalities of a protocol for the safe transfer, handling and use of living modified organisms: report of the meeting of the Open-ended Ad Hoc Working Group (Aarhus, Denmark, 22-26 July 1996).
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.12 FAO Global System for the Conservation and Utilisation of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture; report of the Fourth International Technical Conference on the Conservation on the Conservation and Utilisation of Plant Genetic resources for Food and Agriculture (Leipzig, Germany, 17-23 June 1996)
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.13 Information for Participants


UNEP/CBD/COP/3/13 Report of the first meeting of Open-ended Ad Hoc Working Group (Aarhus, Denmark, 22-26 July 1996).