India, on behalf of the Asian region, Egypt, on behalf of the African group, Colombia, on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC), Mexico (above), on behalf of the Like-Minded Megadiverse Countries (LMMC), the IIFB and the US expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the organizers of the meeting.

India, on behalf of the Asian region, recalled Ghandi's statement that there is enough on earth for everyone's need, but not enough for everyone's greed. 
Above photo: Desh Deepak Verma (India)

Egypt, on behalf of the African Group, stressed the need to coordinate efforts with other relevant organizations. 
Above photo: Ossama El-Tayeb (Egypt)

Colombia, on behalf of GRULAC, praised the efforts of indigenous representatives. Above photos: Fernando Casas (Colombia)

Stressing the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, Mexico, on behalf of the LMMC urged developed countries to provide additional financial resources to enable developing countries to fulfill their obligations with regard to Article 8(j). Above photo: Luz Maria Ortiz (Mexico)

The IIFB expressed appreciation for inclusive discussions and highlighted: concerns that free PIC and recognition of customary laws continue to be debated; the need for resources to ensure indigenous participation in the elaboration of the composite report; progress in shifting from intellectual property based systems to truly sui generis ones for the protection of traditional knowledge; the need for urgent action to enforce COP decision V/5 on GURTs; access to information as a key for effective participation; and the need for indigenous networks and for governments' contributions to the voluntary fund to promote participation. Above photo: Fred Fortier (IIFB)

CBD Executive Secretary Hamdallah Zedan said indigenous involvement is essential to achieve the 2010 target to significantly reduce the rate of biodiversity loss, and expressed his appreciation to the Mohawk and indigenous community, Working Group Chair Hoogeveen and delegates.

Working Group Chair Hans Hoogeveen (the Netherlands) commended delegates for their hard work, constructive and cooperative spirit, and expressed hope that the Article 8(j) Working Group would be taken as a model for indigenous participation by the other Rio conventions. He invited delegates to give a standing ovation to the Secretariat for its work and dedication, and gavelled the meeting to a close at 1.50 pm.