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Third Meeting of the Ad hoc Open-ended Inter-sessional Working Group on Article 8(j) and Related Provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity

Montreal, Canada; 8-12 December 2003

 
Daily Web Coverage |Curtain| |Mon 8| |Tue 9| |Wed 10| |Thu 11| |Fri 12|

Highlights for Tuesday, 9 December 2003

Delegates to the third meeting of the Open-ended Inter-Sessional Working Group on Article 8(j) and Related Provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) convened in sub-working group sessions throughout the day. Sub-Working Group I (SWG-I) considered draft guidelines for the conduct of cultural, environmental and social impact assessments. Sub-Working Group II (SWG-II) discussed participatory mechanisms and genetic use restriction technologies (GURTs). A brief Plenary session was held in the afternoon to review progress. 
Above photo L-R: SWG-II Chair Diann Black Layne  (Antigua and Barbuda) in discussion with SWG-II co-Chair Lucy Mulenkei (African Indigenous Women Organization) Dan Ogolla and Valerie Normand (CBD).


SUB-WORKING GROUP I:


Côte d'Ivoire encouraged exchange of views among indigenous and local communities on risks associated with development projects, such as waste disposal. 
Above photo: Andre Doh (Côte d'Ivoire)


Rwanda stressed that many indigenous and local communities lack the capacity to evaluate the impacts of projects that are implemented on their sacred sites, lands and waters. 
Above photo: Suzanne Uwimana (Rwanda)



The IIFB said that local indigenous authorities are not able to deal with the economic and social impacts of development projects such as loss of land and resources or resettlements.
Above photo L-R: IIFB representatives Onel Masardule and Antonieta Castro 


IUCN stressed that comprehensive assessment procedures are needed to facilitate the participation of indigenous and local communities. Above photo: Gonzalo Oviedo (IUCN)




Jamaica proposed to conduct general surveys of sacred sites to avoid damaging sites that are not in use or unknown to the public. Above photo: Carole Excell (Jamaica)


Regarding baseline studies, the US suggested addressing baselines at the national level. Above photo: Jeffrey Fisher (US)



Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North (RAIPON) said the link between communities and biodiversity should be assessed. Above photo: Michael Todishev (RAIPON)


The Bahamas suggested addressing the economic valuation of cultural resources. Above photo: Stacey Wells-Moultrie (The Bahamas)

 


Sweden suggested ensuring the full participation of affected communities in the decision-making process, including its review and appeal.
Above photo: Johan Bodegård (Sweden)


The IIFB proposed language differentiating direct and indirect impacts of development projects, and addressing potential impacts of invasive alien species. Above photo: Aida Cadiogan and Lourdes Amos (IIFB)

SUB-WORKING GROUP II:


Costa Rica stressed the need to strengthen the capacity of local organizations that are directly involved in addressing indigenous issues. Above photo: Donald Rojas (Costa Rica)


Ethiopia said indigenous issues vary depending on countries, and noted the importance of raising indigenous awareness about their rights. Above photo: Gima Balcha (Ethiopia)   



New Zealand did not consider it essential for indigenous and local communities to make application through their government.

 


Zambia called for translating and simplifying the language of the CBD to make it more understandable to indigenous and local communities. Above photo: Davy Siame (Zambia)



The Indigenous Peoples Council on Biocolonialism (IPCB) stressed that indigenous territories are centres of origin of many food crops, and said GURTs threaten indigenous livelihoods. Above photo: Debra Harry (IPCB)


Brazil introduced its proposal on genetic use restriction technologies (GURTs), noting that some terminator seeds may have medicinal or other valuable properties.



Noting that it could not participate, Argentina expressed concern with the composition of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on GURTs. Above photo: Viviana Figueroa (IIFB) and Jorge Riaboi (Argentina)


The Indigenous Women's Biodiversity Network asked for references to the key role of indigenous women in preserving and transmitting traditional knowledge.
Above photo: Le' a Malia Kanehe (Indigenous Women's Biodiversity Network)  


PLENARY:


SWG-I Co-Chair John Herity (Canada) reported on progress made by Sub-Working Group I.


SWG-I  co-Chair Earl Stevenson (Peguis First Nation) asked delegates to respect treaties.

 

 


SWG-II Co-Chairs Diann Black Layne (Antigua and Barbuda) and Lucy Mulenkei (African Indigenous Women  Organization)reported on progress made by Sub-Working Group II.

SIGNING OF AN ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN SCBD AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE NETHERLANDS:

The Government of the Netherlands, through its Ministry for Development Cooperation, signed an arrangement with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity to support the programme "CBD Secretariat Activities" with 1,600,000 Euros.


Albert Moses, Consul General of the Netherlands, presented the Arrangement to Hamdallah Zedan, CBD Executive Secretary, during the third Meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Inter-Sessional Working Group on Article 8(j) and Related Provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
 
 

Links

ENB Coverage and Summary (HTML, PDF, TEXT) of the First Meeting of the  Ad Hoc Open-ended Intersessional Working Group on Article 8(j) and Related Provisions of the convention on Biological Diversity
ENB Coverage and Summary (HTML, PDF, TEXT) of the Second Meeting of the  Ad Hoc Open-ended Intersessional Working Group on Article 8(j) and Related Provisions of the convention on Biological Diversity
ENB Coverage and Summary (HTML, PDF, TEXT) of CBD SBSTTA-9
ENB coverage of the First Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on Access and Benefit-Sharing
ENB archives of CBD meetings
CBD web site
CBD Article 8(j) official meeting documents 
SD summary and coverage of the Vth IUCN World Parks Congress.
SD summary of the Norway/UN Conference on Technology Transfer and Capacity Building.  
First Meeting of the CGRFA acting as Interim Committee for the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
World Intellectual Property Organization
UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues