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IN THE CORRIDORS

Some delegates have commented that it appears likely that the Convention secretariat will be based in Geneva. While there has been considerable discussion on the merits of a politically independent body, some have raised concerns that a totally autonomous body may be difficult to hold accountable and could take on a life of its own. Although some African delegates have noted that they would like the Secretariat to be based in Africa, others are afraid that it would be too remote and, as a result, the Convention would soon be forgotten. The recent offers of free office space in Geneva by Switzerland and the WMO may improve the chances for Geneva. Some observers, however, prefer to wait and see where the biodiversity and climate change secretariats are based before any predictions are made.