You are viewing our old site. See the new one here

ENB:04:81 [Next] . [Previous] . [Contents]

WORKING GROUP I

The Vice-Chair Erwin Ortiz (Bolivia) noted that if consensus can be achieved on the GM, other issues will be solved automatically. The Secretariat introduced the compilation text (A/AC.241/43), which is divided into three sections: delegates' statements at INCD-7 and subsequent submissions; an analysis of the relevant articles of the CCD with a matrix outlining arrangement by the types of Parties; and an appendix grouping possible functions of the GM. Delegates should bear in mind that: the compilation from statements and submissions do not cover the procedures of selecting the institution; the matrix is a summary and certain nuances in the Article may have been lost; the summaries are not substitutes for the articles; and an attempt is made to match each function with Article 21.

PROCEDURE OF WORK: The Vice-Chair suggested considering the functions of the GM contained in the Appendix and then defining what mandate to give to the host institution. Following several interventions the Group agreed to have informal discussions.

Costa Rica, on behalf of the G-77 and China, said the Group will set up a drafting group to present its views that could also be used at INCD-9. The UK suggested that the Working Group should first agree on the core functions of the GM and then identify secondary activities, based on the capacity of the selected host. Cameroon, on behalf of Africa, noted that the compilation text serves as a reference, not a working document. More information is needed from the institutions interested in hosting the GM before the Secretariat can prepare the working document. France supported the UK and Cameroon on the status of the document, but said care is needed in analyzing the needs of different Parties by taking into account what is done in other multilateral and bilateral institutions involved in combating desertification.

FUNCTIONS OF THE GLOBAL MECHANISM: Costa Rica, on behalf of the G-77 and China, said a detailed analysis of the roles, functions and mode of operations is needed. Cameroon noted that the GM should be operational. The GM's key role is to mobilize, not distribute resources, which responsibility is the COP's but this role is missing in the document. Colombia and Algeria said the scope of GM functions can still be broadened.

The US said there is need to explore the core functions of the GM. The ideas reflected in the reporting function, advisory function (a) sub-paragraph (iv) and the informal functions, with the exception of paragraph (e), are encompassed in Article 21. It is unclear whether the other proposals are core functions. Article 21.7 suggests that the first three years are a pilot phase. Switzerland agreed with Canada that the GM's role is promoting mobilization of resources, but mobilizing is the role of Parties.

Germany said in addition to comparing the proposals to the CCD, some questions include what is potentially available and disbursed, the greatest needs to be funded and the regions donors are interested in. Gambia said the idea is not to add to the main GM functions but to discuss how those functions can be achieved. Senegal said the "inter alia" in Article 21.5 does not exclude promoting actions and channeling resources. India, supported by China and Argentina, said mobilization and channeling are the key functions, but they are not adequately covered in the appendix. India added that facilitating and coordinating functions have many facets that the Appendix mentions only briefly.

HOST INSTITUTION: Costa Rica, on behalf of the G-77 and China, stated that UNDP and IFAD should be requested to submit a document on their respective arrangements to host the GM and how they could operate together. Sudan noted that combining the abilities of IFAD and UNDP would be implementing the CCD partnership approach.

[Return to start of article]