ENB:09:01
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EXPERT PANELS
In November 1992, UNEP's Executive Director established four expert panels to prepare advice on specific issues for the first ICCBD. Copies of the reports from these sessions are available on request from the Interim Secretariat.
Panel 1 - Priorities for Action and Research Agenda: This panel developed a methodology for setting priorities for action arising out of the Convention. It also recommended an agenda for scientific and technical research and called for the creation of an interim scientific and technological advisory committee to be established as soon as possible.
Panel 2 - Economic Implications and Valuation of Biological Resources: This panel identified the socio-economic forces that cause biodiversity loss. The Panel recommended several steps that must be taken to address these issues. These steps include: identifying policies and incentive systems that work against biodiversity conservation; conducting more research regarding the potential of economic instruments to combat biodiversity loss; and assessing the values of biodiversity.
Panel 3: - Technology Transfer and Financial Resources: This panel concluded that access to information and capacity building are key to implementation of the Convention's technology transfer provisions. The panel suggested that the ICCBD develop guidelines for international cooperation in this regard. Regarding funding arrangements, the Panel suggested that the ICCBD propose substantive modifications to the GEF. The Panel concluded that the ICCBD should develop a procedure for estimating the level of funding needed for implementation of the Convention.
Panel 4 - Safe Transfer, Handling and Use of Living Modified Organisms Resulting from Biotechnology: This panel concluded that only the Conference of the Parties (COP) can take a political decision regarding the creation of a biotechnology protocol. The panel recommended that such an instrument should only cover genetically-modified organisms and should aim at preventing and mitigating the consequences of unintended releases.