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CHALLENGES FOR THE COP:

Many delegates and NGOs alike had hoped that that the second ICCBD could have relieved the COP of the need to address a number of organizational and procedural matters. Nevertheless, some unresolved procedural matters will have to be addressed by the first COP. These include: outstanding rules of procedure (Rule 4 - Periodicity; Rule 21 - Bureau; Rule 40 - Decision-making regarding Article 21); the identification of a competent organization to serve as the Secretariat; the operation of the financial mechanism; and the number of working languages at future meetings. Delegates will also have to address the constitution of the SBSTTA, since the success of the COP depends to a significant degree on this subsidiary body. At this point, what is most important to the successful implementation of the Convention is that the necessary groundwork be laid to ensure the effective functioning of the COP, its subsidiary bodies and the Secretariat. Once in place, the Parties can begin the difficult process of: monitoring the implementation of the Convention; addressing issues of non-compliance; and dealing with outstanding and emerging substantive issues, such as biosafety, ownership and access to ex situ<D> genetic resources; and the rights of indigenous groups, farmers and other sectors.