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ENB:09:63 [Next] . [Previous] . [Contents]

IN THE CORRIDORS

Delegates expressed differing views on the value-added of the Ministerial Segment to the COP. Some delegates said the ministers’ attendance raises both the political and public profile of the biodiversity agenda. The Segment also provides an opportunity for governments and participants to take note of national implemention efforts as well as their specific areas of concern regarding biodiversity. Some noted, however, that devoting two full days to the Segment puts pressure on delegates to negotiate quickly, which may not allow them to adequately address all substantive issues. Some observers said that a Ministerial Segment is useful when pushing through high-level decisions in the final hour, whereas they seem to be more of a formality at CBD.