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RELATIONSHIP OF THE CBD WITH OTHER RELATED INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS, INSTITUTIONS AND PROCESSES (AGENDA ITEM 18)

The Secretariat introduced documents addressing cooperation between the CBD and other biodiversity-related conventions, such as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the Bonn Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and CITES, and related processes such as the CSD (UNEP/CBD/COP/3/29, 30, 35, Inf. 21, 22, 38-41, 52 and 55) on Monday, 11 November. The reports acknowledge the need to facilitate an exchange of information and experience among related conventions, harmonize reporting requirements and coordinate programmes of work. While Memoranda of Cooperation have been formed between the CBD and Ramsar, CITES and CMS, the reports encourage cooperation with other biodiversity-related agreements. KENYA urged that implementation of all biodiversity-related conventions be mutually supportive. FRANCE said synergy with other biodiversity-related instruments will prevent fragmentation of financial resources. POLAND, NORWAY and CUBA called for more emphasis on regional cooperation and conventions. AUSTRALIA, MOROCCO, MALAWI and others stressed the need to avoid duplication with other related agreements.

CAPE VERDE, TANZANIA and TUNISIA called for cooperation with the climate change and desertification conventions, and with JAMAICA, enhanced cooperation with UNCLOS. AUSTRIA recommended cooperation with the Intergovernmental Panel on Sustainable Mountain Development.

Delegates reviewed the draft decision on the issue in the COW on Tuesday, 12 November. The EU, working in collaboration with the G-77/CHINA, proposed a set of amendments calling for: consultations with the GEF to facilitate funding for projects involving the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and migratory species, and enhanced cooperation with the Scientific Council of the CMS. These recommendations were incorporated in the final draft.

The decision (UNEP/CBD/COP/3/L.9): welcomes progress made in the development of cooperative arrangements with relevant conventions; calls for the Ramsar Convention to act as a lead partner in the implementation of activities under the CBD related to wetlands; urges national biodiversity plans and strategies to incorporate the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and migratory species and their habitats; and encourages cooperation with the conventions on climate change and desertification.

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