ENB @ COP-8; 20-31 March 2006; Curitiba, Brazil; Highlights for Thursday, 23 March 2006

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Eighth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP-8)

20-31 March 2006| Curitiba, Brazil

Highlights for Thursday, 23 March 2006

Delegates to the eighth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP-8) met in two working groups throughout the day. Working Group I (WG-I) addressed: marine and coastal biodiversity; agricultural biodiversity; and protected areas. Working Group II (WG-II) considered the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) and reviewed the Convention mechanisms.

Above photos: Greenpeace protest with paper maché biodiversity symbolizing "paper parks," and the great amount of paper used in the CBD process since 1992; school children from around Curitiba enjoying the booths at the biodiversity exhibition hall.

WORKING GROUP I:

AGRICULTURAL BIODIVERSITY:



Above photo: WG-I Chair Matthew Jebb

Biodiversity for food and nutrition:



The UN FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (FAO) reported on their cross-cutting initiative on biodiversity for food and nutrition. Above photo: Linda Collette (FAO)	IPGRI prioritized research and awareness-raising on links between diverse diets and nutrition and policies supporting agricultural biodiversity use for better nutrition. Above photo: Emile Frison (IPGRI)	The REPUBLIC OF KOREA , with many, welcomed the work of FAO and IPGRI and called for them to continue to lead implementation of the initiative Above photo: Kim Tae-San (Republic of Korea)

GURTs:



Malaysia for G-77/CHINA stressed multiple hazards of GURTs for farmers, indigenous peoples and local communities, particularly relating to traditional seed saving practices. Above photo: Gurdial Singh (Malaysia)	The IIFB rejected case-by-case risk assessment as a violation of human and indigenous rights, and requested mandating the Article 8(j) Working Group to keep reviewing the issue. Above photo: Florina Lopez (IIFB)	A YOUTH representative refused to inherit the risks of using GURTs and called on parties to strengthen the current moratorium. Above photo: Kathleen Tompkins (College of the Atlantic, US)

The BAN TERMINATOR CAMPAIGN said the CBD cannot allow governments to make their own decisions on field tests due to GURTs’ inherent dangers to humanity and human rights implications.

Above photo: Pat Mooney (ETC Group)

The FOUNDATION FOR PUBLIC RESEARCH AND REGULATION said a ban on gene- switching technologies would be detrimental to modern biotechnology and food production, and called for risk assessment on a case-by-case basis.

Above photo: Allen Van Deynze (PRRI)

An INDUSTRY representative listed potential benefits of gene-switching technologies, and noted that many of these technologies result in seeds that can be saved.

Above photo: Michael Leader (Global Industry Coalition)

PROTECTED AREAS:

High seas MPAs:



VENEZUELA called for a more balanced text by deleting several references to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Above photo: Luis Niño (Venezuela)	CANADA suggested COP-8 focus on the appropriate role of the Convention, highlighting scientific and technical advice, and referred to MPAs as one of several key tools for biodiversity conservation. Above photo: Marc Johnson (Canada)	VIETNAM supported another meeting of the working group after COP-8 and highlighted the need for additional financial resources. Above photo: Tran Thi Minh Ha (Vietnam)

WORKING GROUP II:

Above photo: WG-II Chair Sem Shikongo
EFFECTIVENESS OF CONVENTION PROCESSES:



Noting the shift of focus from policy to implementation, the EU, supported by many, asked to reduce the number of intersessional meetings. Above photo: Elfriede Anna More (Austria for the EU)	NEW ZEALAND opposed establishing a Working Group on incentives. Above photo: Sarah Wynn-Williams (New Zealand)	ARGENTINA suggested using the SBSTTA rules of procedure for intersessional working groups. Above photo L-R: María Tonnelli and Victoria Lichtshein (Argentina)

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