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Distr.
CONVENTION ON
GENERAL
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/1/Add.1
20 July 1996
ORIGINAL: ENGLISH
SUBSIDIARY BODY ON SCIENTIFIC, TECHNICAL AND
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVICE
Second Meeting
Montreal, 2 to 6 September 1996
ANNOTATED PROVISIONAL AGENDA
Introduction
1. Article 25 of the Convention on Biological Diversity ("the
Convention") establishes a Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical
and Technological Advice ("SBSTTA"), to provide both the Conference
of the Parties to the Convention ("COP") and, as appropriate,
other subsidiary bodies with timely advice relating to the implementation
of the Convention.
2. The first meeting of the SBSTTA was held in Paris from 4-8 September
1995 in accordance with decision I/7; Professor Jameson Seyani (Malawi)
chaired the meeting. In decision II/1, the COP took note of the Report
of the first meeting of the SBSTTA (submitted as document UNEP/CBD/COP/2/5)
and endorsed the modus operandi of the SBSTTA as outlined in recommendation
I/1. The Bureau of the SBSTTA met in Montreal between 3-4 May 1996 to
review preparations for the this meeting.
3. The second meeting of the SBSTTA will take place in Montreal from
2 to 6 September 1996. Registration of participants will commence on 2
September at 8.00 a.m. The venue is at the Palais des Congrès de
Montréal.
1. Opening of the meeting
4. The meeting will be opened at 10.00 a.m.
2. Organisational matters
2.1 Election of the officers
5. At the first meeting of the COP, in accordance with rule 26,
paragraph 3, of the rules of procedure, by which the COP shall elect the
chair of each subsidiary body, Mr. Peter Johan Schei (Norway) was elected
chairman of the SBSTTA for 1996.
6. At its opening session, the SBSTTA shall elect the other members
of the Bureau in accordance with rule 26, paragraph 5, and rule 21 of the
rules of procedures for meetings of the COP.
2.2 Adoption of the agenda
7. At its first meeting the SBSTTA adopted recommendation I/9,
which contained a draft provisional agenda for the second meeting of the
SBSTTA. The second meeting of the COP took note of the report of the SBSTTA.
The draft provisional agenda contained in document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/1
reflects recommendation I/9, as well as the tasks assigned to the second
meeting of the SBSTTA by the relevant decisions adopted at the second meeting
of the COP, and the recommendations of the Bureau of the SBSTTA and the
Bureau of the COP.
8. Under this agenda item, the SBSTTA may wish to adopt the recommended
provisional agenda contained in document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/1.
2.3 Organisation of work
9. Paragraph 8 of recommendation I/1 on the modus operandi
of the SBSTTA provides that "[t]wo openended sessional working
groups of the SBSTTA could be established and operate simultaneously during
meetings of the SBSTTA. They shall be established on the basis of welldefined
terms of reference, and will be open to all Parties and observers. The
financial implications of these arrangements should be reflected in the
Budget of the Convention." Paragraph 2 of decision II/1 of the COP
endorsed the modus operandi of the SBSTTA. Furthermore, the financial
implications of the two sessional working groups are reflected in the budget
of the Convention for 1996 as contained in decision II/20.
10. Accordingly, the SBSTTA may wish to establish two sessional working
groups for this meeting. The following allocation of tasks between the
two sessional working groups and the plenary has been suggested by the
Bureau of the SBSTTA:
SBSTTA session |
Agenda items |
Plenary |
1 Opening of the
meeting 2 Organisational matters 4 Review of the modus operandi of the SBSTTA 5 Programme of work of the SBSTTA for 19951997 6 Draft provisional agenda of the third meeting of the SBSTTA 7 Date and venue of the third meeting of the SBSTTA 8 Other matters 9 Adoption of the report 10 Closure of the meeting |
Working Group
1 |
3.1 Assessment
of biological diversity and minimum standards for national reports 3.2 Identification, monitoring and assessment of components of biological diversity 3.3 Review and promotion of indicators of biological diversity 3.9 Agricultural biological diversity 3.10 Terrestrial biological diversity 3.12 Coastal and marine biological diversity |
Working Group
2 |
3.4 Practical
approaches for capacity building for taxonomy 3.5 Identification and transfer of sound technologies, including biotechnology Knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities |
11. There will be no
more than two meetings convened at the same time, each with simultaneous
interpretation.
3. Matters on which advice from the SBSTTA is required
by the third meeting of the Conference of the Parties
3.1 Assessment of biological diversity and minimum standards
for national reports
3.1.1 Review of assessment of biological diversity
made in 1995, and methodologies for future assessments, as well as the
minimum standard data required, as appropriate, to be applied in accordance
with national priorities and programs.
12. Consideration of this agenda item arises from paragraph 2(a)
of Article 25 of the Convention, which calls upon the SBSTTA to provide
scientific and technical assessments of the status of biological diversity.
The recommendation of the SBSTTA on this issue will be considered by the
COP at its third meeting under its provisional agenda item 8.2, on appraisal
of the SBSTTA review of assessments of biological diversity for the implementation
of Article 25(2)(a) and advice on methodologies for future assessments.
13. The second meeting of the COP acknowledged the importance of undertaking
assessments specifically designed for the needs of the Convention and endorsed
the SBSTTA's recommendations relating to this topic made at its first meeting.
To assist the SBSTTA in the consideration of this agenda item, the Secretariat
has prepared document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/2, which reviews important assessments
of biological diversity, provides advice on methodologies on the basis
of this previous experience and future requirements of the Convention,
and identifies important needs within the priorities of the Convention.
14. SBSTTA may wish to consider initiating an assessment of a particular
sector that supports the consideration of other issues before the SBSTTA
and/or the COP and will begin the process of providing assessments for
the specific needs of the Convention.
3.2 Identification, monitoring and assessment of components
of biological diversity and of processes that have adverse impacts
3.2.1 Alternative ways and means in which the Conference
of the Parties could start the process of identification, monitoring and
assessment of components of biological diversity, as well as processes
and categories of activities which have or are likely to have significant
adverse impacts on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity,
in accordance with Article 7.
15. Consideration of this agenda item arises from paragraph 2(a)
of Article 25 of the Convention, which calls upon the SBSTTA to provide
scientific and technical assessments of the status of biological diversity.
The recommendation of the SBSTTA on this issue will be considered by the
third meeting of the COP under its agenda item 8.1 on options for implementing
Article 7 of the Convention.
16. The second meeting of the COP endorsed paragraphs 2, 4 and 5 of
recommendation I/3 of the SBSTTA, which considered alternative ways and
means in which the Conference of the Parties could start the process of
identification, monitoring and assessment of components of biological diversity.
To assist the SBSTTA in the consideration of this agenda item, the Secretariat
has prepared document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/3, which considers how the COP
can build on these recommendations, particularly with regard to identifying
processes and activities that have an adverse impact on biological diversity.
17. Given the fundamental importance and complexity of this topic,
for the purposes of the Convention, the SBSTTA may wish to consider developing
and promoting intersessional activities to generate more detailed advice
on this matter, which could also respond to the requests of the COP in
a more iterative manner. The SBSTTA may wish to consider establishing
an ad hoc technical panel or a liaison group, as provided for in
part VI of the modus operandi of the SBSTTA, to advise the COP in
organising the necessary international cooperation required to effectively
address this issue. The SBSTTA may wish to consider a recommendation to
the COP, that given the need for considerable development of the issue,
the matter be included as a standing item on the agenda of future meetings
of the SBSTTA and/or the COP.
3.3 Review and promotion of indicators of biological diversity
3.3.1 Review and promotion of indicators of biological
diversity to be used for assessment of effectiveness of measures taken
in accordance with the provisions of the Convention.
18. Consideration of this agenda item arises from paragraph 2(b)
of Article 25 of the Convention, which calls upon the SBSTTA to prepare
scientific and technical assessments of the effects of types of measures
taken in accordance with the provisions of the Convention.
19. The second meeting of the COP endorsed paragraphs 2, 4 and 5 of
recommendation I/3 of the SBSTTA on this matter, which may form the basis
of the SBSTTA's recommendations. The recommendations of the SBSTTA on
this matter may be considered by the COP under its agenda item 8. To assist
the meeting in its consideration of this item, the Secretariat has prepared
document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/4, which reviews the use of indicators and provides
suggestions as to how to develop more sensitive and useful indicators for
the needs of the Convention.
20. SBSTTA may wish to consider developing criteria for the use of
particular sectors to assist any review initiated by the COP resulting
from the advice of the SBSTTA on provisional agenda item 3.1 or any other
agenda item. The SBSTTA may wish to consider including this task within
the work of any intersessional activities they may recommend as a result
of the SBSTTA's deliberations on the previous agenda item. The SBSTTA
may wish to consider a recommendation to the COP that, given the need for
considerable development of the issue, the matter be included as a standing
item on the agenda of future meetings of the SBSTTA and/or the COP.
3.4 Practical approaches for capacity building for taxonomy
3.4.1 Consider advice to the Conference of the
Parties on ways and means to overcome the current lack of taxonomists,
taking into account existing initiatives and being mindful of adopting
a more practical direction of taxonomy linked to bioprospecting and
ecological research on conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity
and its components.
21. Consideration of this agenda item arises from paragraph 2(e)
of Article 25 of the Convention, which calls upon the SBSTTA to respond
to scientific, technical, technological and methodological questions that
the Conference of the Parties may put to it. Paragraph 7 of decision II/8
of the COP requested the second meeting of the SBSTTA to address the issue
of the lack of taxonomists that are required for Parties to implement the
Convention.
22. To assist the meeting in its consideration of this item, the Secretariat
has prepared document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/5, which reviews the current status
of taxonomic capacity, particularly in developing countries, considers
how taxonomic capacity might be developed, and contains a number of options
to address the needs of the Convention and of Parties.
23. The SBSTTA may wish to consider how it might develop, support or
facilitate the work of institutions that have the capacity to train taxonomists.
The SBSTTA may also wish to consider establishing a liaison group to coordinate
the Convention's work with other relevant initiatives and to facilitate
the implementation of any practical measures it recommends.
3.5 Identification and transfer of sound technologies, including
biotechnology
3.5.1 Identification of sound technologies, including
biotechnology, and description of ways and means to promote and facilitate
access to, and transfer and development of these technologies, and the
role of the clearinghouse mechanism.
24. Consideration of this agenda item arises from paragraph 2(c)
of Article 25 of the Convention, which calls upon the SBSTTA to identify
innovative, efficient, state-of-the-art technologies and know-how relating
to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, and to
advise on the ways and means of promoting development and/or transference
of such technologies.
25. Paragraph 2 of decision II/4 of the COP endorsed paragraph 1(d)
of recommendation I/4 and requested the Executive Secretary to prepare,
for consideration by the SBSTTA at its second meeting, a background document,
taking into account the views expressed by Parties and observers at previous
meetings associated with the Convention, including those decisions related
to the clearinghouse mechanism. The COP also requested that the document
should identify key priority issues relating to opportunities for and obstacles
to the transfer of technology for consideration by the SBSTTA.
26. SBSTTA has been requested to submit a detailed report to the third
meeting of the COP, when it will be considered by the COP under item 13
of the provisional agenda. The meeting will have before it document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/6
prepared by the Secretariat and intended to provide the SBSTTA with elements
for its detailed report to the COP.
27. The SBSTTA may wish to develop an inventory of available, transferable
technologies as a first concrete step towards the implementation of these
commitments under the Convention. Paragraph 3 of decision I/4 also endorsed
paragraph 1(e) of recommendation I/4, which states that the Executive Secretary
may, as appropriate and depending upon the resources available, establish
a liaison group in accordance with the recommendation I/1 on the modus
operandi of the SBSTTA. If further consideration of the SBSTTA's report
to the third meeting of the COP is required, the SBSTTA may wish to consider
the terms of reference of such a liaison group.
3.6 Knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and
local communities
3.6.1 Ways and means to identify and protect the
knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities
embodying traditional lifestyles, and to compensate through the equitable
sharing of the benefits arising from the use of such knowledge, innovations
and practices, in accordance with Article 8(j) of the Convention on Biological
Diversity.
28. Consideration of this agenda item arises from paragraph 2(c)
of Article 25 of the Convention, which calls upon the SBSTTA to identify
innovative, efficient, state-of-the-art technologies and know-how relating
to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, and to
advise on the ways and means of promoting development and/or transference
of such technologies. Consideration of this agenda also arises from paragraph
2(e) of Article 25 of the Convention which calls upon the SBSTTA to respond
to scientific, technical, technological and methodological questions that
the COP may put to it. Decision II/1 of the COP requested the SBSTTA,
in considering its programme of work for 1996, to ensure that the programme
is based on the priorities set in the programme of work of the COP for
1996 and 1997 as contained in decision II/18 and other decisions of the
second meeting of the COP. Under item 11 of the provisional agenda for
its third meeting, the COP will consider options for the implementation
of Article 8(j).
29. The meeting will have before it document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/7, prepared
by the Secretariat for its consideration of this agenda item. The meeting
will also have before it document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.3 prepared by the
Secretariat in accordance with paragraph 2(a) of decision II/9 of the COP
as a contribution to the Report of the Secretary General on "Traditional
forest-related knowledge" to be submitted to the third session of
the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests.
30. The provisions of Article 8(j) are closely linked to those of Articles
10(c) and 18.4 and the SBSTTA may wish to consider possible advice to the
COP on the merits of a coordinated consideration of these Articles and
recommendations on a suitable process for this.
3.7 Capacity building for biosafety
3.7.1 Capacity-building in relation to the safe,
handling and use of living modified organisms resulting from biotechnology
that may have adverse effects on the conservation of biological diversity
and the sustainable use of its components.
31. The SBSTTA may wish to consider a recommendation to the third
meeting of the COP that they should ensure that the work of the SBSTTA
on this item will be consistent with its decision on Article 19.3 in order
to avoid duplication with any other work that the Conference of the Parties
might initiate.
32. The Open-ended Ad Hoc Working Group on Biosafety established by
decision II/5 of the COP held its first meeting from 22 to 26 July 1996
in Aarhus, Denmark. The report of this meeting is contained in UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.11.
The COP at its third meeting will consider a report on the results of
this meeting.
3.8 The role of the clearinghouse mechanism in promoting
technical and scientific cooperation
3.8.1 Role of the clearinghouse mechanism
in facilitating and promoting technical and scientific cooperation in research
and development related to conservation of biological diversity and sustainable
use of its components.
33. Consideration of this agenda item arises from paragraph 2(d)
of Article 25 of the Convention, which calls upon the SBSTTA to provide
advice on scientific programmes and international cooperation in research
and development related to the conservation and sustainable use of biological
diversity.
34. In decision I/3 the COP established a clearing-house mechanism
to promote and facilitate technical and scientific cooperation in accordance
with Article 18, paragraph 3 of the Convention. In decision II/13 the
COP decided that the clearinghouse mechanism should start with a pilot
phase for 19961997, which would be reviewed at its third meeting and
for which the Executive Secretary is asked to submit a progress report.
The Executive Secretary is also asked to report to the third meeting of
the COP on arrangements for cooperation in the operation of the clearing-house
mechanism.
35. The progress report of the Executive Secretary will reflect the
activities undertaken pursuant to decision II/3, during the period from
January to August 1996.
36. In decision II/3 the COP also decided to review implementation
of the pilot phase at it fourth meeting and requests the SBSTTA to provide
scientific and technical advice. The SBSTTA therefore wishes to consider
the preparation of advice for this second review in 1997. To assist the
meeting in its consideration of this item, the Secretariat has prepared
document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/9.
37. The SBSTTA may also wish to consider how the clearing-house mechanism
can contribute to supporting initiatives arising from other matters being
considered at this meeting.
3.9 Agricultural biological diversity
3.9.1 Scientific, technical and technological aspects
of the conservation of agricultural biological diversity and sustainable
use of its components.
38. Consideration of this agenda item arises from paragraph 2(e)
of Article 25 of the Convention, which calls upon the SBSTTA to respond
to scientific, technical, technological and methodological questions that
the COP may put to it. Decision II/1 of the COP requested the SBSTTA,
in considering its programme of work for 1996, to ensure that the programme
is based on the priorities set in the programme of work of the COP for
1996 and 1997 as contained in decision II/18 and other decisions of the
second meeting of the COP. The third meeting of the COP will consider
the conservation and sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity under
its provisional agenda item 9. In particular, it will consider: a) agricultural
biological diversity within the context of the Convention's three objectives
and its provisions (Item 9.1); and b) a report on progress under the FAO
Global System for the Conservation and Utilisation of Plant Genetic Resources
for Food and Agriculture (Item 9.2).
39. To assist the SBSTTA in the consideration of this item, the Secretariat
has prepared document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/10.
40. Bearing in mind the issues to be considered by the COP at its third
meeting, the SBSTTA may wish to consider recommending that the COP consider
elaborating an international framework for agricultural biological diversity,
which might include assessments, indicators, guidelines, partnerships for
technology transfer, equitable sharing of benefits, and incentives and
modalities for cooperation with other processes. The SBSTTA may wish to
consider recommending that the COP instruct them to provide advice on those
elements of the framework that would benefit from scientific, technical
and technological advice, and which has not been the subject of attention
in other intergovernmental processes. One such area might be microbial
diversity and, in this case, the SBSTTA might wish to consider how best
to apply and promote its work on indicators to this topic.
3.10 Terrestrial biological diversity
3.10.1 Scientific, technical and technological aspects
of the future work of terrestrial biological diversity in the light of
deliberations of the third session of the Commission on Sustainable Development
in 1995.
41. Consideration of this agenda item arises from paragraph 2(e)
of Article 25 of the Convention, which calls upon the SBSTTA to respond
to scientific, technical, technological and methodological questions that
the Conference of the Parties may put to it. Decision II/1 of the COP
requested the SBSTTA, in considering its programme of work for 1996, to
ensure that the programme is based on the priorities set in the programme
of work of the COP for 1996 and 1997 as contained in decision II/18 and
other decisions of the second meeting of the COP. The third meeting of
the COP is to consider the future programme of work for terrestrial biological
diversity in the light of the outcome of deliberations of the third session
of the Commission on Sustainable Development ("CSD") in 1995.
42. In its review of "sectoral cluster: land desertification,
forests and biodiversity" at its third session, the CSD reviewed progress
in the implementation of chapters 10 to 15 of Agenda 21 and decided to
establish an open-ended ad hoc Intergovernmental Panel on Forests ("IPF")
to pursue consensus and the formulation of coordinated proposals for action.
In decision II/9, the COP adopted a statement from the Convention to the
IPF on biological diversity and forests and requested the Executive Secretary
to: a) provide advice and information pertaining to the relationship between
indigenous and local communities and forests; and b) to produce a background
document on the links between forests and biological diversity, in order
to consider, at its third meeting, whether further input to the IPF is
required.
43. The information provided by the Executive Secretary on the relationship
between indigenous and local communities and forests is referred to above
under item 3.6 of the provisional agenda of the meeting (document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.3).
Document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/11 is the background document on the links
between forests and biological diversity requested by the COP, and the
SBSTTA may wish to consider the scientific, technical and technological
advice it can provide the COP on this matter, together with possible recommendations
for further work on forests and biological diversity.
44. The other aspects of terrestrial biological diversity considered
by the CSD at its third session were the "integrated approach to the
planning and management of land resources", "combating desertification
and drought, sustainable mountain development", "promoting sustainable
agriculture and rural development" and "conservation of biological
diversity". The Secretariat has prepared document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/12
to assist the meeting in its consideration of this item. The document
seeks to identify areas of relevance to the future programme of work on
terrestrial biological diversity arising out of the third session of the
CSD. To further assist in the consideration of this item, the Secretariat
has prepared document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.1, which contains the relevant
sections of the Report on the Third Session of the Commission on Sustainable
Development.
45. The SBSTTA may wish to consider recommending that the COP initiate
a preliminary assessment of the links between one of the issues considered
by the CSD and biological diversity.
3.11 Economic valuation of biological diversity
3.11.1 Scientific, technical and technological advice
on economic valuation of biological diversity and its components, in particular
in relation to access to genetic resources.
46. Consideration of this agenda item arises from paragraph 2(e)
of Article 25 of the Convention, which calls upon the SBSTTA to respond
to scientific, technical, technological and methodological questions that
the Conference of the Parties may put to it. Decision II/1 of the COP
requested the SBSTTA, in considering its programme of work for 1996, to
ensure that the programme is based on the priorities set in the programme
of work of the COP for 1996 and 1997 as contained in decision II/18 and
other decisions of the second meeting of the COP. The third meeting of
the COP is to consider incentive measures and the compilation of information
and experiences shared on the implementation of Article 11 under its provisional
agenda item 15. Advice on the economic valuation of biological diversity
is, however, of general relevance to the three-fold objectives of the Convention
and as a consequence, any recommendations made by the SBSTTA can be of
relevance to other items to be considered by the COP, including items 6,
7, 9, 12 and 14 of the provisional agenda. For example, item 12 is to
consider the possible options for implementing Article 15 on access to
genetic resources. Clearly, developing effective strategies will depend
on an understanding of the economic value of these genetic resources.
47. To assist the SBSTTA in the consideration of this item, the Secretariat
has prepared document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/13, which examines existing information
on the valuation of biological diversity, especially genetic resources,
and considers how the SBSTTA may develop this knowledge.
48. In light of the general relevance of this item, the SBSTTA may
wish to consider establishing an ad hoc technical panel or a liaison
group to develop specific areas that have the greatest potential for contributing
to the aims of the Convention. In addition to the matter of access to
genetic resources, an area of central importance to the implementation
of the Convention requiring further technical development, and which would
contribute significantly to other items on the agenda, is the development
of criteria for identifying, assessing and monitoring processes and activities
that have an adverse impact on biological diversity (see item 3.2.1 of
this provisional agenda). The SBSTTA may wish to consider a recommendation
to the COP that, given the need for considerable development of the issue,
the matter be included as a standing item on the agenda of future meetings
of the SBSTTA and/or the COP.
3.12 Coastal and marine biological diversity
3.12.1 Scientific, technical and technological aspects
of the conservation and sustainable use of coastal and marine biological
diversity.
49. The COP at its second meeting took note of recommendation I/8
of the SBSTTA on scientific, technical and technological aspects of the
conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal biological diversity
and affirmed that it represented a solid basis for future elaboration of
the issues presented. The COP supported the recommendations, in paragraphs
10-19 of recommendation I/8, subject to Annex 1 of decision II/10, of reaffirming
"the importance of future work by the SBSTTA to provide a balanced
perspective on the remaining issues presented by the recommendation I/9
and Annex 1 of decision II/10."
50. The COP instructed the Executive Secretary to provide the SBSTTA
with scientific, technical and technological advice and options for recommendations
to the COP in further elaborating the recommendations contained in recommendation
I/8, with the exception of paragraphs 3 and 4. The advice and options
referred to include: a) options for the conservation and sustainable use
of biological diversity and its components in the implementation of marine
and coastal management and planning practices, including options for the
development of integrated marine and coastal area management at regional
and local levels; and b) annual reports to the SBSTTA, the first of which
will include a three-year work plan. The COP requested the Executive Secretary
to provide, in accordance with Annex II, the SBSTTA with scientific, technical
and technological advice and options for recommendations to the Conference
of the Parties in further elaborating the recommendations contained in
recommendation I/8, with the exception of paragraphs 3 and 4.
51. In accordance with these instructions, the Executive Secretary
has prepared document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/14; the SBSTTA may wish to review
this document and submit its recommendations to the COP.
3.12.2 Bio-prospecting of genetic resources on the deep
seabed
52. Decision II/10 of the COP also requested the Executive Secretary,
in consultation with the United Nations Office for Ocean Affairs and
the Law of the Sea, to undertake a study of the relationship between the
Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Convention
on the Law of the Sea with regard to the conservation and sustainable use
of genetic resources on the deep seabed, with a view to enabling the SBSTTA
to address at future meetings, as appropriate, the scientific, technical
and technological issues relating to the bio-prospecting of genetic resources
on the deep seabed.
53. The Executive Secretary has produced a preliminary assessment of
this topic, which is contained in document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/15 and which
is the basis on which consultations with the United Nations Office for
Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea have been initiated by the Executive
Secretary. The SBSTTA may wish to consider this preliminary assessment
before the Executive Secretary and provide guidance to the Executive Secretary,
in particular as to which areas would benefit from further scientific work
and how these issues might provide a basis for further collaboration between
the two Conventions.
4. Review of the modus operandi of the SBSTTA
54. At its meeting on 3 and 4 May 1996, the Bureau of the SBSTTA
suggested that the SBSTTA may wish to consider reviewing its modus operandi
in light of: a) the forthcoming overall assessment of its work and the
effectiveness of its advice during the period 1995 to 1997 at its third
meeting; and b) the review of the SBSTTA to be undertaken by the COP at
its fourth meeting in 1997.
55. The Bureau of the SBSTTA suggested that the SBSTTA may wish to
consider increasing its intersessional activities, especially with regard
to:
1. the greater use of liaisons groups;
2. greater formal contact with the STAP; and
3. representation of the Convention at relevant meetings by
members of the Bureau.
56. The Bureau suggested that the SBSTTA may also wish to consider
recommending to the COP: a) adjustments in the terms of office of the members
of the Bureau of the SBSTTA, in order to ensure greater institutional continuity;
and b) calling the meetings of the SBSTTA earlier in the year in order
to allow more time for the COP to receive and analyse the report of the
SBSTTA and its recommendations.
57. To assist the SBSTTA in the consideration of this item, the Secretariat
has prepared document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/16.
58. Paragraph 3 of Decision II/2 requests the Executive Secretary,
in consultation with the Bureau of the SBSTTA, to identify and mobilise,
for publication and distribution, scientific and technical information
of relevance to the medium-term programme of work, recognising the limitations
of the budget. The SBSTTA may also wish to provide advice to the COP on
this matter, with a view to guiding the Executive Secretariat and the Bureau
of the SBSTTA, particularly with regard to the production and publication
of the Global Biodiversity Outlook and the role of the clearing-house mechanism
in the dissemination of information.
5. Programme of work of the SBSTTA for 19951997
59. Recalling paragraph 6 of decision II/1 of the COP, the SBSTTA
may wish to review its programme of work for 1997, as contained in recommendation
I/2, in light of the mediumterm programme of work of the COP, as contained
in decision II/18. The SBSTTA may also wish to bear in mind: a) the assessment
to take place -- at its fourth meeting -- of its work and the effectiveness
of its advice from 1995 to 1997; and b) the review of the SBSTTA to be
undertaken by the COP at its fourth meeting in 1997. To assist the meetings
in the consideration of this item, the Secretariat has prepared document
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/17.
6. Draft provisional agenda of the third meeting of the
SBSTTA
60. To assist the meeting in its consideration of this agenda item,
the Secretariat has prepared a draft provisional agenda for the third meeting
of the SBSTTA. This is contained in document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/18. The
draft provisional agenda has been prepared on the basis of recommendation
I/2 as well as decision II/18, together with other relevant decisions adopted
by the COP at its second meeting.
7. Date and venue of the third meeting of the SBSTTA
61. In light of the SBSTTA's consideration of its modus operandi
under item 4 of the provisional agenda, the SBSTTA may wish to consider
a date in July 1997 for the fourth meeting of the SBSTTA. The venue of
the third meeting will be decided in accordance with rule 3 of the rules
of procedure for meetings of the Conference of the Parties, which provides
that "the meetings of the Conference of the Parties shall take place
at the seat of the Secretariat, unless the Conference of the Parties decides
otherwise or appropriate arrangements are made by the Secretariat in consultation
with the Parties." For this agenda item, the meeting will have before
it document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/19.
8. Other matters
62. The meeting will consider any other items proposed and accepted
for discussion.
9. Adoption of the report
63. The meeting will consider and adopt its report, which will
be presented by Mr. Peter Johan Schei (Norway), Chairman of the SBSTTA,
to the third meeting of the COP for its consideration under the relevant
agenda items, in particular item 4.
10. Closure of the meeting
64. The meeting will be closed on Friday, 6 September 1996 at 6.00
p.m.
Annex
List of Documents for the Second Meeting of the Subsidiary Body on
Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
Symbol Title
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/1 Provisional agenda
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/1/Add.1 Annotated provisional agenda
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/2 Assessment of biological diversity and
minimum standards for national reports
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/3 Identification, monitoring and
assessments of components of biological diversity and processes which have
adverse impacts.
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/4 Review and promotion of indicators of biological
diversity
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/5 Practical approaches for capacity building
for taxonomy
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/6 Identification and transfer of sound technologies,
including biotechnology
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/7 Knowledge, innovations and practices of
indigenous and local communities: implementation of Article 8(j)
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/8 Capacity-building in biosafety for developing
countries
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/9 Role of the clearinghouse mechanism
in facilitating and promoting technical and scientific cooperation
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/10 Agricultural biological diversity
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/11 Biological diversity and forests
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/12 Future programme of work for terrestrial
biological diversity in light of the outcome of the third session
of the Commission on Sustainable Development
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/13 Economic valuation of biological diversity
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/14 Proposed programme of work for the conservation
and sustainable use of coastal and marine biological diversity
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/15 Bio-prospecting of deep seabed genetic
resources
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/16 Modus Operandi of the Subsidiary
Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/17 Mediumterm programme of work of the
Conference of the Parties and the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical
and Technological Advice
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/18 Draft provisional agenda of the third meeting
of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/19 Date and venue of the third meeting of
the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.1 Future programme of work for terrestrial
biological diversity: relevant sections of the Report of the Third
Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.2 Submissions received by the Secretariat concerning
the transfer and development of technologies
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.3 Traditional forest-related knowledge and the Convention
on Biological Diversity
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.4 Submissions received by the Secretariat concerning
the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal biological diversity
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.5 Submissions received by the Secretariat concerning
forests and biological diversity
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.6 Submissions received by the Secretariat concerning
knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.7 Submissions received by the Secretariat concerning
identification, monitoring and assessment of biological diversity
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.8 Status of ratifications of the Convention on Biological
Diversity
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.9 National focal points for the clearing-house mechanism
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.10 Provisional agenda of the third meeting
of the Conference of the Parties
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.11 Consideration of the need for and modalities
of a protocol for the safe transfer, handling and use of living modified
organisms: report of the meeting of the Open-ended Ad Hoc Working Group
(Aarhus, Denmark, 22-26 July 1996).
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.12 FAO Global System for the Conservation
and Utilisation of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture; report
of the Fourth International Technical Conference on the Conservation on
the Conservation and Utilisation of Plant Genetic resources for Food and
Agriculture (Leipzig, Germany, 17-23 June 1996)
UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/2/Inf.13 Information for Participants
UNEP/CBD/COP/3/13 Report of the first meeting of Open-ended
Ad Hoc Working Group (Aarhus, Denmark, 22-26 July 1996).