The closing Plenary convened on Friday, 11 December to adopt the draft decisions submitted by the COW. The delegates considered the Report of the Bureau on the credentials of delegates; the recommendations of the CST; the outstanding rules of procedure; the designation of a permanent secretariat and arrangements for its functioning; adjustment to the convention budget and programme for 1999; review of the extrabudgetary funding situation; medium term strategy of the Secretariat programme of work for COP-3 and COP-4; review of the implementation of the Convention; Review of the report of the Global Mechanism; promotion and strengthening of relationships with other relevant conventions; procedures and institutional mechanism for the resolution of questions regarding implementation; and annexes on arbitration an conciliation procedures.

On outstanding recommendations from the Committee on Science and Technology, CST Chair Jabbari noted that the draft decision was a result of intense consultations and reflects the consensus reached. He said that theme chosen for COP-3 is "early warning systems in their broadest sense," which includes water management and protection. The COP adopted the decision. Chair Jabarri also informed the Plenary of the experts recommended to constitute an ad hoc group on traditional knowledge. The list was adopted.

Please note: the summary issue of the ENB's coverage of the CCD COP-2, including coverage of the final day and analysis of the conference, will be available on Monday, 14 December.