Summary
On Thursday, the Working Group continued deliberations on the draft revised SMTA, addressing in particular:
- terms and conditions of the subscription system;
- benefit-sharing payments; and
- exemptions from payments for specific categories of users.
The Working Group then addressed digital sequence information (DSI) and a possible adaptation of the coverage of the Multilateral System. On DSI, participants heard about developments in other fora from the Secretariats of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA). Discussion focused on whether and how to address benefit-sharing from DSI that derives from plant genetic resources for food and agriculture in the Multilateral System. Opinions differed, including on whether DSI is within the Treaty’s scope, and whether a definition is necessary. Participants then debated a possible adaptation of the coverage of the Multilateral System and discussed the legal status of plant genetic resources in in situ conditions. Developing country regions called for clear indications that benefit-sharing is working before expanding the list of crops in the Multilateral System. Developed countries noted that enhancement of the Multilateral System needs to go in parallel with its expansion. Deliberations will resume on Friday.
IISD Reporting Services, through its Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) Meeting Coverage, has provided daily web coverage and a summary and analysis report from OWG-EFMLS-8.
Photos by IISD/ENB | Francis Dejon
For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page
