Highlights and images for 11 October 2018

Italy

Summary

L-R: Álvaro Toledo, ITPGRFA Secretariat, in a discussion with Hans Hoogeveen and Javad Mozafari, Working Group Co-Chairs

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

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L-R: Delegates from Africa with Cheikh Alassane Fall, Senegal; Kudzai Kusena, Zimbabwe; Johanna Andowa, Namibia; and John Wasswa Mulumba, Uganda
Alwin Kopse, Europe
Tobias Kiene, ITPGRFA Secretariat
Hans Hoogeveen, Working Group Co-Chair
Kudzai Kusena, Africa
Axel Diederichsen, North America
Michael Halewood, Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)
Javad Mozafari, Working Group Co-Chair
Pierre du Plessis, Civil Society
Neha Lugo, North America
Edward Hammond, Civil Society
Delegates from Latin America and the Caribbean consulting
View of the Working Group in session
Thomas Nickson, Seed Industry
Guy Kastler, Farmers Organization
Federico Condón, Latin America and the Caribbean
Kathryn Garforth, CBD Secretariat
Suzanne Redfern, CGRFA
Teresa Agüero Teare, Latin America and the Caribbean
Thomas Meier, Europe
Kent Nnadozie, ITPGRFA Secretary
Axel Diederichsen, North America, and Tobias Kiene, ITPGRFA Secretariat, consulting

 

Participants

Non-state coalitions
Farmers