Highlights and images for 15 August 2024

As the meeting approached the finish line, delegates exchanged often imaginative ideas regarding operationalization of the multilateral benefit-sharing mechanism from DSI use. Seasoned participants noticed convergence building towards monetary benefit-sharing targeted towards sectors relying on use of digital sequence information (DSI). The atmosphere was constructive, although disagreements remained on key areas of the mechanism.

Want to dig deeper into today's talks? Read the full Earth Negotiations Bulletin daily report.

Throughout the day, delegates engaged in text-based negotiations on the modalities of the multilateral mechanism. Working on the basis of a revised non-paper, they addressed issues ranging from modalities of contributions to the global fund of the mechanism and options for monetary benefit-sharing to actions required by public databases. Many expressed satisfaction with progress achieved; others highlighted that significant political compromises are required for the modalities to be agreed at the upcoming 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties in order for the multilateral mechanism to become operational in the near future.

In the morning, the African Group and the Latin American and Caribbean Group recorded their concerns that the revised non-paper presented by the Co-Chairs failed to strike a balance between access, fair and equitable benefit-sharing, and data governance. They further noted that their views and text proposals had not been adequately reflected. However, this did not stop them from fully engaging in the negotiations.

Debate on an introductory paragraph providing that users of DSI should share benefits arising from its use indicated parties’ continued disagreement on the degree of legal obligation they are willing to accept. They thus held a lengthy discussion on whether users “shall,” “should,” “will,” or “be encouraged to” share benefits. This reflects whether they are ready to mandate users of DSI in their jurisdiction to share benefits from its use or whether they consider the benefit-sharing requirement purely voluntary.