ENB:09:28
[Next] .
[Previous] .
[Contents]
AGENDA ITEM 8—PREPARATION OF THE PARTICIPATION OF THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY IN THE THIRD SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ( UNEP/CBD/COP/1/12)
The COP discussed its relationship with the third session of the CSD, in particular on the follow-up of issues of common concern contained in Agenda 21. Algeria, on behalf of the G-77 and China, said that the COP report to the CSD should focus on substantive issues, such as resource mobilization and technology transfer. Michael Monaghan of the Interim Secretariat read a statement on behalf of Mr. Nitin Desai, Under-Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development. Desai noted the number of ratifications and called for the closest possible cooperation between the DPCSD and the Convention at both the interagency level and the policy and coordination level within ECOSOC. Ghana said that the SBSTTA should contribute to the work of the CSD’s Ad Hoc Working Group on Biodiversity. Canada supported the need for a separate convention on forests. Germany on behalf of the EU, recommended that the COP should report on 3 items: significance of the Convention; current state of its implementation; and its relationship to Agenda 21. Australia noted that the conservation and sustainable use of forests will be critical to achieving the objectives of the Convention. Samoa said that the Programme of Action of Small Island States depends on regional cooperation and that this aspect should be reflected as well. Spain noted that the report of the experts workshop held in Madrid should be included in the report. The UK recommended that the medium-term programme of work be reflected in the report to the CSD. The Netherlands and Finland said that the Forest Principles will be further elaborated on in a possible convention on all types of forests, to be discussed by the CSD in 1995. They recommended that this issue be dealt with by the CSD and not within the Convention. Colombia said that the third CSD should help the COP in the development of a biosafety protocol. The IUCN questioned how the COP will address the forests issue. The WWF called for additional reference to consumption and trade patterns and their impact on biodiversity. An open-ended contact group chaired by Canada worked to resolve outstanding issues in the agenda item. (See page 7.)