One day before the conclusion of the meeting, most delegates had more questions than answers.
Working Group II considered conference room papers (CRPs) throughout the day. Two contact groups addressed resource mobilization and the financial mechanism, while Presidency consultations were held on resource mobilization and on digital sequence information (DSI). An evening plenary took a vote on the venue of the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 17). Working Group I addressed CRPs late into the night.
One day before the conclusion of the meeting, most delegates had more questions than answers. What is the fate of the multilateral benefit-sharing mechanism from the use of digital sequence information (DSI)? What are the chances for a new, dedicated, global biodiversity fund? Will the Global Environment Facility ever adapt its processes and institutional set-up to the pressing demands of developing countries? Will a subsidiary body on Article 8(j) be established to promote the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and integrate their traditional knowledge in the processes and implementation of the Convention?
Many wondered about the decision-making process. While Working Group II slowly considered draft decisions throughout the day, and two contact groups made substantial progress on the revised resource mobilization strategy and the financial mechanism, the Colombian Presidency held bilateral consultations with regions’ representatives on the most pressing items: resource mobilization and DSI. Α closed meeting with Heads of delegations is scheduled for Friday morning.
In the meantime, Working Group II addressed several draft decisions on marine and coastal biodiversity, diverse values of biodiversity, climate change, and scientific and technical needs to support implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). A late evening session of Working Group I continued into the night to address another long list of draft decisions, including on Article 8(j), cooperation with other conventions and processes, capacity building, and monitoring and review.
Share: