Dear colleagues
COP-8, the follow-up conference of the parties of the Convention on
Biological Diversity, ended on March 31 with a decision of importance for
our work. Here the excerpt:
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL COOPERATION AND THE CHM: Discussions on
scientific and technical cooperation and the CHM (UNEP/CBD/COP/8/4/Rev.1,
17, 17/Add.1, and 18) took place in WG-II on Thursday, 23 March, and
Tuesday, 28 March. A decision was approved by WG-II on 28 March.
On scientific and technical cooperation, delegates highlighted
collaboration with other initiatives, with Colombia stressing
repatriation of information. Canada urged parties to provide free and
open access to information and, supported by the EU, suggested reference
to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Brazil expressed concern
about the cost implications of CHM activities, and delegates agreed to
take notes of Brazil’s reservation in the decision.
Final Decision: In the decision (UNEP/CBD/COP/8/L.5), the COP adopts the
annexed CHM updated strategic plan for the period 2005-2010 and the CHM
work programme up to 2010.
THE COP INVITES PARTIES AND OTHER GOVERNMENTS, AS APPROPRIATE, TO PROVIDE
FREE AND OPEN ACCESS TO ALL PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE PUBLIC-GOOD
RESEARCH RESULTS, ASSESSMENTS, MAPS AND DATABASES ON BIODIVERSITY, IN
ACCORDANCE WITH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATION It also requests
parties, and invites other governments and donors, to continue providing
financial and technical support to develop national and regional CHMs.
The COP requests the Executive Secretary to prepare a report on progress
made in the implementation of the strategic plan of the CHM and its work
programme for 2005-2010, for COP-10 consideration.
Dr. Donat Agosti
Research Associate, American Museum of Natural History and Smithsonian
Institution
Email: agosti_at_amnh.org
Web:
http://antbase.org
Skype: agostileu
CV:
http://antbase.org/agosticv_2003.html
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3005 Bern
Switzerland
+41-31-351 7152
Received on Tue Apr 04 2006 - 17:19:39 BST