BS-IV/15. Assessment and review

The Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety,

Recalling Article 35 of the Protocol,

Noting the limited experience gained by Parties in the implementation of the Protocol that results from the analysis of the first national reports,

Recognizing that the lack of operational experience does not provide a good basis for an effective assessment and review of the Protocol,

Taking note of the considerations highlighted in the views on assessment and review of the Protocol by the Parties and other Governments in initiating a process of evaluation of the effectiveness of the Protocol,

1. Requests the Executive Secretary to: (i) develop a sound methodological approach to contribute to an effective second assessment and review of the Protocol, its annexes, procedures and mechanisms, on the basis of the information contained in the first national reports, answers to the "effectiveness questionnaire", the report of the Compliance Committee, information on the Biosafety Clearing-House and any other relevant documents; and (ii) draft criteria or indicators that could apply in the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Protocol and provide an indication of the utility;

2. Invites Parties to make submissions on a strategic plan for the Protocol and requests the Executive Secretary to present a draft strategic plan for consideration at its fifth meeting on this basis.