Access to and transfer of technology among Contracting Parties are essential elements for attaining the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity — the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.

The range of relevant technologies
Looking at the range of relevant technologies explains why they are so important for the Convention: they range from soft technologies such as management techniques for in-situ conservation (for instance integrated pest management) or for the sustainable management of biodiversity resources (e.g. sustainable forest management or integrated water management), to hard technologies such as those used in ex-situ conservation (e.g. preservation and storage technologies used in gene banks), or monitoring technologies (e.g. remote sensing) for updated and accurate biodiversity information, which is a key precondition for effective and targeted policy- and decision- making. Last but not least, many modern biotechnologies make use of genetic resources, and the effective participation in biotechnological research by countries which provide genetic resources, and their access to the research results, will be key mechanisms in implementing the third objective of the Convention. The business community will be a key partner in achieving effective access to transfer of relevant technology — as it owns a large part of global technology. Partnerships will be even more important because it has been emphasized that technology transfer, in particular in the context of the third objective of the Convention, would be less or not effective as an on-off activity, but should rather be embedded in integrated, long-term mechanisms of technological cooperation, which would be key means to build capacity and enlarge the technology base and the national innovation systems of developing countries. Governments will need to create an environment which enables the private sector to facilitate access to, the joint development of, and the transfer of technology for the benefit of developing countries.

An ambitious programme
The present issue of the business newsletter comes at a critical juncture of the Convention’s work on technology transfer and cooperation. Since its inception, progress has been made through pertinent activities under the various thematic programmes. of work of the Convention, in particular through bilateral and multilateral development cooperation. The reports of Parties indicate, however, that more needs to be done at national and international levels. In order to foster effective implementation of the Convention’s provision on technology transfer, the Conference of the Parties adopted an ambitious programme of work on technology transfer and cooperation. The September meeting of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group is to devise a strategy for effective implementation of the programme of work, including practical activities to promote effective partnerships with the business community on technology transfer and cooperation.

It is my hope that the present newsletter will kindle interest and enthusiasm among business leaders to deepen their engagement with governments and stakeholders in this critical area of the Convention.