. Contribution to the preparation for the forthcoming International Technical Conference on the Conservation and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture in 1996

Contribution to the preparation for the forthcoming International Technical Conference on the Conservation and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture in 1996

Recalling decision 1/7 of the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties, which requested the first meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA), to provide advice on "How can the Convention on Biological Diversity contribute to the preparation for the forthcoming International Technical Conference on the Conservation and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture in 1996?";

Recalling also resolution 3 of the Nairobi Final Act on the interrelationship between the Convention on Biological diversity and the promotion of sustainable agriculture;

The first meeting of the SBSTTA recommends to the second meeting of the Conference of Parties to consider the following:

1. A possible statement from the Conference of the Parties to the fourth International Technical Conference on the Conservation and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, to be held in June 1996. Such a statement may include the common elements identified in the note prepared by the Secretariat (UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/1/7), as well as the views expressed during the first meeting of the SBSTTA regarding the long-term programme of work of the Conference of the Parties and the global plan of action to be adopted at the Leipzig Conference. It may also include the following elements:

(a) the comprehensive nature and the multidisciplinary character of the Convention on Biological Diversity, aimed at addressing all facets of biological diversity within its three-fold objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of its benefits;

(b) the importance attached by the Conference of the Parties to the conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture and their use in a sustainable manner;

(c) the recognition that plant genetic resources for food and agriculture are critical components of biological diversity;

(d) the large number of Parties (127) to the Convention on Biological Diversity committed to implementing the comprehensive provision of the Convention and the fulfillment of its objectives;

(e) the need to assess the current situation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture and identify gaps and needs for priority action;

(f) the need to strengthen the capacity-building, in particular in developing countries;

(g) the relevance of the issues to be considered by the fourth International Technical Conference on the Conservation and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture to the provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity;

(h) the need to make the processes of the fourth International Technical Conference on the Conservation and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and the Convention on Biological Diversity mutually supportive and complementary, in harmony with the provisions of the Convention.

2. To examine, at the third meeting of the Conference of the Parties, the outcome of the fourth International Technical Conference on the Conservation and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, in order to consider how the Convention on Biological Diversity can contribute to the implementation of the Global System on Plant Genetic Resources. This issue may also be considered in relation to the agenda item of the third meeting of the Conference of the Parties on agricultural biological diversity within the context of the Convention's three objectives and its provisions.

3. The SBSTTA stands ready, if so requested by the Conference of the Parties, to provide its advice for the consideration of this item by the third meeting of the Conference of the Parties.

4. Compliment the Secretariat of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations responsible for the programme and processes for the fourth International Conference on the Conservation and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and note that the innovative model based upon national reports, regional and subregional meetings leading to a global assessment of biological diversity of unique ecosystems is exemplary.